Wednesday 10 May

Trinity Bay State High School is presenting Aladdin Jr., a musical based on Disney's 1992 Academy Award-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show. The musical promises to be a delightful and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages, featuring the familiar story and songs that have captured the hearts of many. Showing at CPAC Wednesday and Thursday.

The sixth Regional Sitting of Parliament is in Cairns this week. Visitors have the opportunity to view first-hand the Regional Parliament and experience democracy in action. People of all ages can learn about our democratic process, see how Parliament operates, and interact with their local members. Attendance is free and open to everyone. 

Thursday 11 May

The Veteran Cairns Virtual Job Fair is on and includes hiring managers from both local and national organisations. Job seekers can sign up for the event and chat with key decision-makers to explore their options and opportunities.

It's Race Day at the Cairns Jockey Club. Enjoy an exciting day of horse racing. There are eight races on the day, with a range of facilities on offer for guests.

Friday 12 May

Hundreds of runners will be taking part in the Great Wheel Barrow Race fundraiser in an effort to raise funds for a range of charities. Competitors push a wheelbarrow along the ‘Wheelbarrow Way’ between Mareeba and Chillagoe over three days.

The lead singer of The Butterfly Effect, Clint Boge, has embarked on a solo tour in support of his debut album, The Final Days of Autumn and is performing at the Tanks. The tour promises an intimate and personal experience as Clint delves into the softer and darker aspects of himself, showcasing his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. 

World-renowned acoustic guitar icon, Tommy Emmanuel hits the stage at CPAC as part of his national tour. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career and has captivated audiences around the globe with his unmatched talent, technique, and stage presence and so promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers.

Enjoy a weekend of captivating French cinema at Cairns Central with the French Film Festival. Bringing you eight of the best contemporary French films over three days through to Sunday, covering a range of genres including comedy, drama, and thriller. Immerse yourself in the world of French storytelling and cinematography at its best.

Friday 12 May

Join the Zonta Club of Cairns for an evening of entertainment and art at the Break the Bias - Art without Boundaries event held at Oasis Novotel. Enjoy live music and peruse works by local artists. All proceeds from the event will go towards local efforts to promote gender equality and make the world a safer place for women and girls.

The Queensland Parliament is hosting the Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament, an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in year 5 and year 6 to debate a motion on a youth issue. The event will be chaired by the Speaker, the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP, along with local Members of Parliament. 

Get ready for the annual North Queensland Orchid Society’s Flower Show at Mt Sheridan Plaza all weekend long. See over 100 spectacular orchids in full bloom and purchase your own orchid seedling or flowering plant. Learn from expert advice and watch live potting and mounting demonstrations. Expert judges will award the best orchids on Friday and there's a chance to win stunning orchids in a raffle on Sunday. 

Join Gracey Frayser and her musical accompaniments Eddie Valentine on guitar and Finn George-Newman on drums for a night of acoustic original and cover music at the Elixir Music House. Supported by Poetic Chaos, an acoustic Cairns based duo that exhibit gorgeous musicality and effortless vocals.

Saturday 13 May

A sun-soaked tropical oasis awaits as Motel Nomad's poolside, patio, balconies and art gallery are transformed in collaboration with some of our city’s all-round good vibe providers. Join for one final time as Flamingos and Wolf Lane Distillery takeover, along with artworks by Caroline Mudge and Jean-Louis Lebreux, as well as a visual light show at One Last Float.

The Red Hot Summer Tour will be held at the Cairns Showgrounds sporting a massive line-up of Australian artists. Headlined acts include Mark Seymour, Vika & Linda, Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning and Paul Kelly.

The Cairns Potters Club is holding its Mother's Day Fair. Talented members will be selling their unique, handcrafted pottery and sculptures. There will be clay play for kids, wheel throwing demonstrations for adults and refreshments. This is a great opportunity to meet local artists and find unique pieces of art.

The DFO is hosting a Flower Crown Workshop to celebrate this Mother's Day. There's also a free workshop for kids to craft a gift for mum and make an edible bouquet arrangement.

Join the Dried Flower Arrangement Workshop at Succuliving & Co and create a beautiful, no-maintenance floral arrangement using dried and preserved flowers. Learn basic arranging techniques and take home your everlasting masterpiece. Suitable for all abilities and materials are provided.

Saturday 13 May

Meg Mac is here as part of her Matter of Time tour, showcasing her highly anticipated third album, which takes her award-winning foundations to new heights. She is performing at the Tanks, and audiences can expect a journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution, as Meg shares her new material that reflects her uncompromising vision. 

Björn Again returns to CPAC, bringing ABBA's timeless hits to the stage in an exciting sing and dance-along extravaganza that is sure to thrill ABBA fans. The show promises to be one of the most entertaining, as the band plays all the biggest ABBA hits. Björn Again has become renowned for its high-energy performances and audience engagement, and tonight is no exception. 

Head to St. Margaret's Anglican Church for their annual Mother's Day Car Boot Sale. Browse through a variety of stalls featuring pre-loved items, handmade crafts, and delicious baked goods. With plenty of treasures to discover, you're sure to find the perfect gift.

Explore exciting career opportunities at the Cairns Maritime Careers Open Day. Find out about current job vacancies and training options available, and take a tour of the Portsmith Marine Precinct to see what working in the Cairns marine industry is all about. 

Sunday 14 May

Join the All American Car Club of Cairns for a morning meet up with coffee, vintage cars and motorbikes at the DFO carpark. 

Australian comic Tom Ballard is back to perform his new comedy show at Three Wolves. He's been busy with a book, a TV show, and surviving the pandemic, but returns to entertain with his signature humour, wit and charm. Not a bad wrap up to the weekend.