This weekend's got a few options for the big kids, there's live music, Flickerfest, and a lot of sunshine to enjoy.

But as the school holidays are in full swing, there's a few opportunities to keep the little ones entertained including acrobatics, ice skating and circus shows, and even an extreme aerobatics display - let's be honest, that's cool for everyone though.

Plus the Wallaby Creek Festival celebrates 20 years.

If you're looking to plan ahead, as ticket sales indicate many are, we've also compiled a few of our most anticipated Melbourne Cup events to get amongst this year.

Thursday 22 September

The national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II will be marked by a non-denominational memorial service at St Monica’s Cathedral at 10am. Tickets are free but registration is required.

Reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion, Matt Hall, will fly an extreme aerobatics display over Cairns this afternoon between 4-5pm as part of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia Cairns Roadshow. Learn more.

Friday 23 September

Wallaby Creek Festival is back for its' 20th year. The 3-day event has a jam packed programme celebrating all things music and arts. A range of tickets and camping passes are available for purchase online.

Notorious Ship is back and open to visitors all weekend through to Monday. It is Australia’s only lateen rigged ship, and the only 15th century ship representation sailing in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fairytales on Ice is on tonight at Cairns Convention Centre. The now sold out show is said to be spectacular, let us know what you think if you go.

Forbidden Fruit is an intriguing show displaying impressive acrobatic, trapeze, lyra, and corde lisse skills through physical theatre. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketlink.

Hambledon House Community Centre is hosting South Side Celebration at Ravizza Park, Edmonton. This is a free community event, with range of children's entertainment including face painting, scavenger hunts, prizes, performances and so much more!

Award winning and globally recognised Ash Grunwald is playing at The Tanks following the release of his latest album Shout Into The Noise. There's still a few tickets available, $50.

Saturday 24 September

Flickerfest - ‘A Kaleidoscopic Carnival Of Short Films’ is back for another year at Cairns Botanic Gardens to showcase the best of the best of Australian Shorts. Tickets can be purchased online.

A winner of Best Children’s Event at Adelaide Fringe Weeklies in 2021, CIRCUS The Show is said to be a grand family affair with outstanding showmanship featuring world-class illusions, tumbling acrobats, highly skilled jugglers, breath-taking and elegant aerialists, an endearing clown with his GIGANTIC 6ft balloon, and plenty of laughs. Tickets are still available online for both shows.

Sauce Brewing Cairns is celebrating their second birthday with a party and beer specials. Beginning at 6.30pm, there'll be a few prizes up for grabs, and no doubt some good vibes.

The Yungaburra Markets are back for another month with fresh produce, flowers, home made crafts, local food, wooden furniture, clothing and just about anything else you can think of.

Clean Up Cairns is on at Gordon Creek and Lilly Creek, 9am - 11am. Learn more online.

Sunday 25 September

Earlville Pony Club is hosting a Community Fun Day. The day will provide an introduction to eventing, with spectators encouraged to attend. There'll also be family entertainment with live music, prizes, food, and more.

The Tanks Markets are also back this weekend, sharing all the local crafts, creations, treats, and produce with the community.