Tropic Weekender: Our curated guide to the best upcoming events around Cairns


This weekend's huge for Cairns' art community – the 2020 Archibald Prize is here. 

There's also a tasty craft beer and comedy event lined up at Motel Nomad, as well as a few local Big Bash matches.  

The weather looks like it'll remain fairly clear with max temperatures of 31C. 

Find your weekend here. 



Friday 19 March

Halpin Hurricanes are taking on Designer First Homes Dare Devils at Griffiths Park tonight, batting off at 6:30pm. There’s another four Barrier Reef Big Bash matches scheduled this weekend too. Find the details here.

Cairns Taipans are in Perth tonight to play the Wildcats. Catch all the action on SBS On Demand from 8:30pm AEST. 

Saturday 20 March

The Archibald Prize has arrived! All 55 works in Australia’s most prestigious portraiture prize are on display at Cairns Art Gallery. The historic exhibition, which has never exhibited in Queensland before, is free to view in Cairns Monday to Saturday, until May 2. Find all you need to know here

Those who prefer creating a canvas rather than admiring one might like to join a Textural Patterns in Nature workshop at Tanks Arts Centre Saturday morning. Artist Sonia La Spina will take students through depicting and replicating patterns from nature, using charcoal and mixed media. $60pp, 10:30am to 1:30pm. Bookings are essential.

Laneway / Motel Nomad are taking it up a notch this FROTH FEST. Featuring a range of seasonal releases from 16 different craft breweries, live music, comedy, and food by Hungry Nomad, this afternoon session isn’t one to miss. Tickets are $10 and include a beer cooler on entry.

Archibald enthusiasts (admittedly, us included) will be at an Artist Talk with Nick Stathopoulos on Saturday evening. The six-time Archibald finalist will share stories of his currently-exhibiting portrait of Ngaiire. 5:15 to 6pm, limited tickets ($15pp) are left.

Sunday 21 March

Sea Shepherd are hosting a beach clean-up along the Esplanade bright and early this Sunday morning. Meet the crew at 7am outside Muddy’s Cafe.  

The Pier Markets are back to becoming a regular feature in our calendar. On the third Sunday of every month you’ll find a collection of gifts, clothing, homewares, accessories, natural beauty products and pet products. 9am to 2pm, free entry.

The Snakes are expected to have another tight battle with the Sydney Kings this afternoon. Cheer on the Taipans from 4pm AEST.