Local Events

Palm Cove Markets

The 130+ stalls stretch along Williams Esplanade under the shade of palm & ancient paperbark trees in full view of the spectacular beach side scenery. 

The regular market features; entertainment for the kiddies, busking, local arts & crafts, gifts & souvenirs, plants & produce, massage, wellness and yummy snacks.

The markets are generally held on the 1st Sunday of the month from 8am – 2pm.

2023 Dates:

• 1st October
• 5th November
• 3rd December

Cairns Poetry Slam

Welcome to the Cairns Poetry Slam BEST OF THE BEST SLAM, an electrifying poetry slam that will ignite your soul with the power of spoken word poetry!

Newcomers be warned – the Cairns Poetry Slam can get a little raucous and rowdy. As usual, hosts Brendan and Ema are here to guide you through the excitement. Their quick wit and unshakable performance dynamic has won the hearts of poets and audiences since the event’s conception in 2022.

Come and be a part of the LOUDEST poetry crowd in Queensland!

Short Stack Regional Tour

Short Stack, the pop-punk band from Budgewoi whose hair once touched heaven and hearts, are back. Short Stack will take on regional Australia for the first time in over a decade, with support from Hevenshe.

These shows are not to be missed for new and old fans alike. Proving again the Stack is well and truly back.

Port Shorts Film Festival

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema, because the 2023 Port Shorts Film Festival is just around the corner! On October 13 & 14, we’ll be raising the curtain on an epic showcase of the best short films from around the world, as well as from our own backyard. And the best part? You’ll be able to experience all of the cinematic wonder in the breathtaking setting of Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas.

So grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be transported to new worlds and experience the power of storytelling through the medium of film. We can’t wait to see you at the festival!

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the 2023 Festival to Cairns! 

Expertly curated and lovingly presented, the Showcase will feature some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter. Boasting a line-up of veteran favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment will leave you sore from belly laughs.

Crocodile Trophy

The Crocodile Trophy is known as the oldest and one of the most demanding Mountain Bike stage race in the world. The iconic race goes from the jungle in Cairns through one of Australia’s most popular MTB parks in the Atherton Tablelands across to the unique Outback before finally finishing on the breathtakingly beautiful Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas Carnivale 2024

Save the date for Port Douglas Carnivale to celebrate it’s 30th Anniversary!

Watch Port Douglas transform from a sleepy, palm tree-lined beachside beauty to a stage set for Carnivale revellers! Originally held to mark the start of the sugar cane harvesting season, today Carnivale is now considered the official opening of the tourist season and is a mecca for lovers of all things food, fun and sun.

IRONMAN CAIRNS

With a truly spectacular destination, stunning course and electric atmosphere, you can see why the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns has earned the title of World’s Best IRONMAN in the 2022 Athlete Choice Awards. It’s a race where a world heritage-listed rainforest meets one of the natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef … no wonder it’s known as the ‘Race in Paradise’. 

Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival

Celebrate the food culture and lifestyle of Tropical North Queensland as we bring together world class chefs and inspiring food and beverage experiences in one of Australia’s favourite gourmet destinations.

Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas provides a food festival backdrop like no other in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in a festival committed to the discovery of all things delicious this coming August.

Cairns Festival