Thu 01
Artists of the North 2021
Thu 1 April - Sun 2 May Tanks Art Centre
Artists of the North Exhibition is a presentation of the talent and formidable skills in our region’s artists.
For the first time in many years the exhibition will not have a theme, inviting all creative genres and subjects to join in the Artists of the North’s 16th year of art excellence, with our very diverse, cultures, backgrounds, styles, genres but, most importantly - an overwhelming love of art.
No image is too wild or untamed, no subject subdued. Artists are bringing their thoughts, their feelings and their gift of life through art to share with everyone.
From the most basic collage to sculptures of existence itself, we invite all to witness, gaze and appreciate the wonder of our artists from here in North Queensland.
Open: 9.00am – 4.30pm Weekdays, 10am – 2.00pm Weekends
Cost: Free
Image: On High, oil on board by Brad Congdon
Thu 01
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Thu 1 April - Wed 30 June Anywhere you want!
Host a tea your way in May or June to raise essential funds for people impacted by cancer.
1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. We want to change that, and we need your help.
Your morning tea will help raise vital funds to bring us closer to a cancer free future.
Register to host
Register your Biggest Morning tea and receive a free host kit to make things easy-teasy.
Plan your tea
Pick a date, invite your friends, and start planning the fun!
Have fun and raise funds!
Have a tea-riffic time and raise funds for people impacted by cancer.
The official date for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday May 27th 2021, but you can host your tea anytime until the end of June! Whenever suits you best.
Thu 01
Re-Constructing Concepts Art Exhibition
Thu 1 April - Fri 28 May Banggu Minjaany Gallery - R Block, Cairns campus, Gatton, Wilkinson and Newton Streets, Manunda
TAFE Queensland invites you to an exhibition by continuing diploma students. The exhibition tracks the process of incubating, planning, refining and delivering concept-based artworks.
Open 1 April - 28 May (excluding public holidays)
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm
TAFE Queensland is operating to current state mandated COVID-19 policies and procedures. Please respect physical distancing.
Artwork acknowledgment: Keelie Nicholls, Pathways 2021, mixed media
Thu 01
Prawn Star Freshwater Easter Festival
5:30pm - 9:00pm Freshwater Tennis Club, Cairns
This year's Freshwater Festival has a big line-up and will have something for everyone with food stalls, live music, the Easter Bunny, Easter egg giveaways and raffles, children's fun court with tennis games hosted by Baseline Tennis Academy, and 2 jumping castles, face painting, market stalls and more.
For more information, head to the Freshwater Festival Facebook page.
Sat 03
Kuranda Rocks Easter
10:00am - 10:00pm Kuranda
Starting from 10am through until 10pm - Lock in the date and get ready for a great day filled with kids activities galore, live music, market stalls, shopping 'til late, food.
10am - 3pm - The Great Easter Quest - Get your map and clues from the 'Rock Nest' at Centenary Park – follow the bubbles and look for Bugzy Bumblebee and Jenny the Fairy. Keep a look out for our special chickens. Solve the riddles correctly and collect your Easter prize!! Lots of fun for kids and adults.
3.30pm - An Easter bonnet parade with a twist, KURANDA STYLE. Get crafty, think junky!
Live Music from 4 pm with Blue Reed, Joker Pokers, Koahlition, Muddy Barron Shakers, Howlin' Dingoes and The Blue Healers
We look forward to another great event for our community and visitors. More details to come, so stay tuned! Market stalls also available – email kurandatradersassociation@mail.com for bookings.
Mon 05
HOLIDAY FUN WITH DRAGONS
Mon 5 April - Fri 16 April Cairns Museum
Chinese New Year celebrations will continue on at Cairns Museum with the sights and sounds of the annual event the inspiration for the April school holiday program. The program includes a range of great affordable activities for children as young as five, right up to teenagers with specialised Chinese inspired art workshops. On Saturday April 10 and 17, Cairns Museum will also host Chinese-inspired art workshops for children over eight years. Rounding out the program, is the colouring in competition and Chinese lion scavenger hunt, which are available daily from Monday to Saturday. If your child is aged nine and over and an audio tour is more their interest, they can virtually join Pip, Caden and Jessie, who bring the Museum to life using their own device (BYO headphones).
All workshops are free with entry, but require a $5 contribution to cover material costs for existing annual pass holders and members.
Bookings are essential as places are limited.
Thu 08
MAMMYYY WATAS EXHIBITION
Thu 8 April - Sun 2 May Cairns Art Gallery
This powerful installation continues the Gallery’s international research interest in complex narratives around blackness and cultural identity. Alberta Whittle was born in 1980 in Barbados, and works between Barbados, Scotland and South Africa. She has developed a visual, oral and textual language to question accepted Western constructs of history and society and the legacies of slavery, colonialism and the current climate crisis.
Sun 11
Port Douglas Markets
8:00am - 2:00pm Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
The Port Douglas Market has one of the most diverse stallholder communities of any market in Australia. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the market is a regular “must do” for people from all over the world. Port is renowned as an arts community. The markets will showcase amazing local arts as well as mouth-watering food. Come up for the morning, vivit the markets, walk through the town, Port Dopuglas is your oasis located an easy drive north of Cairns. It’s a great day to find a few treasures in our paradise which we call home, and hang out with the locals.
Mon 12
An up-close Wildlife Experience!
Mon 12 April - Fri 16 April Smithfield Shopping Centre
Educate and engage the kids these school holidays with live Reptile shows at Smithfield Shopping Centre.
Things are about to get wild with Mammals, Marine Creatures, Birds, Reptiles & Insects. Come and interact and learn about our Native Australian Wildlife with shows and interactive sessions and embrace the inner wild child!
Monday 12 April 10:00am & 11:30am
Tuesday 13 April 10:00am & 11:30am
Wednesday 14 April 1pm & 2:30pm
Thursday 15 April 4pm
Friday 16 April 10:00am, 11:30am & 1pm
Limited spaces available, bookings are essential.
Please call on (07) 4281 3801 or email your name, total guests, number & preferred session to smithfield@lendlease.com to book now.
Mon 12
Art, Desire & Beauty in Ancient Greece - ADFAS
7:00pm Sheridan Room, Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Art, Desire & Beauty is about competitive artists, mad patrons, & seductive models. It tells how different viewers reacted to art in the ancient Greek world. And who would know better than Alastair Blanshard, Professor of Classics & Ancient History, the author of many books including “Hercules-An Heroic Life”, “Sex, Vice & Love from Antiquity to Modernity”, & “Classics on Screen”? Alastair tells of the pursuit & personal cost to art lovers in ancient Greece, a dangerous business which evoked violent passions though by some Authorities to be demonic.
Alastair tells of the pursuit & personal cost to art lovers in ancient Greece, a dangerous business which evoked violent passions though by some Authorities to be demonic.
Sheridan Room, Cairns Sheridan Hotel - Entry via McLeod Street from 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.
Wed 14
You and Me Exhibition at UMI Arts
Wed 14 April - Fri 25 June UMI Arts, Jensen Plaza Gallery, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora
Grass roots exhibition shines light on art works with meaning.
The rich diversity and artistic talent of UMI Arts’ emerging and mid-career artist members will be celebrated at tomorrow’s opening of the organisation’s annual You and Me exhibition showcasing the works of five Indigenous female artists and launches UMI Arts’ 2021 program of events.
Opening at 1 pm, Thursday 15 April 2021, this year’s exhibition showcases the works of five Indigenous female artists and launches UMI Arts’ 2021 program of events.
Spanning the themes of old lore and new law, bush food and medicine and nature’s abundance, 13 artworks using varying styles, inspirations and mediums showcase the talent and ability of local artists, Shirley Mayo-Collins, Lisa Michl OAM, Dorothy Edwards, Trish Barnard and Natasha Davui.
The exhibition runs until 25 June 2021 at the UMI Arts Gallery, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora.
Thu 15
Tropical Cocktail Cruise
5:30pm - 7:45pm Snapping Tours - Innisfail
Snapping Tours will be hosting a Tropical Cocktail Cruise during the Feast of the Senses. Now how awesome does this sound? Experience such a tropical atmosphere when you cruise along the Johnstone River, whilst sipping on amazing tropical cocktails made by the wonderful bar staff. Let us tell you…when you have one cocktail…you will want to go back for more! It is a cruise not to be missed, so gather the mates or family together and join us on an awesome cruise! We look forward to seeing you on our Tropical Cocktail Cruise.
- Free complimentary drink on entry
- Range of tropical cocktails to try
- Tropical fruit platters
- Music
- Bar service
- 2.5hr river cruise - Departs Innisfail Wharf at 5.30pm
Book online through Snapping Tours - $35 per person
Thu 15
Gone Troppo Trivia Night - Feast of the Senses
7:30pm Innisfail RSL Club
Book a team of up to 8 players or just book yourself.
Dress to impress in your most colourful tropical outfit!
Prizes galore for just $2.00 per person entry
The Restaurant & Bar will be operating for the night.
To book direct with the RSL please phone: 4061 1601
Fri 16
Norfoam Northern Food Trail - Feast of the Senses
8:30am - 5:00pm Bus Tour, Innisfail
Join us for a visit to the Johnstone River Community Gardens for a walk and talk through the Indigenous Dyes, Fibre and Food Gardens, then on to Broken Nose Vanilla Farm for morning tea and a fascinating look at growing vanilla beans and their products.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Garradunga Hotel, followed by a fascinating tour & talk at the South Johnstone Department of Agriculture & Fisheries research facility. Patrons should wear sun-safe clothing, walking shoes and hat.
$80 per person - Bookings available through TryBooking.com
Morning tea and Lunch included.
Fri 16
Taste of the Tropics Gala
6:00pm - 9:00pm Johnstone Shire Hall, Rankin Street, Innisfail
Enjoy a feast for all the senses with a taste of the tropics at this gala food event. Enjoy a sumptuous menu selection featuring a grazing table, local, wild-caught prawns and seafood, hot & cold meats and locally sourced tropical fruits and vegetables. A fusion of traditional Italian cuisine and an innovative use of tropical produce will create taste sensations. Vegetarian options available.
Tickets $75 per person, with a Cash bar operating on the night.
Bookings available on TryBooking.com
Fri 16
Ian Moss Matchbook 30th Anniversary Tour
7:30pm Tanks Art Centre
Hot on the heels of the recent metro Matchbook 30th Anniversary Tour dates, Ian Moss is taking the iconic album on the road and he’s stopping in at Tanks for two special shows.
Six of the album’s 10 songs, including Tucker’s Daughter, were written by Cold Chisel bandmate Don Walker; two were co-written by Moss and Walker; and one co-written by Moss, Walker and Cold Chisel drummer, Steve Prestwich.
Fri 16 Apr and Sat 17 Apr: Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start
Sat 17
Bamboo Connect - Building Bridges by Co-Lab
Sat 17 April - Sun 2 May Tanks Art Centre
FREE Weekend Workshops for Kids aged 8-14 years
Hey kids, mums and dads, Co-Lab returns to the Cairns Children’s Festival with Building Bridges, a series of workshops engaging children and their families in the construction of both physical and artistic bridges.
Bamboo is an ancient construction material and is still used today for all sorts of structures. The bamboo used in Bamboo Connect comes from stands that were originally planted by Chinese market gardeners on the slopes of Mt Whitfield for use as garden trellises.
‘Kids in Collaboration’ // 17-18 April
Exploring natural curves & collaborative arches.
‘The Kids’ Bridge’ // 1-2 May
Exploring triangles & arches to create strong structural Partnerships)
All workshops are 2-days (Saturday & Sunday)
Participants can sign up for the morning group, 9.30am - 11.30am or the afternoon group, 1pm - 3pm
Bookings: For more information or to make a booking, call Hedy on 0428 883 121. Limited places are available. Bookings essential.
Sat 17
Trans North Southern Food Trail
8:30am - 5:00pm Bus Tour - Innisfail
Our journey begins with some food for thought with a visit to Ninney Rise Historic House where we enjoy morning tea in tropical surrounds, along with the opportunity to enjoy locally crafted silver jewellery by Liz Gallie. We then take a tour of All Fish for Dogs, an innovative new local business reducing the amount of fish waste, creating food for dogs. Enjoy lunch at Bingil Bay Cafe, followed by a tour of the tropical and exotic Fruit Forest Farm, touring the operation in an open-air vehicle.
**Sold Out**
Sun 18
Australian Bananas River Feast
9:00am - 3:00pm Innisfail
River Feast will be held in Edith Street, in Canecutter Court and along the banks of the beautiful Johnstone River.
The biggest of all the events during the festival is the Australian Bananas River Feast on Sunday 18th April. With gates open at 9.00am, this year’s entry is free. There will be an exotic array of food and produce stalls, arts, crafts and cooking stage.
Our celebrity chef, Kylie Farinelli, of Zumbo’s Desserts and ‘Sugar Queen’ products fame, will demonstrate her extraordinary culinary skills. The cooking competition with local contestants, some ‘celebrities’ in their own right, will endeavour to create the best burgers on the Cassowary Coast.
Sit back and relax at the Findex Entertainment Stage down on the riverbank, featuring local performers and community groups.
Don’t miss the colourful, tasty and aromatic Rare & Tropical Fruit display sponsored by Soils First. You can give just about everything on display the taste test before you bid at auction for the abundant fruit at the end of the day. Local growers will give you all the information you need to know about the fruits on display and some handy hints on what to do with them when you get your produce home.
Hey mums and dads, don’t forget the Feast of Fun Kid Zone on the riverbank, with inflatable rides and activities for kids of all ages, sponsored by Brothers’ Leagues Club. Kids can enjoy craft activities, stories, join in with the creating of a community mural and much more.
Sun 18
SAY I DO Wedding Expo
9:00am - 3:00pm Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns
Say I Do In Tropical North Queensland is all about celebrating the unity of love. At our wedding expo you’ll find all your wedding needs in one place.
Tropical North Queensland’s premier event for all things engagement, wedding and love. Find a wide range of our carefully selected vendors ranging from, photographers, celebrants, florists, venues, stationery, wedding cakes and more.
Wed 21
Cairns Spiritual Centre - Open Day
9:00am - 12:30pm Cairns Spiritual Centre Inc. 1/194 Spence Street Bungalow
The Centre is open Wednesday 9am-12.30pm. $5 entry includes refreshments and meditation. (meditation 9.30 - 10am) Healings and Readings - $20 (approx. 30 mins) concessions available
Drop in for a cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit.
Browse the extensive library, borrow books, hire DVDs and CDs.
You can meet with like-minded people, reconnect with yourself and find new friends.
One of our members leads a different meditation each week.
Healing Book ~ Add the name of the person, country, event that you would like to be healed and healing energy will be focused there at every Meditation. We invite you to volunteer and lead one of your favourite meditations.
Volunteer card readers, healers and admin always welcome
Thu 22
Spiritual Development Evening
6:30pm - 9:30pm Cairns Spiritual Centre Inc. 1/194 Spence Street Bungalow
Each week we have a different facilitator talking about and teaching their special subjects. Some of the subjects covered are numerology, tarot, different healing modalities and even mediumship. To find out what is on this week like our Facebook page or email the secretary to get our weekly "what’s on" newsletter.
Cost to members is $5.00, non-members $8.00
You can join on the night for only $10.00. Membership entitles you to borrow library books and hire CD’s and DVDs at a reasonable cost.
Volunteer speakers, card readers, healers and admin always welcome.
Fri 23
True Vibenation
7:30pm Tanks Arts Centre
Big bass. Big beats. Big Horns.
True Vibenation do everything big. After an explosive performance at Tanks in 2020, this trio of multi-instrumentalists are coming back, and Cairns, you can dance!
Raised in the cultural migrant melting pot of Australia, their sound and the trio themselves, have developed a reputation for an electric live show, which features all three artists producing beats and playing horns live on stage.
Sat 24
Yungaburra Markets
7:30am - 12:30pm Bruce Jones Market Ground
The Yungaburra Markets provide a relaxed family atmosphere and has the philosophy of fostering the value of buying local.
250 local growers, producers and artisans gather to display and sell their produce and handiwork on the ‘Bruce Jones Market Grounds’ in the middle of the historic village of Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands.
Sat 24
FREE AQUA AEROBICS
9:00am - 10:00am Cairns Esplanade
Aquatic exercise is a low impact, effective and fun way to get fit, burn calories, strengthen joints and bones and reduce stress. Aqua Aerobics increases general well-being with little or no impact and you don’t even have to be able to swim. This class is FREE.
Please refer to the Cairns Esplanade Facebook page for up to date class notifications such as cancellations due to bad weather.
Sat 24
Tarot and other readings, Energy Healings, Intuitive Circle and Meditation
9:30am - 2:00pm Cairns Spiritual Centre Inc. 1/194 Spence Street Bungalow
The Centre is open Saturdays 9.30 am to 2pm. $5 entry includes refreshments and meditation. (meditation 12 noon)
Join in the Intuitive Circle between 10 and 11 am
Healings and Readings - $20 (approx. 30 mins) concessions available
Drop in for a cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit.
Browse the extensive library. Borrow books, hire DVDs and CDs.
You can meet with like-minded people, reconnect with yourself and find new friends.
One of our members leads a different meditation each week.
Healing Book ~ Add the name of the person, country, event that you would like to be healed and healing energy will be focused there at every Meditation. We invite you to volunteer and lead one of your favourite meditations.
Volunteer card readers, healers and
admin always welcome
Sat 24
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
7:30pm CPAC Theatre
Australia’s favourite comedy convoy is locked, loaded and hitting every corner of the country!
Join our diverse line-up of the hottest acts direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a very special show that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone.
For over twenty years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song to towns and cities across Australia.
Sun 25
ANZAC Day Dawn Services
Various Sites throughout FNQ
Dawn Services, parades and marches will be happening across the north this Sunday April 25 as we pause to remember those who served.
A full listing of events can be found on the Cairns Local News website, from Cardwell to Cooktown, the North will pause to remember.
Sun 25
ANZAC Day Trinity Beach
5:30am - 7:00am Vasey Esplanade Memorial, Trinity Beach
ANZAC Day Dawn Service will commence at 5.30am at Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach.
Please be aware that the cenotaph has been relocated. It is now located at the T Junction of Vasey Esplanade and Trinity Beach Rd.
There will be road closures for the event from 3am. Parking will not be available on Vasey Esplanade.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at operating food venues for this event.
Sun 25
ANZAC Day
11:30am Brothers Cairns
Join us at Brothers Leagues Club this ANZAC Day!
Enjoy a meal at Lanterns Restaurant from 11:30am or join us for Two-up and Raffles from 1pm!
Raffle tickets are on sale for $1, with draws running every half an hour.
Lest We Forget.
Please note that the Queenslander Bar, Shamrock Bar, TAB and Gaming will be open from 1pm.
Mon 26
Meditation on Twin Hearts & Mini Pranic Healing Clinic
6:30pm Cairns Spiritual Centre Inc. 1/194 Spence Street Bungalow
Join Kaylah for this very rewarding healing meditation, followed by mini Pranic Healing sessions... Come early for intro and a chat.
Meditation on Twin Hearts is a core meditation of Pranic Healing. It activates the Heart and Crown chakras by blessing the Earth with Loving Kindness.
Benefits Include.....
Inner peace and happiness
Improving mood and physical vitality
Better memory and concentration
Harmonious relationships and better self confidence
Clarity of mind and improved efficiency
The practice is guided and suitable for beginners and experienced meditators.
For more information call Kaylah on 0438 183 951.
Tue 27
Energy Healings, Tarot, Intuitive & other Readings Evening
6:30pm - 8:00pm Cairns Spiritual Centre Inc. 1/194 Spence Street Bungalow
Everyone is welcome
at these friendly and informal evenings. You are also welcome to volunteer your
gift as a healer, reader or both! We aim for everyone attending to receive
at least one healing or reading of 20 minutes.
Healing practitioners of various modalities including Reiki, intuitive channelled
energy, the Emotion Code and Healing Touch are regularly available. These
evenings have an exceptional energy about them, which is very relaxed.
Entry: $10.00
Volunteer card readers, healers and admin always welcome.
Thu 29
Mount Garnet Races & Rodeo 2021
Thu 29 April - Mon 3 May LD Lucey Memorial Park, Kennedy Highway, Mt Garnet
The Annual Races & Rodeo are back for another year with a weekend full of family fun and entertainment.
Kicking off Thursday Night with a Meet & Greet at the Golf Club from 6pm.
2 days of Racing on Friday and Saturday followed by Cabarets each night.
Then the Rodeo to follow on Sunday and Cabaret Sunday night.
Thurs 29 April:
Meet & Greet at Golf Club with Raffles and BBQ from 6pm and Bar open until late
Friday 30 April:
Race Day with the Calcutta, 5 Race Program, and the day finishing with a Cabaret featuring the band Careless
Saturday 1 May:
Race Day with the Calcutta, 6 race program, Fashions on the Field and the day finishing with a Cabaret featuring the band Careless
Sunday 2 May:
Ironbark Cattle Co. Rodeo: The action starts at 9am with an Early bird breakfast from 6.30am. Trade Exhibitions over the day and merchandise available. The Grand Parade happens on Sunday and another Cabaret with Special Artist: Shandell Hilditch.
Monday 3 May:
Recovery Breakfast at Golf Club, with a Breathalyser available for a Gold Coin Donation. The MGATC Members Meeting is at 10am.
This event is an ABCRA AFFILIATED Full Points Rodeo
Nominations Open Soon
Food an licenced bar available all weekend.
Camping and facilities are also available.
COST : $90 WEEKEND PASS*
*includes Camping and entry to Races, Rodeo and Cabarets. Children 16 years and under FREE.
Mt Garnet Rodeo will be operating under a COVID Safe Event Plan
Health Screening questions and QR Scan will take place on entry to the L.D. Lucey Memorial Park, manage your arrival, don’t leave it until just before the event as there may be congestion at front gate. The Front gate of L.D. Lucey Memorial Park will be manned 24/7 as of Thursday the 29th of April 2021.
See www.mtgarnetrodeo.com.au and https://www.facebook.com/mtgarnetrodeo/ for more details.