📅 Cairns Events Calendar

Celebrate the tropics all year round

There’s always something happening in Cairns!

From vibrant cultural festivals to food and wine celebrations, live music, markets, sporting events and beachfront fireworks — Cairns comes alive with colour, creativity and community spirit all year long. Whether you’re visiting during the dry season or here for a tropical Christmas, there’s an event to suit every traveller.

Here’s a snapshot of Cairns’ biggest and best annual events:

☀️ JANUARY–MARCH Cairns Events Calendar

Cairns Chinese New Year Festival – Celebrate with traditional lion dancing, fireworks, lanterns and dumplings
Australia Day Celebrations – Community fun, live music and family-friendly activities on the Esplanade
Tropic Jazz Festival – Smooth jazz and tropical vibes across local venues

🌴 APRIL–JUNE Cairns Events Calendar

Easter at Rusty’s Markets – Local treats, seasonal produce and handmade Easter gifts
Anzac Day Dawn Service – Held at the Esplanade with community marches and tributes
Great Barrier Reef Masters Games – Multi-sport fun for active over-30s from across Australia
Cairns Ecofiesta – FNQ’s biggest sustainability festival, with live music, workshops and green market stalls

🌞 JULY–SEPTEMBER

Cairns Show (July) – Classic country fun with animals, woodchopping, rides, fireworks and showbags
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) – One of Australia’s most important Indigenous art festivals, held at the Cruise Liner Terminal
Cairns Festival (August–September) – A tropical celebration of culture, with light installations, parades, concerts and fireworks
Father’s Day BBQs & Market Specials – Great deals and live music across the city

🌺 OCTOBER–DECEMBER

Halloween at Edge Hill Newsagency – Locally famous for its spook-tacular themed displays
Taste Port Douglas (October) – A gourmet food and drink festival featuring celebrity chefs and beachfront feasting
Cairns Christmas Carols & Markets – Twilight markets, community carols and Santa visits on the Esplanade
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Two epic fireworks shows over the Cairns Harbour and family festivities all night long

🎟️ Weekly & Monthly Regulars

  • Rusty’s Markets – Every Fri–Sun for tropical fruit, street food and handmade gifts
  • Cairns Night Markets – Open nightly on the Esplanade with souvenirs, snacks and massages
  • Esplanade Live Music – Free weekend performances at the Lagoon or Fogarty Park
  • Palm Cove Markets – Held the first Sunday of the month, oceanside and beautiful!

🌴 Plan Your Trip Around a Festival on Cairns Events Calendar

No matter when you visit, there’s something exciting happening in Cairns. From colourful parades to foodie weekends, your holiday can be filled with local flavour, family fun, and tropical magic.

👉 Check our live event updates and start planning your adventure!