Family Festivities: Your Ultimate Guide to North Queensland’s Top Festivals!

Embrace the vibrant spirit of North Queensland as we journey through the region’s most captivating festivals. North Queensland, known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and bustling cities, is also a thrilling hub for cultural celebrations and lively festivities. Our comprehensive guide to the top festivals in North Queensland takes you on a vibrant adventure, unveiling an eclectic mix of food and wine festivals, music extravaganzas, indigenous cultural celebrations, and charming local fairs.

Experience the heartbeat of this dynamic region as you dance to the rhythm of live music, savour gourmet local delicacies, immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions, and create lifelong memories. Whether you’re a festival fanatic or a curious traveller, our definitive festival guide is your passport to the exhilarating tapestry of events that make North Queensland a unique and festive destination. Ready to delve into the festival magic of North Queensland? Let’s get started!

January

Cairns Summer Sounds
When: Various dates from 13 January to 4 March, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
More info: www.ticketlink.com.au
Cairns will become a music mecca summer with a stellar cast of live acts, including The Cat Empire, Dami Im, Jessica Mauboy, Eric Bibb, and Stella Donnelly will perform across five different events in Cairns, bringing the tropics alive with big beats and vibrancy.

Teeny Tiny Stevies
When: 22 January, 10.30am
Where: Tanks Arts Centre
More info: www.tanksartscentre.com
Performing a mix of fan favourites and brand new material from their new album, the band will be leaving no stone unturned. ‘How to be Creative’ is a ten song masterclass in embracing the creative urge, overcoming self-doubt, trying new things, learning from mistakes, working with others, and the superpower that is perseverance. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

February

The Wet by Circa Cairns
When: 10 – 11 February, 8.00pm
Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC
Experience Far North Queensland with The Wet by Circa Cairns.  The Wet draws on ancient stories of the wet tropics, this dynamic acrobatic show thrills while connecting you to the country. Show rated PG. Bookings are required. Visit the CPAC for more information and ticket prices.

Lano and Woodley – Moby Dick
When: 3 February, 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC
When is an iconic story about a whale, not a story about a whale? When it’s a brilliantly funny Lano and Woodley show of course! Book tickets and reserve your seat for this live stage show where Lano attempts a dramatic performance of the epic Moby Dick only for Woodley branded mayhem to ensue. Show rated M, under 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information and ticket prices, visit the CPAC website.

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival and Fireworks Finale
When: 4 February, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Cairns Lagoon Plaza
More info: www.cadcai.org.au
Come down to the Cairns Lagoon Plaza for The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuan Xiao as the festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. CASACI will celebrate the event with authentic Chinese food, festivities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy plus lantern making and decorating stalls. A spectacular fireworks show will conclude the Chinese New Year celebrations at 7.30pm.

Band Tours Coming to Townsville
Where: Dalrymple Hotel
Everclear – Get ready Everclear fans as the multi-platinum band, Everclear, comes screaming back into 2023 for their 30th Anniversary Tour in Townsville on the 5 February.www.everclearmusic.com
Unwritten Law – Be transported to balmy nights under Californian skis as Unwritten Law perform their new album “The Hum” on the 19 February. www.officialunwrittenlaw.bandcamp.com

March

Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2023
When: 17 March, 6.00pm
Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
More Info: www.oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique collection of short films from around the globe document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who are astonished by the mysteries of the big blue. The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points. Rated PG. The Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2023 will also be coming to Townsville Civic Theatre on 16 March, 7.00pm – 10.00pm.

Circus of Light – Warehouse Party
When: 11 March, 8.00pm – 3.00am
Where: Cairns
More Info: Psycho Circus
An experience quite like no other. The biggest light show in Australia featuring immersive visual and sound dynamics that includes circus performers and acrobats, lasers and visual displays, balloon drop, glitter paint stalls, body art professionals, light show, music and more! Fancy dress is highly encouraged for attendees. This is an R18 event, strictly no under 18s allowed.

Roma Picnic Races
When: 24 – 25 March 2023
Where: Roma
More info: www.romapicnicraces.com.au
Visit Roma for a weekend of racing, wining, dining and dancing at the 2023 Roma Picnic Races. A Black Tie Ball kicks off the event and is a must attend affair for everyone wanting to celebrate in style. Book in the date for 2023 for a weekend not to be missed.

Deja Vu Music Festival
When: 25 March
Where: Townsville Turf Club
More Info: Dejavu Music Festival
Check out the Deja Vu Music Festival. An exciting new Music Festival featuring a wide range of high profile musicians and artists.

Cirque Mother Africa in the Far North
More info: cirquemotherafrica.com
Cirque Mother Africa returns to Australia in 2023 to celebrate 15 years with an all-new performance! Be transported to the pulsating heart of Africa in this vibrant and highly entertaining performance for everyone to enjoy. A cultural experience like no other brings the heartbeat of Africa.
Townsville – Will be held at the Townsville Civic Theatre on 21 March.
Burdekin – Will be held at the Burdekin Theatre on 23 March.
Cairns – Will be held at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre on 25 March.

April

ANZAC DAY
When: 25 April
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. Dawn Service commences at the Cenotaph on the Cairns Esplanade, Services Parade commences at 7.30am at Fogarty Park and Commemorative Service commences at 7:45am after the passing of the March at Cenotaph. Visit the Cairns Council’s website to find out more local locations for this event.

Yoga Jam with Michael Franti
When: 13 April, 9.00am
Where: Munro Martin Parklands
More Info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC
Wanderlust is bringing international musical Michael Franti to Australia in 2023 for a wellness experience like no other! Wanderlust has scoured the state to find the most iconic yoga studios and teachers to host their yoga jams with Michael Franti, a high-vibe class with a spicy flow and some upbeat acoustics that will get you dancing. BYO yoga mat and have your heart be filled with joy at Yoga Jam.

Wide Open Space Festival
When: 28 April
Where: Ross River Resort
More Info: www.wideopenspace.net.au
Wide Open Space Festival is an annual 3-day music, arts and desert culture festival.This festival will feed your mind, tickle your fancy and get you moving with art, music and creativity amidst the stunning landscape. From folk to live hip hop to poolside discos to Indigenous reggae to late-night dancefloors. Take in one of the many performances going on including a tapestry of cabaret and burlesque, circus and aerials and lots of dress-ups! Main accommodation option is camping or book a private cabin at Ross River Resort in advance.

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival
When: 21 -23 April
Where: Julia Creek
More info: www.dirtndust.com
The Dirt N Dust Festival is an annual sporting and music festival held in the rural town of Julia Creek, 646 kilometres west of Towsnville. The festival is a 3 day weekend jam packed with horse races, live music, Australia’s Best Butt contest and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

May

Red Hot Summer Tour
When: 13 May, 1.00pm – 9.30pm
Where: Cairns Showgrounds
More Info: www.redhotsummertour.com.au
Red Hot Summer Tour returns in2023 with an unforgettable lineup of Aussie Legends Ready to get your Summer Rock and Rolling. Tour features Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Mark Seymour, Vika and Linda, Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley. Tickets are from $139.90.

Cairns Children’s Festival
When: 19 – 21 May
Where: Across the Court House, CPAC and Tanks Arts Centre
More Info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Bring your family and friends to the Cairns Children’s Festival. This festival is an annual celebration for children aged 12 years and under and aims to put young creatives in the spotlight whilst creating a safe and fun environment for families. Events and activities will be held across multiple locations including the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Botanic Gardens and The Court House. Each location will have various activities for kids to enjoy.

Port Douglas Carnivale
When: 19 – 21 May
Where: Wharf St Port Douglas
More info: www.carnivale.com.au
At Port Douglas Carnivale there will be food, fun in the sun and an exciting lineup of event activities for locals and visitors. Keep up to date at their website for more information coming soon.

Tropic Sounds
When: 27 May
Where: Reid Park
More Info: www.nafa-tsv.com.au
Tropic Sounds returns to Townsville where you can experience a range of different performances by local artists and well known performers Tones and I, Illy, Pierce Brothers, CLEWS and DL Dolly Llama.

Bjorn Again
When: 12 May, 8.00pm
Where: Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre
More Info: www.tecc.net.au
ABBA fans get excited as Björn Again returns to Townsville to bring ABBA’s timeless hits back to the stage in a sing-along, dance-along extravaganza. Experience one of the world’s most entertaining rock shows featuring all the biggest hits from Waterloo, Gimme! Gumme! Gimme! and Fernando to Take a Chance, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and more! The festival will also have glitzy 70s costumes, Swenglish Banter and Hilarious stage antics.

Sweet Days Hot Nights
When: 26 – 27 May
Where: Burdekin
More Info: www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au
This festival is all about showcasing and celebrating Far North Queensland’s rich agricultural region and lifestyle. From fresh produce and culinary delights through to adventure and sports tourism experiences, great music and family-friendly entertainment, this festival is sure to delight all ages. Headline events include the Burdekin Cultural Fair and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting.

Townsville Expo
When: 12 – 14 May
Where: Reid Park
More info: www.townsvilleexpo.com.au
This year the Townsville Expo will showcase a range of products and services for lovers of adventure and the great outdoors. The all you need equipment for camping, boating, fishing, skiing and more for your holiday destinations.

June

Cairns Ecofiesta 2023
When: 4 June
Where: Parramatta Park
More Info: ECOevents Cairns
The Cairns Ecofiesta is the perfect time to celebrate sustainability in the tropics and will leave you inspired for a new tomorrow. Connect with an ancient landscape held in Cairn’s lush tropical parklands and immerse yourself in a day of stellar performances, hands on workshops and a massive eco-expo at Queensland’s premier sustainability festival. This event has something for everyone.

Groovin The Moo 2023
When: TBC June
Where: Murray Sporting Complex
More info: www.gtm.net.au
Groovin’ the Moo is an annual music festival that takes place at various regional locations across Australia in late April and early May. With various local and international rock, dance, indie, and hip-hop. Check out the website for more information, and stay tuned for confirmation of the 2023 dates.

Townsville Folk Festival
When: 8 – 11 June
Where: Foots Hill Station
More Info: Townsville Folk Festival
Connect with nature at the Townsville Folk festival celebrating this year’s theme, “Terrestrial” presented by the Townsville Folk and Acoustic Music Club. Pack your bags and get your camping gear ready for this 4 night, 3 day camping event featuring the best talents in the region.

Townsville Show
When: 30 June – 3 July
Where: Townsville Showgrounds
More info: www.townsvilleshow.com.au
The Townsville Show will be coming back in June to bring plenty of family entertainment, competitions, thrilling rides, vendors and more! Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Townsville Showgrounds Office located on 72-104 Ingham Road, West End and their Pop-up Ticket Booth at Stockland until 12.00pm Friday 20 June.

Australian Italian Festival
When: 3 – 4 June
Where: TYTO Parklands, Ingham North Queensland
More info: www.australianitalianfestival.com.au
Come for the food, stay for the fun. Experience Italian culture at the Australian Italian Festival showcasing fun entertainment, food, competitions for the kids and amusement rides. The festival is held in Ingham, a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Townsville.

July

Cairns Show
When: 13 – 15 July
Where: Cairns Showgrounds
More info: www.cairnsshow.com.au
Once again, the Cairns Show will bring you an array of exciting family entertainment, competitions, thrilling rides, and more. Early Bird Tickets and Bonus Dollars are available now at Cairns Local Tickets, Earlville Shopping Town from 4 July, and the Cairns Show Grounds from 12 July.

Cairns Italian Festival
When: 28 July – 6 August
Where: Cairns and Surrounds
More info: www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
Held annually in the Hinchinbrook Shire, the Cairns Italian Festival is a significant regional cultural event with world-class entertainment, fun, and culinary delights. The festival also pays homage to the Italian immigrants that left their homeland in search for a better life and future in Australia. Bring the family along to enjoy the unique food and entertainment. Tickets cost $12.00 – $197.00.

Kuranda Roots Festival
When: 15 July
Where: Kanjini, Emerald Ck
More info: www.kurandaroots.com.au
With an eclectic mix of artists, performers, workshops, and activities, the Kuranda Roots Festival celebrates the abundance of culture, art, music, and nature that flourishes in tropical North Queensland. Having moved from its original location at the Billabong in Kuranda, this year’s Kuranda Roots Festival takes place at the breathtaking Emerald Creek Falls base at Kanjini. Book your tickets online. Cost: $25.00 – $199.00

Cairns Marathon Festival
When: 16 July, 4.00am
Where: Fogarty Park
More Info: www.cairnsmarathon.com.au
The 7 Cairns Marathon and Community Run Festival returns! A unique event based in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Event distances include the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and the 2km family event. Each road race will take in the best that Cairns has to offer.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2023
When: 13 – 16 July
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
More Info: www.ciaf.com.au
Australia’s premier Indigenous art fair, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returns to Cairns! Be sure to save the dates and plan your trip to Cairns ahead of the throngs of visitors who flock to tropical Cairns, to experience the very best, most diverse and innovative Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art & cultures.

Tour of The Tropics Cycling Festival
When: 28 – 30 July
Where: Esplanade
More Info: www.tourofthetropics.com.au
Tour of The Tropics Cycling Festival is an 8-day event designed to showcase elite and amateur cycling in the region and attract multiple intra and interstate participants and supporters to tropical Far North Queensland.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music
When: 28 July – 7 August
Where: Various venues
More Info: www.afcm.com.au
Set in the tropical winter warmth of Townsville, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music presents the finest musicians from around the world in this wonderfully unique and innovative ten-day program. For over 30 years, the festival has delighted audiences and is now known for its friendly, intimate, and relaxed atmosphere. More than 35 musicians from all around the world travel to Townsville to bring the audience unique combinations of music. The festival’s tropical location creates a special atmosphere that entices audiences and artists back year after year.

Laura Quinkan Dance Festival 2023
When: 7 – 9 July 2023
Where: Laura
More info: www.lauraquinkanfestival.com.au
Approximately 25 Dance troupes from throughout Cape York gather to showcase their culture at the biannual Laura Quinkan Dance Festival. People collectively rejoice and share stories through music and dance performances, sharing history and uniting as one. Tickets cost $110.00 to $450.00 and can be ordered via the website.

V8’s Supercars 2023 – NTI Townsville 500
When: 7 – 9 July
Where: Reid Park Street Circuit
More info: V8 Supercars Townsville
2023 information TBC. V8 Supercars will be back in Townsville for another great event for 2023. Tickets will be coming soon in March 2023. Keep up to date with news from their facebook page or website at www.supercars.com.

August

Cairns Festival
When: 25 August – 3 September
Where: Cairns Esplanade
More Info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/festival
Don’t miss Cairns Festival on the Esplanade. The festival features a series of Cairns attractions and local musicians, artists, and comedians in various city points during the festival. Cairns Esplanade hosts the main features, including the Grand Parade, the Festival Family Concert, and Film Nights. The event lasts ten days, with the Grand Parade being the festival’s highlight and showcases different performers on floats with some family-friendly performances. There will also be markets open where you can get plenty of local artistic objects as souvenirs.

2023 McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival
When: 6 August
Where: Jezzine Barracks
More Info: www.townsvillerunningfestival.com
The 51st Running of the Townsville Marathon, and the 25th McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival. The marathon is 2.5km long. Register online through their website and check out their other marathon runs.

Townsville Cultural Fest
When: 17 – 19 August
Where: Venue TBC
More info: www.culturalfest.org
This festival is one of the most inclusive in Australia, bringing together thousands of people each year in a celebration of life. Multicultural performances include folk, jazz, blues, hip-hop and rock, cultural performances, and more. While the 2023 dates are yet to be confirmed, the festival celebrating diversity, unity, and friendship is one to watch.

September

Illuminate FNQ – International Space, Science and Environment Festival
When: 15 September
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
More info: Illuminate FNQ
Illuminate FNQ International Space, Science and Environment Festival is held annually showcasing the industry leaders and experts from across the space, science and environment sectors to highlight the importance of STEM pathways.

Wallaby Creek Festival
When: 22 – 24 September
Where: Wallaby Creek, Rossville
More info: Wallaby Creek Festival
Wallaby Creek Festival, a wonderful family-focused event bringing the music and the arts of Far North Queensland Rainforest! Surrounded by the beautiful wet tropics, the festival will feature live stage performances, non-stage performances, workshops, market stalls and more.

Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival
When: 9 – 11 September
Where: Magnetic Island
More info: Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival
The Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival is a fabulous month of entertainment, fairs, dining, tours, sport, art, and fun competitions on Magnetic Island. The program includes the famous island-wide Scarecrow Competition, the Maggie Motor & Bike Show, Magnetic Mystery Tour, Spring Equinox Fair, Indigenous culture events, Mega Markets, and the highly popular Sand Sculpture Competition. This festival has something for everyone!

October

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase 2023
When: 27 October
Where: Tanks Art Centre
More Info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the 2023 Festival to Cairns. The showcase will feature some of the festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting comedy. Don’t miss out on a huge night of laughs. Visit their website for more information, ticket prices or to book.

Oktoberfest 2023
When: 14 October, 3.00pm
Where: German Club Cairns
More Info: www.germanclubcairns.com.au
Known as the world’s largest Volksfest, beer festival, and travelling funfair, this year’s Oktoberfest is presented by the German Club Cairns. Held annually in Munich, Germany, with more than six million people from around the world attending the event every year, Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture. You can pre-purchase entry tickets from September onwards via the event’s Facebook page. As a family-friendly event, competitions and prizes entertain everyone throughout the night.

Tablelands Folk Festival
When: 27 – 29 October, 9.00am – 6.00pm
Where: Yungaburra Hotel
More Info: www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org.au
Celebrating music, friendship and cultural understanding, the Tablelands Folk Festival is the longest running folk festival in Queensland. Over four days, the event features family entertainment, concerts, workshops, comedy, blues jams, poet breakfasts, brekky, a wellbeing fair, market stalls, free children activities, the famous Pub Verandah and more.

The Grass Is Greener
When: 6 October
Where: Cairns Showgrounds
More Info: www.thegrassisgreener.com.au
The Grass Is Greener returns to Cairns this spring! The Grass is Greener is an annual music festival suitable for all ages handpicked and presented by CADA. Visit their website for updates and news.

Babinda Harvest Festival
When: TBC
Where: Venue TBC
More info: www.babindaharvestfest.org
The Babinda Harvest Festival is an annual event celebrated in October and features out of the ordinary events including Sugar Bowl competitions, the Gumboot Toss and The Umbrella Toss, markets with various goodies, food stalls to defeat hunger and an exciting street parade.

November

Understory Film Festival
When: TBC
Where: Venue TBC
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
The Understory Film Festival is an annual event for local independent, student, emerging and professional filmmakers in Far North Queensland to compete for experience, screen opportunities and awards and prizes.

December

Christmas in Cairns from Cairns Regional Council
When: TBC
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Christmas Tree Light Up – Visit the Esplanade in your best Christmas attire and enjoy live music, dance performances and more!
Carols in the Park – Live stage performances at Munro Martin Parklands.
Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal – Help spread Christmas cheer to those in the community who need it the most by donating.

New Years Eve
When: TBC
Where: Venues TBC
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Celebrate the coming of the New Year in Cairns at various locations. The Cairns Regional Council’s New Year’s Eve firework displays is an annual celebration held for everyone to celebrate the coming of the new year.

The Stable at Riverway
When: TBC
Where: Riverway Complex
More info: www.stablenq.com.au
The Stable at Riverway shares a unique experience and the story of Christmas. They bring a gift to all the people of tTownsville bringing hope, life and meaning. The event is an interactive re-creation of the traditional Christmas story and is a free event for the whole family and is becoming a Christmas tradition for families in North Queensland.