Friday 24 February

Eric Bibb, a two-time Grammy nominee and acclaimed blues musician, will perform solo in Australia in 2023. He'll play classic hits and new songs from his upcoming album, 'Ridin'. With a career spanning five decades and almost 40 albums, Bibb's music is grounded in folk/blues with contemporary sensibilities and remains uplifting and relevant.

The Cairns Tropical Writers' Festival celebrates literature in the tropics by bringing together local and international storytellers. The festival offers a cultural experience with national and international appeal, with a range of events including workshops, public arenas, and a First Nations program. There is something for everyone to engage with authors and experts across all fields of writing and publishing.

Breakfast & The Law, held at Pullman Cairns, is the first event the Writers Fest. Join Michael Bradley, author of ‘System Failure: The Silencing of Rape Survivors’ in conversation with Grace Tame exploring the urgent need for fundamental legal reforms.

The rest of the day at the writers' fest is jam-packed with events including writers workshops 'The Business of Books', 'The Business of Publishing', 'Know Your Characters', a poetry workshop 'Mess and Mayhem', and Dr Karl's Random Road Trip through Science. There's plenty more where that came from so make sure to check online for all the events going on.

It's Trivia Night at Mareeba Soccer Club with games, raffles, and prizes. Tickets are $15 per person and teams of 8 are welcome, with all proceeds going towards the 'To Chillagoe for Cole' fundraiser.

Join the opening of World Pride at Boardwalk Social and celebrate the start of the festival with the Live and Pride concert from Sydney. Resident host David Subritzky brings his famous festivities to Cairns, with interactive games, big screens broadcasting the opening concert, and more. Put on your fanciest get-up and get ready to be glammed and glittered. Entry is free, or pre-purchase your pop up bar pass for $79 (includes four hour drinks package).

Gilligan's is hosting their own Mardi Gras Pride Party celebrations with DJ SONYA and Donna Perignonn as MCs. Enjoy a night filled with stage shows, dancers, and local DJ line up. Don't miss the fashion show and the adults-only Wet Jocks comp. There will be fun stage games, dancers, best-dressed prizes, DJ's, and live music on the back deck from 8pm. Remember, free entry only before 9pm.

Matt Storer has gained popularity in Australia and the UK for his approachable and slightly unhinged style of comedy, and his bringing it to Macalister's night of Comedy & Beer. Matt's talent for creating catchy and lyrically meticulous musical comedy has led to him becoming a viral sensation with a large following.

The German Club is hosting a party to celebrate 200 years of Carnival in Cologne with Karneval im Kairns. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in fancy dress costumes and enjoy a fun-filled night of dancing, confetti, and silliness.

Saturday 25 February

The Cairns Musical Night is a cultural event hosted by the Spiritual Learning Centre Australia at the Tanks Arts Centre. The event features local artists, dance, food, photography, and a performance by The Voice of Nepal. Proceeds go to SLCA projects like language classes, sports programs, and helping at-risk children.

Cairns Animal Rescue is partnering with PetBarn for Rescue Month. Visit PetBarn Westcourt any Saturday this month and meet your newest family member. There'll be dogs looking for their forever homes, who are in need of some tlc. Running 10am-1pm.

Limberlost is hosting a workshop on creating Living Vases arrangements that will grow in water. Participants will learn how to make these elegant and low-maintenance pieces, which can be customised to their style or given as a gift to an indoor plant enthusiast. The workshop includes all necessary materials and a Vines Café drink.

Get amongst World Pride celebrations at the Mega Mardi Gras Pool Party at Crystalbrook Riley. Enjoy a poolside parade, interactive games, DJ's, and a four-hour drinks package. Pop up bars include Absolut, Havana Club, Olmeca Altos Plata and Beefeater. Special guest David Subritzky and dazzling drag queens will be there. Dress up with the Mardi Gras 2023 theme Gather, Dream, Amplify. See you there!

The Yungaburra Markets are back for another weekend with up to 250 local growers, producers, and artisans coming together to showcase and sell their products and handmade items.

Learn the basics of Kokedama plant care and create a beautiful plant to take home at our workshop, held at Succuliving & Co. Perfect for beginner houseplant parents, all materials, care instructions, and refreshments are included. Spots are filling fast but the next workshop is in March so make sure to get in touch.

Get ready to samba at Cock & Bull. The Brazilian Carnaval is on with a host of activities to get involved in. Doors open at 4pm, with free introductory Brazilian dance classes at 6.30pm and shows starting at 8.30pm. Featuring virtuosic international artist Marcio Mendes, Sambalicious, DJ Dread Juan, and local talent SambAfro, as well as Cairns' hottest freestyle feathered Carnival dancers.

Sunday 26 February

Join local hiking group (Group Hiking Adventures - Advanced Hiking) on their trek up Wispy Falls near Tully. This is nice little hike in misty mountain that trails up Tully gorge, beginning at Cochable Creek campground. Join the group for more info and tog et amongst our glorious outdoors.

The Cairns Road Runners are holding the annual 15km Copperlode Cup. The uphill road race begins at the bottom of Lake Morris Road and finishes at the top overlooking Lake Morris, winding through tropical rainforest.

Head North to Pullman Palm Cove for Summer Sunday, showcasing Diablo Co's premium products. Enjoy a 3-hour drinks package, chef's selection of canapes, and live acoustic music by local artist Cam Kettle. The event will be held poolside, weather permitting.