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

Here's hoping the rain clears up a little for the weekend! 

It doesn't matter if not though, because there's plenty of great events on indoors. 

The Children's Festival, WOW Festival and the Red Hot Summer Tour is among the things to do, as well as markets, films and comedy.

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Friday 13 May

The German Club is hosting what will undeniably be Cairns’ best event to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final. The kitchen will also be pumping out a range of Euro-licious food! All things sequins, silver and leather are encouraged too. 5pm, free entry. 

The two-day WOW Festival kicks off today at Bulmba-ja. Among the range of events are a food safari, a female-led marketplace, speed mentoring sessions, and plenty of inspiring stories from women and girls on their own personal journeys. Find the full line-up here

Over the weekend, Event Cinemas at Cairns Central is hosting the 13th annual French Film Festival. Among drama, comedy and thriller flicks, there’s something for everyone! 

The Paper Crane Street Food Festival runs over two days this weekend, kicking off on Friday with Asian-inspired pop-up food stalls, cultural performances and live music. Free entry, 5pm start each night.

Saturday 14 May

Join Treeforce Cairns as they go along with vegetation expert Peter Stanton on a tour through Freshwater Creek, demonstrating the changes in the corrdior's greenery over the past 30+ years. 8 to 11am.

The Cairns Children's Festival takes place across this weekend throughout the city. From theatre to interactive displays, art exhibitions, activities and everything in between, its bound to be just as much fun for the parents as it is for the kids. Some ticketed events but most are free. 

The Red Hot Summer Tour is in Cairns this weekend! Featuring Hunters & Collectors, James Reyne and The Living End among other Aussie rock acts, live music lovers won’t want to miss this one.

Ray Crawford bring his ‘Don't You Know Who I Am’ comedy tour this Saturday to the Cape York Motorcycle Adventures home base (just off the Captain Cook Highway). Tickets are $35, 6.30pm start.

Sunday 15 May

The monthly Pier Markets are on again this weekend, featuring a range of local wares and fares, next to a jumping castle, face painting and animals! 9am to 2pm. 

This Sunday marks the North Queensland Surf Lifesaving Sign-On Day. Whether you’re looking at becoming a nipper, a patrolling member, staying fit or simply making some new friends, it’s worth heading along! More details here