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

There'll be markets galore this weekend across the tropical north, along with comedy for a cause, food events, a Taipans home game and live music. 

In Cairns, the forecast is looking mostly fine with the chance of showers increasing slightly over the weekend.  

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Thursday 31 March

NOA is back with another Curry Club evening, this Thursday hosting a multi-course set menu celebrating Israeli cuisine. $69pp, booking essential.

Mt Uncle Distillery is in Cairns this weekend to celebrate the recent launch of its Dirt Road – one of Australia’s first homegrown agave spirits. Head to The Backyard this Thursday evening for an exclusive dinner paired with four Dirt Road cocktails. $130pp, bookings essential.

Friday 1 April

The Redlynch Twilight Markets are looking like a great way to start your weekend. We hear the Easter Bunny might make a surprise appearance too! Xavier Herbert Park, 4.30m onwards.

The Wolf Lane crew is set to take-over The Benson Hotel this Friday evening. Head to the rooftop bar for a craft gin cocktail or two – the perfect way to wind up your working week.

Saturday 2 April

The Gordonvale Cottage Markets are on this morning from 7am, while in the Tablelands you can drop into the Koah Markets until midday.

Holy Holy is playing at Gilligans this weekend as part of its ‘Hello My Beautiful World’ tour. Online tickets from $56.10.

Who loves a big grazing board? Vivaldis is hosting another run of its ‘Let’s Get Pickled’ events, offering a range of canapes for $29pp along with great drink specials, a photo booth and tunes. 6pm onwards.

Cairns Concert Orchestra is hosting its annual Dinner With Strings at the Pullman Cairns this Saturday. Tickets include a two-course dinner and bespoke entertainment. Tickets from $77.

The Taipans team is set to take on S.E. Melbourne again, after their eight-point loss last week. Catch the action live at the Convention Centre from 6.30pm. Tickets from $25.

Sunday 3 April

Tanks Arts Centre is home to Local & Vocal this Sunday afternoon, featuring a range of up-and-coming high school singers, bands and artists. There’ll also be games, giveaways, food vans, and other free activities. 2pm start.

One of the largest collections of local stallholders, the Palm Cove Markets are on this weekend – the first of this year! Cruise along the shady Williams Esplanade from 8am to 2pm.

A very special night of comedy is in store this weekend to support comedian Nick Capper, who’s been battling cancer after a shock diagnosis earlier this year. Go Nuts for Capper takes place at Sauce Brewing Co from 6.30pm. Choose to pay between $15 and $50, with all proceeds to help Capper’s treatment and recovery.

Unseen Cinema is this weekend screening Murina – a Croatian coming-of-age tale, psychological drama and a winner at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. 4.30pm start.