Entertainment
5 September, 2026
Thousands enjoy festival’s fun and games
MORE than 40,000 people filled Cairns’ streets, parks and arts and cultural venues for the opening weekend of the 64th Cairns Festival.
The 10-day festival began with large crowds across the city, including more than 30,000 people lining the Esplanade for Saturday night’s grand parade, according to initial figures.
The parade featured 69 floats and was part of celebrations marking Cairns’ 150th anniversary.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the opening weekend drew strong crowds.
“Initial figures suggest over 30,000 people lined the Esplanade for Saturday night’s grand parade, with 69 floats taking part. It is always one of my favourite events and the atmosphere was incredible,” Cr Eden said.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate Cairns and its 150th anniversary. Having our biggest grand parade in many years is a fantastic result and a real reflection of the pride, creativity and community spirit that make this festival so special.”
Friday night’s main stage featured The Pad Boys, Tjaka and Electric Fields, while Saturday’s program included Burger Joint, Hot Potato Band, Horns of Leroy and Caravana Sun, plus a fireworks display.
More than 2500 people attended Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s performance at Munro Martin Parklands, while Adam Kelly’s award-winning ARCO was staged at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
The Twilight Markets, Catch of the Day! exhibition, Fever Lounge and Em Rusiciano drew more than 8000 people to the Tanks Arts Centre precinct in Edge Hill. The festival continues this week with live music, theatre, visual arts, family entertainment and community events across the city.
The festival main stage concludes on Sunday 6 September, featuring Yindali Sharp, Desiree Hobbins, Owen Jacob Band, MC Pyrit, Urelle & the Jams and Miss Tee Ketu Band.
The festival will wrap up on Father’s Day (Sunday 6 September) with Carnival on Collins, featuring more than 200 market stalls, local food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities along Collins Avenue, Edge Hill and at the Tanks Arts Centre precinct.
