Cairns Festival is an annual 10-day celebration of art, culture and the beauty of living in Tropical North Queensland. The event delivers a vibrant, progressive and collaborative festival showcasing the rich cultural identity of Cairns, including the much-anticipated return of Reef Lights at the Esplanade Lagoon.

Since it’s inception in 1961, Cairns Festival continues to proudly showcase the breadth and depth of our local creatives, as well as brings world-class performers to the region.

Experience a world class food festival in one of Australia’s favourite gourmet destinations! Taste Port Douglas presented by the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is one of Australia’s premier culinary events and showcases the region’s best over an action-packed festival celebrating nothing but world-class food, beverage and talent.

Food lovers can immerse themselves in a dynamic four-day program curated by event founder and culinary director, Spencer Patrick.

Prepare to be inspired by exceptional cooking, unforgettable dining experiences and the opportunity to learn from some of the food & beverage industry’s most talented experts.

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is Australia’s premier Indigenous art fair. Now approaching its fifteenth anniversary, it returns bigger and brighter than ever! CIAF celebrates the diversity of Tropical North Queensland’s Indigenous culture at the Cairns Convention Centre.

CIAF is a truly unique week-long event that celebrates, supports, and strengthens the depth of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture. It is a celebratory event that highlights the importance of culture to the Queensland community. More than a visual art fair, CIAF holds a stand-alone position in the Australian arts landscape as the only event of its type to feature a wide cross-section of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts.

The annual Cairns Show is a family-friendly community event held over three days at the Cairns Showgrounds. From animals to competitions, entertainment to exhibitors, and sideshow alleys to show bags, there is something for everyone!

The Cairns Children’s Festival is an annual celebration for children aged 12 years and under. The festival aims to put our youngest creatives in the spotlight whilst also creating a safe and fun environment for families to explore, create and imagine.

The Cairns Children’s Festival takes place in May with festival events being held at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Court House Gallery, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre.

The Cairns Expo is the region’s largest event of its kind, showcasing the latest products and services for homes, lifestyles and outdoor adventure. The home show has something for everyone, from sustainable living ideas to finance, gardening, homewares, roofing, beds and more. Talk one-on-one with local experts and learn about exotic fruits and plants grown in the region. The outdoor adventure area has the largest display of caravans, camper trailers, boating, vehicles, accessories and more in Tropical North Queensland. Browse through close to 100 local and national companies, discover new release products and save with Expo-only deals.

The 2024 North Queensland Games, hosted in Cairns, is a grassroots event celebrating competition, sportsmanship, and community. With 50 sports to choose from, the event caters to all skill levels and interests. With around 2,000 competitors expected, the games aim to foster a love for sports, promote active living, and provide opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to participate and excel. The games provide a unique opportunity for athletes to interact with fellow competitors, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, fostering camaraderie and community spirit.