Tropic Weekender: Your curated guide to the best events across the Cairns region this weekend

It's certainly starting to feel a lot like summer - and Christmas - here in the Tropical North!

Expect maximum temperatures of 33C this Saturday and 32C on Sunday with chances of rain on both days; however, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained over the next 48 hours.

This edition of Tropic Weekender provides some great events across the region, such as Christmas On A Fork, plenty of live music and even a full moon night paddle at Lake Tinaroo.

Whatever you do, make it an awesome tropical weekend!

Saturday December 22

1. Boing Boing and Machine Machine Homecomin’ Assembly at Kezz Bar: Info

2. Christmas On A Fork: Info

3. School Holiday Art Workshops at Cairns Art Gallery: Info

4. Christmas Variety Show at Cairns Dinner Theatre: Info

5. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at Box Jelly Theatre Co: Info

6. Drewboy live at Hemingway's Brewery: Info

7. 3's A Crowd live at Coco's: Info

8. Grom Session at Cairns Aqua and Wake Park: Info

9. FREE Active Living Sahaja Yoga Meditation Class at the Esplanade: Info

10. Cairns Esplanade Markets: Info

11. FREE Active Living Aqua Aerobics at the Lagooon: Info

12. Elemental live at the Salt House: Info

13. Green Ant Cantina Christmas Closing Party: Info

14. Whoodafunkit live at The Cotton Club: Info

Sunday December 23

15. Local Full Moon Night Paddle at Lake Tinaroo: Info

16. Tablelands Music Lovers Christmas Party: Info

17. Kingsley the Piano Man live at the Casino: Info

18. Trad Irish Session at McGinty's Irish Bar: Info

19. Free entry at Cairns Art Gallery: Info

20. Blues on the Boil at Elixir: Info

21. Bobby Maguire at the Conservatory Bar: Info

22. Sunday Arvo Sessions at Chill Cafe: Info

23. Lucky Phil live at Strait on the Beach: Info

24. Steve Rockman live at Hemingway's Brewery: Info

25. Sunday Sessions with Willow Willis: 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.

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