Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns

It's the last weekend of the Olympics, and possibly the last of our seemingly endless stretch of perfect weather! 

Rain, hail or shine, there's plenty to do across Cairns this weekend.

From a craft beer festival to the Marliya choir in collab with Cat Empire, as well as a huge second-hand book event and live music, we've got all the details here. 

There's a high chance of showers forecast for Sunday, but fairly clear weather today and tomorrow. 

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Friday 6 August

Guyala Café is hosting its third Wine & Cheese night, offering guests five speciality wines and a selection of gourmet cheeses, along with a glass of prosecco on arrival. 5:30pm start, tickets essential.

MDSR Freshwater Festival is all things fun and free this Friday, with kids’ tennis games, face painting, market stalls and stacks of different food stalls to choose from. 5.30pm start at the Freshwater Tennis Club.

A group of Cairns girls who not only sold out the Sydney Opera House, but brought its audience to their feet, are returning to their hometown with the very same performance. Head to CPAC this Friday to see Spinifex Gum, a collaboration between Marliya choir and The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl. 7.30pm start, tickets essential.

Saturday 7 August

Gordonvale Markets are on this morning, where you’ll find a huge variety of plants, clothes and handcrafts in Norman Park until midday.

There’s few things we love more than a good garage sale! Edge Hill State School is hosting its biggest garage sale ever, 8am to 1pm.  

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation squad is tackling its annual 25 kilometre run this Saturday. Cheer them on from their start in Redlynch or finish in Cairns. 6.15am to 8.15am and onwards.  

With more than 40 different craft beer labels on offer, this weekend’s Froth Fest at Laneway may just be the biggest iteration yet. $15 ticket includes beer on arrival and DJ entertainment throughout the arvo. 3pm start, pre-purchased tickets essential.   

Ahead of its huge three-day festival coming in October, Savannah in the Round is bringing artist Camille Trail to the Pier Bar on both Friday and Saturday for the launch of her debut album 'River of Sins' – a sultry melting pot of country, folk, blues and gospel. Free event, 7pm start both nights.

Sunday 8 August

More markets! Head to Holloways Beach and wander along the huge stretch of stalls on the waterfront. 8am start.

Amid the fair’s postponement to November, those eager to catch some CIAF action can head to its satellite exhibition opening at Tanks Art Centre this weekend. Where’s Your Permit, on display until August 22, is described as ‘a platform for truth telling [and] insight to the oppressive policies and paternalistic treatment of Queensland’s First Peoples.’

Today’s the last day to drop into Vinnies Mega Book Sale! Across the weekend, more than 50,000 books will be on offer at the annual event. Showgrounds Shopping Centre, 9am to 3pm.