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

We're in for a corker of a weekend with sunny skies and temperature tops around the mid-20s.

You can head out fossicking at GemFest, get your vocal chords going at Tropical SongFest or check out Lisa Mitchell's new songs live.

This weekend also has plenty of sports and motor racing action, plus comedy events and a celebration of apples at the German Club.

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Friday 22 July

The Rondo Theatre is hosting a comedy spectacular featuring two contemporary comedies, Catfish Jumping and Doctor's Dilemma, that have been penned by local playwright Greg Roberts. They'll run for three nights only, opening this Thursday. Tickets via the venue.

Tropical SongFest is returning to Cairns for a weekend of intensive joyful harmony in the safe hands of choirmaster Brian Martin from July 22 - 24. The weekend attracts singers and choir leaders from far afield but is for everyone, from beginners to accomplished singers. Bookings here.

Everything apple - from pies to sauce and of course schnapps will be celebrated at the German Club's Apfelfest. It also features the delicious apple pie moonshine made by local distiller, Narrow Tracks.

The Cairns Businesswoman of the year will be announced at the annual award ceremony at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, hosted by the Cairns Business Women's Club.

TV of yesteryear will be re-visited through The Robertson Brothers 1960s TV Variety Show. Special guest Simon Brook McLachlan from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys will join the show at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. CPAC will also host St Monica's and St Augustine's Colleges' performance of the play Hating Alison Ashley. Tickets for both via Ticketlink.

Saturday 23 July

Gem Fest, put on by the Cairns Mineral and Lapidary Club, will feature gems, minerals, gold panning, jewellery making and cabochon making. Food and drinks will also be available. More details can be found on their Facebook page.

We've waited six years, but much-loved artist Lisa Mitchell is finally releasing her fifth and most accomplished album, A Place to Fall Apart.  Hear her perform the tracks live for the first time at Tanks Art Centre. Tickets via Ticketlink.

CPAC will be showing a couple of film festivals. Celebrate the heart-warming connection of canines and their humans, through the Top Dog Festival. Or celebrate adventurous women through the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour. Both will showcase curated collections of short films. Tickets via Ticketlink.

Round four of the Greatest Show on Dirt is on at Cairns Speedway. It's an action-packed night of racing as drivers from all classes go pedal to the metal. Tickets from Eventbrite.

Anyone is invited to join the Cairns Athletics' Coral Coast Carnival, a two day event open to athletes of all age groups from four years to Masters. It's an opportunity to compete against athletes from other clubs with varying ranges of experience. Unregistered athletes just need to pay an extra fee to compete. All in the info is here.

Support local producers and artisans at the Yungaburra Markets from 7.30AM.

The Mayor's charity 'Casino Royale' Gala Banquet is sold out.

Sunday 24 July

Do you want to get into volunteering? FNQ Volunteers Inc is back with VEXPO, a community event showcasing a range of volunteer opportunities available in the Cairns region. It's on at the Tanks.

Three Wolves are hosting a very special masterclass in whisky. The one and only Mark Hickey will share his knowledge bombs. Tickets are $55 from the venue.

Tanks Markets are on in Collins Avenue from 8am to 2pm, full of local handmade products, vintage collectables, plants, local produce and something to tempt your taste buds.