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

It's all dining, wining and good times coming up in Cairns, with two food festivals spanning the weekend, as well as an exciting new ice creamery opening and charity fundraiser at C'est Bon. 

There's also pool parties, live music, markets, a huge vintage clothes sale and the annual Cairns 5k Colour Frenzy. 

The weather's looking like uninterrupted sun and light breezes, with tops of 32 degrees. 

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Friday 8 October

The Silver Fox Jazz Band is playing at Elixir Bar this Friday, delivering smooth, sassy and fun New Orleans Dixieland jazz straight to your soul. 6pm to 9pm, $5 at the door. 

The inaugural Cairns Food & Wine Festival kicks off tonight with a Seafood Feast at Ochre Restaurant, followed by an all-day event at Munro Martin Parklands on Saturday.

Taste Port Douglas also returns this weekend. The four-day event, presented by Sheraton, brings forward some of Australia’s most inspiring chefs to host masterclasses, long lunches, and delectable eating experiences.

Saturday 9 October

The Showgrounds will be bursting with pre-loved threads, shoes and accessories this Saturday morning as Your Wardrobe Cairns makes its return. 9am to 1pm, gold coin donation on entry.

Mungalli Creek’s latest venture, The Dairy, has its grand opening this weekend. The new ice creamery and milk bar on the Esplanade is offering two for one scoops to celebrate! Midday to 9pm.

One of the region’s longest running event, Babinda Harvest Festival, is on again this weekend. The day starts bright and early with markets and runs until late, featuring tractor pulls, live music, fireworks, food and the annual crowning of the Festival Queen.

Sip champagne, lounge poolside or float the day away at the Crystalbrook Riley Pool Party this Saturday. Tickets are $20 and include a welcome cocktail.

The very first Cairns Latin American Festival is here, featuring live music and entertainment, dance, kids activities and food by Mr. Jalapeno and The Bad Hunter. Tickets essential.

Sunday 10 October

Wandering a long stretch of beachside market stalls sounds like an ideal Sunday morning activity. Holloways Beach Markets are on this weekend, 8am to 1pm.

The Cairns 5k Colour Frenzy is on again this weekend, raising money for local animal rescue services. Run, jog, walk or wheel the Esplanade trail, and bring along your dog too! 8.30am to 10am.  

C’est Bon is hosting an afternoon of top-quality food, live music and locally made gin this Sunday, all to support Cairns-based charity COUCH Wellness Centre. Tickets essential.