We have crafted a what’s on shortlist that contains the must-know events, activities and must-see attractions for you experience and mark on your to-do list for the upcoming months. From music, theatre and arts to sports, food and leisure activities, there’s so much to see and do in our area so be sure to check our list on a regular basis to stay up-to-date on all things trending in our local area.
Things to Do in Cairns
Your Event Guide For Cairns
What’s On Events
Check out our expertly curated local area events guide.
Suzi Quatro
2 February 2025
Suzi Quatro is “Rocking On” ! Performing all her hits in a full two-hour show.
The Butterfly Effect
30 January 2025
The Butterfly Effect is hitting the road to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album, Begins Here! Experience the album played in full, from beginning to end, live in regional Australia.
Summer School Holidays
School’s out—Cairns has the ultimate holiday fun, from wildlife to waterslides. Get ready for unforgettable memories!
Christmas Eve Garden Party
24 December 2024
Fun in the sun… The garden bar will be putting on a pre Christmas celebration!
Brett Blake
1 December 2024
G’day legends! Get ready for a night of laughs as Brett Blake (Australia’s 2nd wildest comedian with a mullet) hits the road for his regional tour.
Cairns Fashion Week
19 – 24 November 2024
Cairns Fashion Week makes the most of its rich culture and breathtaking location by showcasing the talents of both established and emerging designers.
Banff Mountain Film Festival.
24 October 2024
Each action-packed short has been hand-picked from more than 300 entries to the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival.
Oktober Fest
12 – 19 October 2024
The vibe is here. The beer is here. The souvenirs are all sorted. Are you here?
Bjorn Again
4 October 2024
Bjorn Again! The Waterloo Anniversary Tour – Celebrating 50 Years of ABBA’s Triumph
School Holidays Activities
September
From all day programs, ideal for working parents, to fun activities for all of the family, we are sure you will find something here to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.
Popstars the 90s Musical
22 September 2024
It’s boy band vs. girl band in this hilarious brand-new jukebox musical featuring the exciting pop hits of the 1990’s.
Spring School Holidays - Cairns
14 September – 29 September 2024
School’s out—Cairns has the ultimate holiday fun, from wildlife to waterslides. Get ready for unforgettable memories!
Cirque Africa
16 September 2024
Cirque Africa is coming to Australia in 2024 with a brand new show featuring the very best talent from across Africa.
The Paramour Cabaret Chapiteau
From 12 September 2024
Prepare for a raunchy & unapologetically bold adults-only Cabaret that will stir every emotion within you!
The Cairns Show
17 – 19 July 2024
The Cairns Show Association is proud to bring Australia’s Largest, Regional, Agricultural Show to the FNQ Community!
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
16 August 2024
Formed in 2003 Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an orchestra with a difference.
James Reyne
20 – 21 September 2024
The road to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Australian Crawl’s first greatest hits collection.
All Fire Up
2 August 2024
Meet Tammy Tooth who’s on the brink of a most epic existential midlife crisis.
Cairns Festival
23 August – 1 September 2024
Regional Queensland’s most significant and fastest-growing community event, Cairns Festival has come a long way since then.
True Vibenation
1st March 2024
True Vibenation combines an irresistible blend of soul, afrobeat and hip hop backed by big bass, big beats and horns.
The Hardcase Hotel
29 June 2024
An unapologetically hilarious spoof on a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery.
Cairns Children’s Festival
18 – 19 May 2024
Head back to Cairns and spend a day hitting the family-friendly Cairns Children’s Festival.
Crankworx World Tour
22 – 26 May 2024
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C.
Shania Twain’ Tribute
Unlocking the Doors
20 April 2024
A unique location, hundreds of candles, and the magic
of music. Experience Candlelight!
Jon Stevens
13 March 2024
With nothing but relentless hits! A visceral charge of emotion that will transport you back to 1987 and beyond.
Kate Ceberano
16 March 2024
National treasure Kate Ceberano’s eye-watering achievements include 11 platinum and 8 gold albums, 10 Top 10 albums, 15 Top 40 singles, 3 Countdown awards.
Skunkhour
9 February 2024
Australian alt funk icons Skunkhour are back. Hot off the back of 2022’s EP release, including hit lead track Blue.
Les Miserables
22 January 2024
Cairns Choral Society Inc. is proudly bringing one of the world’s most iconic and longest-running musicals, Les Misérables, to Cairns audiences in 2024.
Tom Ballard
4 February 2024
One of the country’s hottest comedians (not physically) is coming to Cairns to yell and laugh and cry about the state of the world. It will be very very very funny.
Joy to The World
2 December 2023
Enjoy good food, dancing and great music and spend time with friends and family in a relaxed drug and alcohol free environment!
The Wiggles
5 December 2023
Expect an unforgettable experience in the thrill of seeing The Wiggles perform all their hits including ‘Rock-a-Bye Your Bear’, ‘Hot Potato’ & ‘Fruit Salad’.
Running Shadows
3,4,5 November 2023
Renowned as Australia’s Number 1 Fleetwood Mac Experience, this show, you must see!
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
22 November 2023
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Cairns!
Aloe Blacc 2023
23 November 2023
LA soul singer and superstar Aloe Blacc, of ‘I Need A Dollar’, ‘The Man’ and ‘Wake Me Up’ fame, heads to the Tanks Arts Centre
Creedence Clearwater
2 – 16 September 2023
Join us, as we walk-through the life and music of one of the world’s most iconic bands!
The John Lennon Songbook
23 September – 20 October 2023
John Waters has explored and honoured his relationship with Lennon’s music for 30 years with co-creator and musical director Stewart D’Arrietta!
A Taste of Ireland
29 October 2023
The Irish Music & Dance Sensation returns with a performance that is ‘Celtic―for this decade’.
Salt House Food & Wine Festival
5 August 2023
Tropical North Queensland’s largest celebration of Food and Wine is back, bigger and better than ever.
Cairns Children's Festival 2023
20 May 2023
Enjoy an interactive performance, The Last Collection, inspired by the Brothers Grimm and local stories. Perfect for children and young people aged 6-14!
Forest Song & Don Quixote
8-9 June 2023
Experience the magical Forest Song ballet, a timeless love story with mystical elements and a conflict between humans and nature.
