Entertainment
28 August, 2026
‘Mini’ fringe free for all
A FREE 10-day First Nations-led festival will bring more than 100 artists, performers, filmmakers, cultural facilitators and creatives to Gimuy/Cairns from Friday 28 August.
Voices of Kin will take over Elixir Music House and Cairns Melting Pot at 92 Abbott Street until Sunday 6 September, with a program spanning music, dance, storytelling, film, visual art, workshops, food and community events.
Presented by 4 Hearts Creative Collective and Elixir Music House, the mini fringe festival places First Nations voices at the centre of the program while bringing together creatives from Gimuy, Far North Queensland and beyond.
Festival lead Sky Rixon said the event aimed to provide a space for artists and the wider community to connect.
“Voices of Kin is about creating a space where culture can be shared, artists can be seen and heard, and people from all walks of life can come together,” she said.
“It places First Nations voices at the heart of the program while welcoming the whole community into an experience shaped by storytelling, creativity, generosity and connection.”
The program is led by Yolŋu singer-songwriter Yirrmal (right), First Nations artist and activist Gurridyula and Creative Bama Connections, alongside a broad line-up of regional performers.
The festival opens on Friday 28 August with Bama Unplugged, featuring music, dance, food, community and storytelling, presented by Creative Bama Connections.
Saturday 29 August will feature hip-hop, dance and DJs, while Integrated Media will present a dedicated Movie Day on Sunday 30 August featuring First Nations stories and regional screen works.
The midweek program features Holy Funk, Elixir’s Open Mic hosted by Ben Jansz, and The Gatho, before live music continues over the final weekend.
Workshops will include Online Branding and Communication: Youth with a Music Focus, Garment Bleaching, Coconut Leaves Weaving and Spear Making. A festival-long exhibition at Cairns Melting Pot will showcase the work of Selena Furnari, Naurita Briscoe and Strait Creationz.
All events are free, with the festival concluding on Sunday 6 September with Gurridyula, Walker and Oliver Bros Unplugged, Black Crubais, Hxllsixty, Viv Aisi Band, Tani James and FNQ Samba.
