Entertainment
16 May, 2025
Inspiring children’s festival
CAIRNS will be bursting with colour, creativity and curiosity when the Cairns Children’s Festival lands in the city this weekend, bringing standout exhibitions, entertaining plays and lots to explore and play for the young minds.
The Court House Gallery will be at the heart of the festival, featuring three exhibitions to capture young minds – and young-at-heart adults – to explore, play and create.
The Cairns Children’s Festival will run tomorrow and Sunday with a full day program across the city.
First up is the magical Star Weaver Pavilion by Slow Art Collective. This evolving, hands-on installation invites festivalgoers into a vibrant world of weaving, knotting and connection.
Using sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled yarn, visitors can contribute to a large-scale tapestry that grows more beautiful with each passerby. Whether you’re mastering finger knitting, dabbling in macramé, or tying your first knot, it’s all about shared creativity.
Meanwhile, two of the National Gallery’s renowned Art Cases will pop open at the gallery, offering a rare chance to get up close and hands-on with real artworks. Designed to travel to schools, libraries and community spaces around the country, these cases are treasure chests of tactile art discovery.
The Red Case: Bodies explores how we experience and remember the world through our bodies. From the movement of muscles to the emotional weight of memory, the pieces in this collection provoke big thoughts through bold and tangible art. The Orange Case: Form and Function celebrates the crossover between everyday usefulness and extraordinary design. Expect to find objects that pour tea, give light or grind pepper – but with an artistic twist.
Finally, Tomorrowland offers a hopeful, imaginative glimpse into the future through the eyes of children. Curated by Cairns’ own Sorami Ochi, the exhibition gathers works from Far North Queensland and our Japanese sister city, Minami. Featuring art from kindergartens and primary schools, this annual exhibition is equal parts heart-warming and inspiring.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said she expected to see the festival continue to grow this year.
“The festival has grown in popularity and continues to provide a vibrant platform for young creatives, all in a safe and fun environment that encourages family participation,” she said.
Whether you’re weaving a masterpiece, exploring a pepper grinder or dreaming of the world to come, Court House Gallery’s Cairns Children’s Festival exhibitions prove that creativity knows no age limits.
For a full program of the Cairns Children’s Festival, visit https://bit.ly/3kJlP6G
