Forget spring - summer seems to have arrived and there are a few opportunities to get amongst this weekend.

The Court House and NorthSite welcome a selection of new exhibitions accompanied by artist workshops, Surf Life Saving NQ is holding its Cairns Carnival, and there's live music all over the place. 

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Wednesday 14 September

The Court House Gallery is launching a variety of exhibitions today as part of Gifts from our Sisters - a program focused on developing links with other cities and communities in other countries.

This exhibition puts in context the other two sister city related exhibitions showing concurrently at the Court House Gallery, with both running until 29 October. The official launch takes place 6pm this Friday.

The Healing Power of Industrial Ink & Magic exhibition showcases the work of printmakers in our region. This exhibition is running concurrently with our sister city Riga, Latvia. 

Cairns Sketchfest 2022 is a sister exhibition also running at Scottsdale, Arizona, and features sketches of the cities by artists working in both Cairns and Scottsdale.

Friday 16 September

NorthSite's Vision of Dreams exhibition by Urapunga Artist Rhonda Duncan opens today, showcasing a collection of paintings based on her dreams.

As part of Sketchfest, there are free drawing and sketching workshops with a variety of artists including Cees Sliedrecht, Peter Richards, and Duane Blossom. Workshops are running Friday and Saturday, check online for more info.

I Ought To Be In Pictures, a comedy by Neil Simon is showing at The Rondo Theatre until 24 September. Grab your tickets online.

Seniors Week is on with the Positive Ageing Expo. This is a free event for people to consult with service providers, community groups, and other businesses that focus on seniors.

The Sounds of Schnitzel Music singalong night is back for another year at The German Club. Attendance is free, but bookings are required. 

Out of Abingdon are back in town and performing at Elixir Music House 7-9pm.

Saturday 17 September

The Cardiac Challenge begins, the annual bike ride between Cairns and Cooktown raises funds for Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and cardiac equipment and services.

The Surf Life Saving Water and Beach Carnival is on this weekend at Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club in Palm Cove. 

J-Dub is in town as part of his Australian Tour playing at XS. 

Sunday 18 September

Bill Bailey's sold out show En Route To Normal is on at CPAC tonight.

Afternoon Classics by the NQ Chamber Orchestra will feature classic works by Mozart, a string symphony by Mendelssohn as well as music by Holst and Schubert. Tickets available from CPAC.

Out of Abingdon are heading north with a Sunday session show at Ellis Beach Bar & Grill.

The Pier Markets are on 9am - 2pm, running every third Sunday of each month.

Jute Theatre is having play readings as part of Write Sparks. These early reads by actors help local writers develop their craft.