Entertainment
12 July, 2026
New and old at annual show
NEW attractions alongside old favourites will feature at the 121st Cairns Show, which also celebrates 150 years of Cairns and the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC, when it returns to the city’s showgrounds from 15-17 July.
Organisers say this year’s event will feature new attractions alongside long-standing favourites, with a focus on community participation, agriculture and local talent.
Cairns Show events coordinator Heather Rowlands said the annual event had brought the Far North Queensland community together for more than a century.
“The Cairns Show has always been a celebration of our community,” she said. “For 121 years, we’ve showcased local talent, agriculture and businesses, while bringing people together to celebrate everything that makes Far North Queensland so special.”
Ms Rowlands said the 2026 show would also recognise two significant milestones by introducing new Indigenous art competitions.
“This year is particularly exciting as we also celebrate 150 years of Cairns and recognise the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC,” she said.
“We’re proud to introduce new Indigenous art competitions to honour this important milestone and encourage artists of all ages to share their stories and culture.”
The three-day event will include livestock competitions, equestrian events, woodchopping, entertainment, sideshow alley, food vendors, educational displays and hundreds of competition classes across the showgrounds.
The Cairns Show Association is encouraging locals to enter competition sections, including visual arts, photography, craft and needlework, horticulture, fruit and vegetables, home economics, woodwork and animal categories such as cavies, poultry and dogs.
Many sections will continue accepting entries on their scheduled delivery day to encourage first-time exhibitors.
Ms Rowlands said newcomers were encouraged to take part.
“Some of the best entries come from people who’ve never entered before,” she said.
“Whether you’ve grown a beautiful orchid, painted a landscape, taken an incredible photograph or knitted something special, we’d love to see it on display. The Cairns Show belongs to the whole community.”
The association is also urging families to buy tickets early to avoid queues, with thousands of visitors expected to attend.
Visitors can expect entertainment, agricultural displays, live demonstrations, community performances, animal experiences and fireworks across the three days.
Competition schedules, ticket information and event details are available online at: www.cnslocal.s.gy/Nhrc5d
