Why you should see the Cairns Festival

The sun-drenched city where the sand meets the skyscrapers; Cairns. Although day trips are the region’s biggest appeal, the city is just as brilliant to see.

With a bucket load of activities and attractions on offer, discovering all that Cairns has to offer before trekking to the outer areas is always recommended. One of the best activities within the city is their ever changing festivals. The famous Cairns Festival, rings millions of locals and tourists to the city each year, and there is good reason why!

About the Event

The Cairns Festival is a series of events held across the coast from Babinda to Trinity Beach. The festival features music, theatre, art, film, comedy, and much more. With each category highlighting the city’s local talents and attractions. Cairns Esplanade is the central hub for the festival, hosting the Grand Parade, Festival Family Concert, Film Nights, and of course, fireworks. The entire event stretches out to 10 full days, beginning from the 24th of August until the 2nd of September.

The program doesn’t have every single event listed, with many surprises and last-minute announcements broadcast during the festival. As most events are free, it’s a great way to see the local community of Cairns without costing you an arm and a leg.

History of Event

The city’s Cairns Festival was founded on the 26th of May in 1961. At the very first festival, the grand highlight was the opening of a new jetty along Green Island. They created the festival to expand the tourism within the area, attracting guests from all over. In 1963, they changed the name to ‘Fun in the Sun’ which it remained until the early 1990s. After this time, it was known as the ‘Reef Festival’ to celebrate and promote Cairns’ access to the Great Barrier Reef.

However, in 2002, they change the festival’s name was again, this time for good! With the name officially becoming ‘Cairns Festival’ to blend together all the city’s highlights and features under one colourful umbrella title. The festival focus’ on the local community while promoting the local performers, artists, and tourist attractions. Nowadays, it has become one of the biggest festivals all year!

What you can see during the Cairns Festival

• Local Performers

  The festival attracts a number of local performers to the centre of Cairns, including musicians, actors, dancers, and more. The festival has introduced ‘A Making Place’ space, which is a dedicated space for local performers to be free to perform and thrive. Grab a tasty treat and sit nearby to watch these incredible dancers, singers, and actors do their thing!

• Visual Projections

  They tell of the history of the region in a creative and wonderful way; through 3D visual projections. These projections can be viewed on popular buildings and sites, with aboriginal tales or the first European settlers’ stories highlighted beautifully.

• Grand Parade

  

  One of the most cherished events in the festival! It is brightly decorated, with colourful floats, bold performers, and lively music slowly strolling past the audience.

• City Tourist Attractions

  During the Cairns Festival, many of the local and nearby tourist attractions come alive with action! With colourful displays, local artists and performers, as well as specific activities and events to match the festival.

Related article: What is the Difference between our Fitzroy and Green Island Tours?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.