Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns
This week is for the pups with plenty of opportunities to take them out and about with you. We also have Port Douglas Race Week at the yacht club and the GBR Master's Games return for another year. There are wine and food events, live music and shows, film screenings, and a few extra visitors in town for business - gear up for another busy one.
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 24 May
Cairns State High School presents A Vocal Showcase, featuring award-winning choirs performing a range of choral music, including Australian art music, choral classics, a cappella pieces, and folk songs. Special guest artist Daniel Darveniza, a classical baritone and former student of the school, will also be performing.
Live the Life You Please is a powerful film-led social impact campaign that challenges our perceptions of the final stage of life. The film was released on Monday but there's a screening at Event Cinemas Cairns Central followed by a special Q&A session. The goal is to raise awareness about palliative care, advocate for better access to essential services, and initiate conversations about living life on our own terms until the end.
Join the Port Douglas Yacht Club for an exciting week of sailing at Port Douglas Race Week. Taking place over five days, through to Saturday, the regatta features passage races around Low Isle and Snapper Islands, along with buoy racing near the renowned Four Mile Beach.
Held over three days on a biennial basis, the award-winning FNQ Field Days is the largest community event on the Tablelands. Head to the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds and immerse yourself in a grand showcase of agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, and activities.
IBECC 2023, the International Business, Environment & Climate Conference begins today and runs through to Friday. The inaugural event delves into the crucial topic of sustainability and its significance for all businesses, even those unaware of its importance.
Thursday 25 May
The sixth edition of the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games return this week with participants from Australia and Oceania competing in various sports, this highly anticipated event offers something for everyone. Make sure to check the schedule to get the full rundown of events.
Trinity Anglican School's 2023 musical production of Grease is showing tonight at at their Bishop Centre. Experience the iconic story of Sandy and Danny as they navigate love, friendship, and rock and roll at Rydell High in the 1950s.
Friday 26 May
With a cult following spanning generations and a popular run in 2022, Dracula's The Resurrection Tour returns with another nationwide tour. The show brings together live rock music, alluring burlesque performances, breathtaking costumes, and razor-sharp comedy.
Guyala is hosting another glorious Wine and Cheese Night filled with exquisite wine tastings and a selection of gourmet cheeses. Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen wines, and enjoy a glass of prosecco upon arrival. Sit back, relax, and get ready to make some pour decisions as you kick off the weekend.
UMI Arts Gallery is launching the second annual Culture Through Our Eyes exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of First Nations youth in the region. This vibrant collection features artworks on canvas created by 15 young artists, drawing inspiration from their homelands, culture, and personal experiences.
Out On The Lawn returns for May with an evening of free live music. Held at Court House Gallery, tonight features an incredible lineup including Bobby Maguire, Abi Muir, and Eddie Skiba. Gather your group and head into the heart of town for an evening of chill musical vibes.
The German Club Cairns is celebrating Dachshunds with Dackelabend: The return of the barking Dachhounds & 70s Disco night! Whether you own one or simply adore them, this event is for all Dachshund lovers out there. Enjoy a barking mad time in the beer garden with music, fun, and, of course, plenty of sausage varieties with different sauce combos. It's a night dedicated to the adorably long and cuddly dogs, with free entry and snacks for the pups.
Held at the Kuranda Amphitheatre Understage, Djawarray is launching his highly anticipated EP release. Sharing traditional knowledge through powerful songs, the night will also feature live performances by Djawarray, Cloud 9 band, and the Mayi Wunba Dancers.
Saturday 27 May
Renowned singer, songwriter, guitarist, and didgeridoo player, Joe Geia is performing at The Tanks tonight. Known for his influential role in contemporary Indigenous music, Geia's music explores themes of Aboriginal life, justice, history, family, and love. Through his performances, he aims to promote change, understanding, and the sharing of lesser-known aspects of Aboriginal history.
Urban Wine Walk has made its way to Cairns with a self-guided wine trail, exploring top-notch venues and savouring exquisite wines from renowned Australian winemakers. The day offers a wine tasting experience across seven spots around town, and lets you pick and choose your journey throughout the day. Make sure you're prepared and know How to make the most of wine in the tropics.
Starry Night Cinema is showing long time classic Thelma & Louise at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. A perfect opportunity to revisit the film, the evening is looking like it'll be cool enough to warrant pulling out some warmer clothes and snuggling up on the picnic rug.
Don't miss the inaugural Cairns Canine Carnival at the Cairns City Kennel Club. It's a celebration of all things dog-related, featuring market stalls, trainer demonstrations, kids activities, and tasty food trucks. Learn about the valuable work of Guide Dogs while enjoying a safe and inclusive environment suitable for all ages and abilities.
Sunday 28 May
Did you know that today is Botanic Gardens Day? It's an annual celebration that shines a light on the significance of plants in our lives and the vital work carried out by botanic gardens worldwide to preserve them for future generations. The day is observed by numerous botanic gardens, arboreta, and gardens, highlights the role of flora and fungi in weather and climate stabilisation, their value as sources of food and wildlife habitats, their contributions to research and medicine, and their positive impact on our well-being.
Head down to Glenoma Park for a dog-friendly day out as part of Million Paws Walk Cairns, raising funds for animals in need. Register you and your pooch for the 3km walk, and enjoy food vans, market stalls, competitions, games, and family entertainment.
Unseen Cinema are hosting South Korean movie Broker at Cairn Central cinemas. Nominated for the coveted Cannes Palme d’Or and deservedly winning the Ecumenical Jury prize, Broker is a skilfully crafted picture that warmly embodies the true spirit of empathy.
Elixir is hosting an evening On The Couch with heartfelt songs and stories of Klare KuOlga from Papua New Guinea, Moses Warusam from Saibai Island, and your host Skeet Mate. Enjoy an evening of dining, drinks, and raw, unplugged performances by three talented songwriters with a complimentary drink, a set menu meal, and an intimate glimpse into their musical journeys.
The city will be inundated with a bevy of media and marketing professionals as adland conference Cannes in Cairns kicks off for the next few days.
