Things to Do in Cairns in 2026

Explore the latest in caravans, camping, 4×4, outdoor adventure, home and lifestyle at the Cairns Outdoor Adventure plus Home & Lifestyle Expo, held at Cairns Showgrounds. With exhibitor displays, super show deals, food stalls and inspiration for your next tropical adventure, it’s a great weekend event for travellers, families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Enjoy a classic Far North Queensland race day as the Gordonvale Races return. With a full day of racing, fashion, socialising, trackside hospitality and country-town atmosphere, this much-loved event is a great day out for visitors looking to experience local racing culture near Cairns.

Connect with creative, marketing, media and advertising leaders as Cairns Crocodiles returns to Cairns Convention Centre. This Asia-Pacific festival brings together bold ideas, industry talks, awards, masterclasses, networking events and global speakers for three days of creativity, inspiration and innovation in Tropical North Queensland.

Bring the family along for a fun-filled weekend as Cairns Children’s Festival returns. Designed for children aged 12 and under, the festival celebrates imagination, creativity and play with events across Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Court House Gallery, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre.

Celebrate tropical living as Port Douglas Carnivale returns with a vibrant weekend of music, food, culture and family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include the Macrossan Street Parade, Savannah Sounds, beachside events, cabaret, markets, dining experiences and festive celebrations set against the stunning backdrop of Tropical North Queensland.

Enjoy three days of live music, beachside energy and tropical festival atmosphere as Savannah Sounds comes to Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas. Held as part of Port Douglas Carnivale, the festival features Australian favourites including Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Dragon, Sneaky Sound System, Kingswood and more, all set against a stunning waterfront backdrop.

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled night as Freestyle Kings 2026 brings world-class freestyle motocross action to Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Featuring Australia’s top FMX athletes, jaw-dropping stunts, high-flying tricks, choreography and state-of-the-art production, this electrifying live show promises edge-of-your-seat entertainment for all ages.

Race in paradise as Cairns Airport IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns returns. Set in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, this iconic endurance event features an ocean swim, scenic rolling bike course and flat run course, creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere for athletes, supporters and visitors exploring Cairns.

Connect with aviation leaders, operators and industry professionals as the Regional Aviation Association of Australia Convention 2026 comes to Cairns Convention Centre. With the theme Stronger Together, the convention features engaging sessions, networking events, a major trade exhibition and discussions focused on advocacy, community, leadership and education in regional aviation

Celebrate music, arts and culture under the winter solstice sky as NYX Festival 2026 takes place at Glen Gordon Station near Innot Hot Springs. Set in the scenic Atherton Tablelands, the festival features live music across two stages, workshops, kids’ activities, art installations, markets, food stalls, healing spaces and camping for a memorable Far North Queensland escape.

Take on an epic coast-to-outback adventure as the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride returns. Covering 780km from the Great Barrier Reef to the Gulf of Carpentaria, this fully supported cycling event brings riders, volunteers and local communities together for a memorable journey through Queensland’s spectacular landscapes.

Feel the adrenaline as the Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Tour comes to Cairns Convention Centre. Watch Australia’s fiercest bull riders take on powerful PBR All Star Bulls in a high-stakes night of action, atmosphere and edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

Take on an extraordinary endurance challenge as Three Marathons in Three Days returns to Tropical North Queensland. Covering routes from Kuranda to Cedar Park in the Koah area and Cairns, this unique multi-day event is popular with marathon collectors and ultra-runners looking for a memorable rainforest-region running experience.

Join leading scientists, researchers and environmental experts as the International Conference on Mycorrhiza 2026 comes to Cairns Convention Centre. With the theme “Mycorrhizas in a changing world: challenges, opportunities and solutions,” this international conference will bring more than 500 delegates to Tropical North Queensland for scientific talks, workshops, networking and sustainability-focused discussions

Experience one of Far North Queensland’s favourite community events as the Cairns Show returns to Cairns Showgrounds. Celebrating its 121st year, the show brings the city and country together with agricultural displays, competitions, animals, rides, live entertainment, food, exhibitions and family-friendly fun for all ages.

Experience world-class music in the tropics as the Australian Festival of Chamber Music comes to Cairns-Gimuy. Featuring acclaimed Australian and international artists, intimate concerts, special events and performances across Cairns venues, this celebrated festival offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

Enjoy a night of bold, razor-sharp comedy as Australian comedian Jim Jefferies brings his internationally acclaimed Son of a Carpenter Tour to Cairns Convention Centre. Known for his fearless storytelling, biting social commentary and unapologetic humour, Jefferies promises a hilarious and unforgettable live show for comedy fans.

Enjoy a night of sharp, cheeky comedy as multi-award-winning comedian Urzila Carlson brings her Fatty On A Yacht Tour to Cairns Convention Centre. One of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest comedy stars, Urzila promises a hilarious live show packed with quick wit, bold storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments.

Celebrate the colour, creativity and tropical spirit of the city as Cairns Festival returns. This 10-day celebration showcases art, culture, live entertainment and local creativity, with highlights including Reef Lights, the Grand Parade, variety shows, markets and vibrant events across Cairns.

Take in the beauty of Tropical North Queensland as Run Port Douglas returns. With 2km, 5km, 10km and 21.1km half marathon distances, participants can run or walk through the scenic township of Port Douglas before finishing along the iconic sands of Four Mile Beach.

Enjoy four days of music, camping and outback festival atmosphere as Savannah in the Round returns to Mareeba Rodeo Arena. Featuring 40+ international and Australian country, roots, rock and pop artists, plus markets, visual art, cultural displays and family-friendly entertainment, this tropical music festival is a standout Far North Queensland experience.

Experience the charm of the Atherton Tablelands as the Tablelands Folk Festival returns to Yungaburra. Set in the historic village just over an hour from Cairns, this long-running festival celebrates folk music, storytelling, dance, workshops, markets and family-friendly entertainment in a relaxed rainforest-region setting.

Connect with healthcare leaders, decision-makers and industry professionals as the 2026 Asia-Pacific Health Leadership Congress. Presented by ACHSM, this major Australasian health management event brings together delegates for professional development, networking, sector insights and leadership-focused discussions in the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

Celebrate creativity, culture and style as Cairns Fashion Week brings six days of fashion events to the heart of Far North Queensland. Showcasing emerging and established designers from Australia and beyond, the program features runway showcases, opening events, after-parties and a vibrant celebration of inclusivity, diversity and tropical destination style.