Entertainment
3 August, 2026
Taste of India in the tropics
AN expanded week-long celebration of Indian culture, food, music, dance and multicultural community life across Cairns and Far North Queensland signals the return of the Cairns Indian Festival in September 2026.
Organised by GOPIO Cairns, Cairns Indian Festival Week 2026 will run from 5 to 12 September, culminating in the festival’s main event at Fogarty Park on Saturday 12 September from 11am to 9pm.
GOPIO president Subash Chetry said what began as a community cultural celebration had developed into one of Far North Queensland’s major multicultural events.
“The festival brings together families, residents, visitors, performers, local businesses, food vendors and community organisations while showcasing the growing contribution of the Indian community to the social, cultural and economic life of the region,” he said.
“The 2024 festival welcomed more than 5000 people and included over 30 food, business and community stalls.
“The festival continued to grow in 2025, attracting a diverse audience and presenting cultural performances, live entertainment, family activities and authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Cairns.
“The 2026 festival is expected to raise the standard of entertainment even further, with almost 50 visiting performers from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Townsville, appearing alongside talented local performers from Cairns and surrounding areas.
“The program will feature a broad representation of Indian culture, including traditional and contemporary dance, live music, drumming and high-energy stage performances.”
Behind the festival is GOPIO Cairns, the local chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin. GOPIO Cairns is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit community organisation that promotes cultural connection, community participation, business engagement, youth development and stronger relationships between the Indian community and the wider Australian population.
The organisation also supports charitable initiatives, community programs, cultural events, visiting dignitaries and opportunities for Indian Australians to participate in and contribute to the broader Far North Queensland community.
Festival week will begin with the ‘Bollywood Sunset Social’ at Novotel Cairns on Saturday 5 September from 6pm to 10 pm.
Set against Cairns’ tropical evening atmosphere, the event will offer a stylish and relaxed social experience combining Bollywood-inspired entertainment, music and opportunities for guests from different cultural and professional backgrounds to connect. It is designed as an elegant opening to festival week and a chance to celebrate Indian culture in a contemporary Cairns setting. The program will continue with ‘Chaat Bazaar at Delhi Express’ on 6 September, featuring the flavours and atmosphere of India’s famous street-food culture.
The ‘Southern Spice Table’ at SpicyBite Smithfield on 9 September will highlight the distinctive dishes and culinary traditions of southern India.
The largest celebration will be the main event at Fogarty Park on 12 September. The free community event will feature cultural performances, live music, Indian food, market stalls, community displays, family activities and entertainment for all ages.
The event will also include the GOPIO Awards, recognising outstanding contributions in areas such as business, community service and youth achievement and also a raffles to support local charities.
Festival week will conclude with ‘Bollywood After Dark’ at The Woolshed from 10pm on 12 September.
Further information about tickets, sponsorship, vendors, performers and participation is available at www.cnslocal.s.gy/skE3jt
