Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns
The Taipans has a home double-header in store this weekend, while you'll also find a taco + tequila event in Ellis Beach, open mic comedy, live music and long lunches.
There's some showers forecast in Cairns, hopefully dropping the mercury by a few marks!
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Friday 11 March
Tonight marks the opening of JUTE Theatre Company's Queenslander, a family political drama that pre-empts a possible future of crumbling human rights, community discord and a very Big Brother indeed. Production runs at Bulmba-ja until 19 March. Tickets from $48.50.
Experimental local photographer Marc Steiner is launching a new photographic exhibition, In Da Shed, at The Kite Gallery this Friday. With a focus on creative portraits, many of the models in Marc’s images have been styled by fellow local creative, Sue Kim. The exhibition is on display until 25 March. Free event.
Sun-drenched reggae to sweeping synth indie groove is in store at the Tanks this Friday. Caravana Sun is travelling up from Sydney, with support act Broden Tyrell also on the bill. Tickets from $23.30, 730pm start.
Cairns Taipans has a huge double-header in store this weekend to celebrate the league’s Indigenous Round. Tonight the team play the Tasmania JackJumpers at 6.30, sporting new threads designed by Yidinji artist Henry Fourmile. Tickets from $25
Mardi Gras kick-ons are going down at Turtle Cove Beach Resort this weekend, with poolside beats, cocktails and performances stretching over Friday and Saturday. $25 entry at the door.
Saturday 12 March
The first of several free UMI Arts workshops kicks off this weekend, with Kel Williams sharing his tips of tricks of wood craving at the Court House Gallery. Head here for more details on the Taste of Culture series.
Starting at Media HQ’s Social Alley bar, head along on a long lunch tour to the new digs of the Mountain View Hotel. Smoked meats, salads and homemade bread are on the menu, along with a tasting of Wolf Lane’s cracking gins. $119 including return bus transfer. 10.30am to 5pm.
An afternoon of tacos, tequilas and seaside tunes, paired with $10 street food plates? Muy bien! Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is the place to be this Saturday, hosting a special Mexican fiesta from 3 to 6pm.
Keen to see some wanna be comics have a crack? Macalisters is hosting the Cairns heat of RAW, a nationally-touring open mic stand-up comedy comp. Tickets $25 at the door, or cheaper if booked ahead online. 7pm start.
Showing at CPAC this Saturday, The Best of the Bee Gees brings a catalogue of mega-hits and first-hand stories from original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen. 7.30pm start, tickets from $69pp.
Country artists and husband and wife duo, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont are heading to the Edge Hill Tavern tonight as part of their national tour, Roll On Baby. Tickets from $40pp, 8pm start.
Sunday 13 March
Just a few skips from the city you’ll find Holloways Beach Markets on this Sunday, from 8am to 1pm.
In celebration of World Pi Day, Cairns Children’s Museum is hosting a celebration of circles at the Tanks this Sunday. The morning will feature chalk art circles, bubbles, circle-themed lawn games, recycled bottle top art, and all kinds of activities related to Pi – all for a gold coin donation! 9am to midday.
The Snakes are back in the pit this Sunday afternoon to take on Sydney Kings. Catch the Taipans’ last game of the Indigenous Round, 4.30pm start.
