‘It’s like a big party all weekend’: What to expect at Port Douglas Carnivale
Port Douglas Carnivale will kick off with a bang, with thousands expected to attend the three-day event, starting with a street parade on Friday night.
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Port Douglas Carnivale kicked off with a bang last night, with thousands expected to attend the three-day event, starting with the popular street parade.
With a jam-packed program including live music, food tasting sessions and poolside parties, there is something for everyone with various free and ticketed activities running from May 23 to 25.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the carnivale was a testament to the beauty of the region and people behind the event.
“It’s like a big party all weekend,” Ms Scomazzon said.
“There’s something for everybody; families, single people, couples, it’s Port Douglas so we know how to put a show on.”
The weekend line-up includes a variety of activities to tickle the tastebuds, please the ears while soaking up the tropical atmosphere.
Highlights include Savor TNQ, Maho Magic Bar and Sheraton Sunset Sessions as well as festival staples, Tin Shed Family Beach Day, Street Parade, Longest Lunch, art and photography exhibitions, sideshow alley and more.
“We’ve got the Maho Magic Bar – I went to that the other night and it’s worth going to see, it’s quite good,” she said.
“We’ve got the Coco Cabana show at the Clink Theatre, which is worth going to have a look as well … the photography exhibition that’s a beautiful display of photographs from around the area, and the family day on Saturday on Four Mile Beach with a sand castle competition.”
Meanwhile punters can rock out to the likes of Sheppard, Max Jackson and The Black Sorrows presented by Savannah Sounds.
“Savannah Sounds is providing live music all weekend and we’ve got some really good acts; Sheppard and The Wolfe Brothers, The Black Sorrows, Glenn Shorrick,” she said.
Cairns visitors can travel to Savannah Sounds in style, thanks to a recent partnership with tourism operator Reef Unlimited.
“They’ve got one of the boats from Cairns coming up to Port Douglas, so that’ll be good to get people come up as well, especially to get people off the highway,” she said.
“Get on the boat and have a fantastic weekend.”
Despite a chance of rain forecast, Ms Scomazzon said it would not dampen celebrations.
“Last year we had a few little showers … but you get used to it living up here,” she said.
Tickets are available via the Port Douglas Carnivale website.
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Originally published as ‘It’s like a big party all weekend’: What to expect at Port Douglas Carnivale
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