Entertainment
6 July, 2025
Tanks centre of attention
CAIRNS’ beloved Tanks Arts Centre is turning up the heat this July with a stacked lineup of music, culture and soul-stirring performances – headlined by the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and followed by a trio of powerhouse Australian music acts.
Leading the charge is CIAF, returning from July 10 to 13 and once again transforming the heritage rainforest venue into a bustling hub of Indigenous art, dance, fashion, music and cultural storytelling. Tanks will serve as one of CIAF’s key event locations, hosting workshops, artist talks, performances and pop-up exhibitions that celebrate the strength and diversity of Queensland’s First Nations cultures. With a reputation for drawing thousands of visitors each year, CIAF is the heart of July at Tanks and a must-attend event for anyone wanting to experience the creative pulse of the region.
Then, on Thursday July 17, it’s time to ride a wave of nostalgia as Australian roots favourites The Beautiful Girls roll into town for the 20th anniversary tour of their classic album We’re Already Gone. Known for laidback grooves and surf-soaked songwriting, the band will perform the 2003 album – including fan favourites like ‘Let’s Take The Long Way Home’ and ‘Skipping Cracks’ – in its entirety. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, it’s set to be a feel-good night of pure Aussie soul.
The spotlight then shifts to one of the country’s most enduring voices – Kate Ceberano, who returns to Tanks on Friday, July 25. With a career spanning more than four decades, Ceberano is a genre-defying powerhouse, blending pop, jazz and soul in a way that continues to captivate audiences. Expect old favourites, new tracks, and a vocal performance that only gets better with time.
Rounding out the month is a night of blistering blues with Dave Hole, playing Saturday 26 July. A true guitar legend and ARIA Hall of Famer, Hole’s slide guitar prowess has earned him international acclaim and a cult following. This rare live appearance promises raw energy, masterful musicianship, and the kind of blues that shakes you to your core.
With a lineup this strong, July at Tanks Arts Centre is shaping up to be a month of powerful performances and unforgettable moments – all set in one of Cairns’ most iconic venues.
Tickets and info available at tanksartscentre.com
