Tropic Weekender: Your insider guide to the best events this weekend

Welcome to summer!

It's going to be a steamy start to the season, with max temperatures of 32C across the weekend and 40-60% chance of showers.

There are some cool events planned around the region this weekend including the Cairns on a Fork at the Cruise Liner Terminal, the monthly markets at Tanks and Apex Milk Bar has some relaxing acoustic tunes as part of its new Sunday opening offering.

If you're in the mood to escape the heat, we suggest a relaxing gin & tonic in the air-con of cocktail bar Gin Social at the Hilton Cairns. The bar opens at 4pm.

Whatever your plans are, have a great tropical weekend!

Saturday 2 December

1. Cairns Taipans vs Sydney Kings: Info

2. Tropical Tree Day Festival on the banks of the Barron River: Info

3. Josh Pyke live at the Tanks: Info

4. CATCH di FYAH at Elixir Tapas Bar: Info

5. Fusing Sands exhibition at Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre: Info

6. Dancehouse dancers present Alladin at CoCA: Info

7. Grab a cocktail at Gin Social at the Hilton Cairns: Info

8. Free entry at Cairns Art Gallery: Info

9. World's Worst Restaurant by Cairns Dinner Theatre: Info

10. Free Active Living Aqua Aerobics at the Cairns Lagoon: Info

11. Mossman Markets: Info

Sunday 3 December

12. Cycling Skills Workshop at PhyxMe Physiotherapy: Info

13. Big Design exhibition at Tanks Arts Centre: Info

14. Sinterklaas Feest at the German Club Cairns: Info

15. Charity screening of Paddington 2 at Event Cinemas Cairns: Info

16. Sunday Sessions at Apex Milk Bar: Info

17. Friends of Botanic Gardens Xmas plant sale: Info

18. Cairns Tropic Jazz Sundays at the Cape York Hotel: Info

Christmas parties seem to be taking over everyone's calendars, lucky we've got a few more options to fill in all the blanks. Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi is sharing his take after five years in Aus. NorthSite is hosting an artist meetup, as well as a new exhibition launch. We have a couple workshops by The Posy Crew and Annee herself with a Vietnamese coffee masterclass at Nu Nu. Plus, there are a few end of year performances by local choir, dance and community groups.

There's now no denying what time of year it is, so to shimmy in all the festivities we have a bunch of Christmas events all weekend long. JUTE's young talent is on full display with help from Overall Arts, and we have comedy at the Tanks with The War on 2023 wrapping the year up in a messy little bow. Paramour Cabaret is back for one night only, James R. Thomas is hitting the stage at Elixir, and Rock'n'Roar4 Paws is in Mareeba this time to raise funds for the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

Discover the vibrant art scene in Cairns with our guide to current and upcoming exhibitions and events. Explore contemporary works by local artists, visit galleries, and attend cultural events all in one place. Stay updated on the latest happenings in Cairns' art community and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage.

Tropic Weekender: 18 awesome things to do this weekend

Tropic Weekender: Your insider guide to the best events this weekend

Saturday 2 December

Sunday 3 December

Read more

A Guide to art exhibitions and events in Cairns

More than boobs, booties and biceps: Tropic's list of Cairns influencers

50 must-try cheap eats in Cairns for $15 or less

Our guide to Friday knock-offs

Tropic Weekender: The best events and things to do in Cairns

Tropic Weekender: The best events and things to do in Cairns

A Guide to art exhibitions and events in Cairns