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

This weekend we celebrate one of the most important days of the year... Mother's Day! A special thanks to all the fabulous FNQ mothers out there. Time to celebrate, right mums!

But first, the weather forecast. It looks like the sun will shine this weekend with maximum temperatures of 28C on Saturday and 27C on Sunday, and only a 5-20% chance of light showers. Perfect weather to enjoy the massive bundle of events we've got listed for you!

Whatever you do, make it an awesome tropical weekend!

Saturday May 11

Cairns Craft Beer Festival is on this Saturday at Hemingway's Brewery!

1. Pink in the Tropics round by AFL Cairns: Info

2. Cairns Craft Beer Festival at Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf: Info

3. Street Art for our Oceans by Cairns and Far North Environment Centre: Info

4. Zennith at Tanks Arts Centre: Info

5. Cabaresque at Paramour Cabaret Theatre: Info

6. French Film Festival at Cairns Performing Arts Centre: Info

7. Cocktails at Gin Social: Info

8. Operation Fur-ever Home Adoption Day at Cannon Park Racecourse: Info

9. Cairns Esplanade Markets: Info

10. Mother's Day Arts and Craft at Mt Sheridan Plaza: Info

11. Music in the Park at Machans Beach Sports and Rec Group Inc: Info

12. Rock n Sweet at Cairns Esplanade: Info

13. Latin Dance Party at Cairns Latin Dance Club: Info

14. Free Bamboo Workshops for Kids at Tanks Arts Centre: Info

15. Industry Connect at Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre: Info

16. Orchid Society Flower Show at Mt Sheridan Plaza: Info

17. Lisa Hunt live at The Reef Hotel Casino: Info

18. Julian James live at The ORB: Info

19. Eddie Skiba live at The Salt House: Info

20. Makin' Whoopee Maker's Markets at Edge Hill State School: Info

21. Lip Sync Battle at Fretwell Park: Info

Sunday May 12

Mother's Day at Paper Crane, Riley resort

22. Mother's Day Classic Fun Run/Walk at Cairns Esplanade: Info

23. Mumm for Mum High Tea at The Chambers: Info

24. Mother's Day Bottomless Buffet at The Surf Club Palm Cove: Info

25. Mother's Day at The Bluewater: Info

26. Mother’s Day Buck’s Fizz Brunch at Paper Crane, Riley Resort: Info

27. Mother's Day at Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa: Info

28. Holloways Beach Markets: Info

29. Soul Jah live at Cairns Esplanade: Info

30. Glacier Rock plays at Portsmith Club: Info

31. Woree Markets: Info

32. Mother's Day Buffet Breakfast at Balaclava Hotel: Info

33. Mother's Day at Pullman Cairns International: Info

34. Love Mum at Cairns Colonial Club Resort: Info

35. Bobby Maguire live at Greenfields by Crystalbrook: 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: 35 awesome events to check out in Cairns this weekend

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

Saturday May 11

Sunday May 12

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