Entertainment
9 May, 2026
Countdown to Shire Carnivale
NEW events and headline acts have been announced for the 2026 Port Douglas Carnivale, with organisers promising 10 days of festivities from 15 to 24 May.
The annual event will culminate in a full weekend of celebrations from 22 to 24 May, featuring a mix of new attractions and returning favourites across more than 30 events.
New highlights include the Paramour Cabaret, offering shows designed for adults, alongside a family-friendly comedy night, and the Coastal Show and Shine, a motor show showcasing vintage vehicles.
The program also introduces the Savannah Sounds music festival at Rex Smeal Park on the seafront.
Presented by Douglas Shire Council, the three-day Savannah Sounds line-up features Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Sneaky Sound System and Dragon.
Long-time favourites will return, including the Macrossan Street Parade and fireworks, The Tin Shed’s Family Beach Day, Longest Lunch, Sideshow Alley, art and photography exhibitions and the Sunday Markets.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the expanded program had generated strong interest, with the event continuing to play an important role in the region.
“Port Douglas Carnivale is an important part of the Douglas community’s culture and it showcases our incredible destination to a new audience with more than 13,000 visitor nights generated last year,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“This year Carnivale coincides with the Port Douglas Yacht Club’s Race Week, which will help to stretch out the festivities even further before the Carnivale finale of vintage vehicles at the all-new Coastal Show and Shine motor show.
“There is a great mix of free and ticketed events to keep all ages and interests entertained, from the Go Troppo 2026 art exhibition inspired by this year’s Carnivale theme of Ancient Wonder to the Douglas Dash on Four Mile Beach.”
More information and ticket bookings are available at www.bit.ly/4uc46Hr, with organisers expecting strong community involvement and visitor numbers across the 10-day program.
