Everything you need to know about Cairns Festival

From punk rock heroes to mesmerising light art exhibitions and local market stalls, here is what you can expect at this year’s Cairns Festival.

People pack into the Cairns Esplanade for the Reef Lights – Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef, part of the 2023 Cairns Festival. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Festival is back for 10 jam-packed days of action from August 23 to September 1.

In 2023, more than 140,000 attendees enjoyed a variety of events across the city including immersive light installations, live music, fireworks and art exhibitions.

Spanning 10 days and multiple venues, Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden emphasised the festival’s significance to the city.

“Whether you are a local or a visitor, Cairns Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate our vibrant Tropical North Queensland city and everything that makes it so unique,” Cr Eden said.

“Over the past six decades, the festival has grown into a staple fixture on the regional Queensland events calendar, drawing thousands of people to our city.”

This year’s programs include a Grand Parade, live music, Carnival on Collins, Reef Lights exhibition and more.

Applications for community, cultural groups, school and sporting club float registrations for the Grand Float parade close on Friday, July 26.

Participation is free, with a chance to win a share of $7000 in prizes.

Originally published as Everything you need to know about Cairns Festival