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

2018 is almost over and it looks like we're finishing off the year with a little bit of that lovely tropical rain!

Expect rain on both days this weekend and even possible thunderstorms on Saturday. However, lucky for us, this weekend will certainly be a lot cooler than the last, with maximum temperatures of 28C. Despite the weather, don't let the grey skies stop you from having a blast this New Year's weekend.

This week, Tropic Weekender includes a range of live music performances across the region which will get you in the celebratory mood (and keep you nice and dry). Make sure you make some great last memories in before the New Year begins!

Whatever you do, make it an awesome tropical weekend.

Saturday December 29

1. End of Year Party at The Jack: Info

2. Some Like It Salty foodie event at Gilligans: Info

3. Saturday Session at McGinty's Irish Bar: Info

4. Double Island Locals Day Out: Info

5. The Billy Turner Trio live at The ORB: Info

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

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

8. Cairns Esplanade Markets: Info

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

10. Kingsley live at Coco's: Info

11. Sunset Ragga live at Cazalys: Info

12. Harmonique live at Elixir Music Bar: Info

Sunday December 30

13. Sangria N Sounds with Pauly P: Info

14. Funday Sundays at Tobruk Memorial Pool: Info

15. Left Unsupervised live at NOA: Info

16. Free entry at Cairns Art Gallery: Info

17. Blues on the Boil at Elixir: Info

18. Bobby Maguire live at the Cotton Club: Info

19. Sunday Arvo Sessions at Chill Cafe: Info

20. Smooth Sunday at The Bluewater: Info

21. Sunday Sessions with Willow Willis: Info

22. DJ Moose at Hemingway's Brewery: 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: 23 awesome things to check out in TNQ before the new year begins

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

Saturday December 29

Sunday December 30

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