Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns

Another big week is upon us, and there's plenty of opportunity to explore the far north and experience all that it has to offer. Port Douglas Carnivale has something for everyone, Cairns Children's Festival is putting on a range of family fun, and Crankworx Cairns returns for another year. Plus, we have charity events, the Chillagoe Rodeo, and we say goodbye to Brother Jenkins.

If you're after something else, discover the Cairns and Tablelands market scenes, there's a few on this weekend to get amongst. And don't forget to stay up to date with our Guide to art exhibitions and events.

Wednesday 17 May

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled Crankworx Cairns, the ultimate mountain bike festival is back. Watch as the world's best riders compete in thrilling downhill, slopestyle, enduro, and pump track races. Enjoy live music, parties, and workshops, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cairns coastline and rainforest. With a range of competitions and events, whether you're a rider or spectator, Crankworx Cairns promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Friday 19 May

Port Douglas Carnivale is here, all weekend long! An annual event attracting thousands of local and international visitors, held in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The event features live concerts, including Australian rock band You Am I, plenty of tasty food opportunities such as The Longest Lunch, and some boozy adventures with the FNQ Gin Fest. There are also family-friendly events such as the Pooch Party, Macrossan Street Parade, and the Family Beach Day with a sandcastle competition, entertainment, face painting, kids' activities, market stalls, and more. Make sure to get amongst all the events!

Chillagoe Rodeo is on this weekend at Chillagoe Bushman's Carnival. The event features a bar open late both nights, live music, food stalls, jumping castle, face painting, lolly drop, and a kids' best-dressed competition. It promises to be an exciting and entertaining event for all rodeo fans.

Join the party to celebrate the end of an era at Brother Jenkins Closing Party. After six and a half years, it's time to say goodbye with a last tasty line-up. Enjoy live music from Sampology, a phenomenal producer and DJ, along with a diverse line-up of local artists. Let's celebrate all the memories, friendships, and community built at this amazing home.

If you missed it in Cairns, catch Polite Society at Babinda's historic movie theatre with the largest screen in NQ. Scoring 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, there's no doubt the films worth the drive. Plus, adult tickets at kids prices sure helps.

Karen's Diner is on a worldwide tour, offering an absurd and unforgettable dining experience with intentionally terrible service and top-notch American diner-style food. Serving up an interesting time, head to Elixir this weekend to experience an assortment of Karen's in their natural element. 

Image: Karen's Diner, an unforgettable experience at Elixir this Friday and Saturday.

Saturday 20 May

Celebrate Port Douglas' heritage and Italian influence at Sheraton's Italian Harvest Feast Carnivale edition. Dine under the stars, experience a symbolic cane burning on the beach, an authentic Italian family-style feast, and live Italian Opera. Immerse yourself in the region's history and traditions, honouring cane cutters and their impact on FNQ community.

Enjoy award-winning rums from FNQ Rum Co., expertly paired with delectable hors d'oeuvres by Executive Chef Belinda Tuckwell at the Daintree Bar to Raise a Glass to the Past with Sheraton’s Sugar Cane Rum Masterclass. Learn about the art of rum-making and conclude the evening with a delightful Sugar Cane Rum Cocktail. Immerse yourself in the history of sugar cane and the legacy of the cane cutters. Join us for this unique event at Daintree Bar.

Round 5 of DNB Night at The Boiler Room promises to the familiar and energetic vibes of Cairns Drum & Bass HQ. The lineup includes the Stookey, No Keys, Neptune3 and 50 Kal, $10 at the door.

Image: Port Douglas Carnivale Pooch Party

Saturday 20 May

ROFL is a kids' sketch comedy show created by The Listies, featuring silly and outrageous elements like toilet paper cannons and a cowasaurus. The show revolves around Rich's attempt to get some sleep while Matt tries to stay up late. The Listies promise to deliver a hilarious experience that will have kids in stitches.

The Last Collection is an interactive narrative performance for children and young people aged 6-14 that explores the impact of digitization on books and storytelling. The performance is inspired by the Brothers Grimm, the Magic School Bus, and local stories within the Court House Gallery.

The Cairns Children's Festival is back for another weekend of creativity and play for children aged 12 years and under. It offers a safe and fun environment for families to explore, create and imagine. The festival includes events at CPAC, the Court House Gallery, the Tanks, and Botanic Gardens. Make sure to check out all the events!

Image: Sunset Session at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas as part of Port Douglas Carnivale.

Sunday 21 May

Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage at Port Douglas for a Sheraton Sunset Session, an evening of tropical cocktails, Mediterranean bites, and Café del Mar tunes by DJ 'Jus Joe' on Main Beach. They have two packages to make the most of your weekend as Carnivale comes to a close.

Cairns 2 Kuranda Train Race is a charity event that raises funds for Trinity Family Chiropractic and makes a donation to Kuranda Envirocare Inc. The race involves participants racing the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to Kuranda, either on foot or bike, to raise money for a good cause. This year's event is open to both returning and new participants, and takes place over the course of a day.

Macalister Brewing Co is hosting a charity Bike Day Out, featuring a motorbike show and shine, live entertainment, food truck, and prizes. The event is open to all bikes, with entry by a gold coin donation to support Movember. Gates open at 12 pm and the event coincides with the arrival of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, a worldwide event to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health and prostate cancer research.

Image: Pint of Science returns to Cairns for another two sessions at Macalister Brewing.

Monday 22 May

Pint of Science returns to Cairns to kick off the week with sessions on Monday and Tuesday, grab a pint and come and hear about some fascinating local research. At Monday's session we have talks by Nicole Senn on People Powered Reef Conservation, and Discovering New Species in the 21st Century with JCU entomologist Matthew Connors.

Tuesday 23 May

On the second night of Pint of Science you'll hear from Roslyn Peric on the Wonders of the Wet Tropics via a guided virtual tour through the rainforest and reef to see which incredible endemic species you can meet in two of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Next up is Dr. Abbi Scott, to uncover a Turtley Tale about the secret eating habits of turtles at the Great Barrier Reef.