Events in Cairns

It's worth timing your visit for September and October, as this is when most of the city's major events occur, a chance to see Cairnites taking advantage of their beautiful weather to spill into the streets.

Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival (September)

Organized by the FNQ Amateur Turf Club and taking place in early September, this is a highlight of the social calendar for the Queensland smart set. The central attraction is a two day meet at the Cannon Park Race Course, with 15 highly competitive races in all, but there are also a host of other scintillating events such as a garden party-cum-fashion show and a glamorous ball with seafood buffet. The dress code is relatively formal by Cairns standards, a chance for the men to look natty and the ladies to don their party frocks and fascinators.

Palm Cove Reef Feast (October)

Every October the seaside suburb of Palm Cove plays host to this annual culinary celebration. Local restaurants and cafes arrange stalls offering toothsome fare made with the best local produce, and there's also a great roster of live music, circus acts and activities for the kids.

Illumination (October)

In late October, Cairns celebrates the local art and music scene in its typical relaxed style with a street party where everyone dresses in white. Traditional aboriginal music, fire eating, light displays, dance, body painting, live bands and DJ's are all mixed together for an unforgettable night on the town.

The Grass is Greener Music Festival (October)

Also now in October after previously being held in April, this up and coming festival brings together an eclectic selection of Queensland sounds. With acts such as Spit Syndicate, Tired Lion and Nora En Pure among the recent attendees, this is the place to check out what's hot on the FNQ music scene.