Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns
We're well and truly into the new year, but the festivities are ongoing as Chinese New Year celebrations kick off and the school holidays hang on.
We also break down a few upcoming Australia Day events, and you can delve into the local art scene with our guide to current exhibitions and events.
Wednesday 18 January
Cairns Central is hosting Comedy Circus Stunt Show by Cirque Stuntman Joel Fenton through to tomorrow. The 45-minute show features mind-blowing contortions, impressive juggling and comedic tricks. The show is free of charge and it is recommended to arrive early for a front row seat at Centre Stage. There are two shows a day, 11am and 1pm.
As the school holidays come to an end, why not make the most of what's near and head to Green Island. With a resort on the island, you can make it a day, or two, or three.
Cairns Museum hosts a range of children's holiday activities with this weeks running through to tomorrow. Kids can learn about the past and future of plastic recycling in a fun and interactive way at Visions of the Past and Future. Children ages 4-12 can make their own Hologram-Viewer and use a special QR code to discover the importance of plastic recycling in 3D. Additionally, they can create a vintage kids TV from paper craft of the 1950s.
Friday 20 January
Get ready for an epic showdown as the Cairns Taipans take on the Tasmania JackJumpers in an intense game of basketball! The Taipans are known for their quick and agile play style while the JackJumpers are known for their strong defense. Both teams are determined to come out on top, but only one can be the victor. Come out to the Cairns Convention Centre and cheer on your favorite team as they battle it out on the court. This is a game you won't want to miss!
Presented by the Cairns Choral Society, Monty Python's SPAMALOT is a musical comedy adaptation of the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Written by Eric Idle and featuring memorable characters, beautiful dancing girls and toe-tapping numbers, it tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table on their quest to find the Holy Grail. Join them on an unforgettable journey filled with mayhem and merriment. Showing until 28 January at CPAC.
Tex Perkins, the original rock and roll frontman of Australian music, joins forces with celebrated blues musician Matt Walker for a night of swamp blues at the Tanks. With a career spanning from experimental punktronica to multiple ARIA awards and recognition with The Cruel Sea, Perkins is joined by Walker who has written, recorded and performed with a diverse range of artists. Experience a blend of old and new tunes in a night of blues music not to be missed.
Saturday 21 January
Chinese New Year celebrations kick off today with a range of events by Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc. (CADCAI) with a Lion Dance Performance at Bunnings Smithfield this morning 11am.
Get involved with Ecstatic Dance Cairns for a new moon dance with International DJ Metalman as we launch our third year and 2023. This is an adult-only event with no phones, booze, or talking allowed. Dancing shoes are typically not allowed, but clean indoor shoes or dance-specific shoes will be allowed and welcomed at Tank 3. Enjoy two hours of freestyle freedom in a safe and clean community setting with dim lights and a hi-fidelity sound system to bring your full expression to the dance floor.
Spend a whole day connecting with the Supercut Artists, learning new skills, and networking through workshops, artist talks, presentations, and performances. The event takes place at NorthSite, 10am - 4pm, $17 per person.
Join Cairns Animal Rescue for their Adoption Day at Petbarn Westcourt. From 9.30am to 2pm, you can meet and adopt a furry friend that is in need of a loving home. The rescue team will be on hand to help you find the perfect doggy companion. This is a great opportunity to give an animal a second chance and bring a new addition to your family. Don't miss out on this fun and fulfilling event.
Join the Ordre Mondial Gourmets Degustateurs for an educational wine tasting event, "The Road to the Rhone," where members will have the opportunity to compare the varieties of France's Rhone Valley, known for Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Syrah and Grenache, with their Australian counterparts. Led by a Vice Echanson, the tutored tasting will be followed by a dinner designed to match the wines.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Pullman Cairns with an 8-course feast curated by Chef Icey Liao and the culinary team. The meal features a homage to the flavours of the past and an ode to new beginnings, using only the finest ingredients, authentic recipes and traditional cooking techniques. Available from 21st to 27th January for lunch and dinner, and served with premium JING tea sourced from around the world. Bookings are required.
Learn the fundamental skills and techniques of Resin Art in an introductory course with Rachel R. Wright and team at the Tanks Art Centre. Choose to make a take-home piece, receive a take-home information sheet, and product guide to continue creating from home. Perfect for those looking to continue resin art from home or create a handmade and unique piece for their home.
Leah Potter, the naughtiest comedian in the Northern Territory, is bringing her Adult Comedy show to Elixir Music House. The show features her best yarns and silliest songs and is intended for adult audiences. Be prepared for adult content and bring your safe word.
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Paper Crane by Crystalbrook, featuring a hawker-style market with pop-up food and drink stalls, cultural performances such as Lion dancers, live acoustic and DJs, and entertainment for the whole family, all under the stars on the Paper Crane deck.
Sunday 22 January
ARIA Award Winning Children's Artist, Teeny Tiny Stevies, are embarking on a comprehensive national album tour for their new release "How to be Creative." The band will be performing a mix of fan favourites and new material from the new album which is a ten-song masterclass in embracing creativity, overcoming self-doubt, and perseverance.
Experience Chinese New Year blessings and performances with dragon dancing, drumming, and traditional lion dance blessings at participating businesses and venues. Meet the lions, feed them with Hongbao (lucky red packets) and receive blessings for good fortune, happiness and prosperity in the coming year. The event will take place at Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct at 6pm and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon at 7pm.
There are also traditional Lion Dances earlier in the day at Lantern Lane, Earlville Shopping Centre, along with a Lantern Making Workshop.
Thursday 26 January
Celebrate Australia Day at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron with a free family-friendly event with roving kids entertainers, Indigenous dance show, sailing activities, raffles and prizes, sausage sizzles, a jumping castle, DJs by Electric Dreams and food by Hook and Sail Catering.
The Cairns Council is hosting a range of free community events this Australia Day. Babinda Creek Rotary Park will host a BBQ breakfast, entertainment and activities from 8am - 11am. Tobruk Pool and Smithfield Marlin Coast Swimming & Fitness centre will also host events starting at 9am - midday, including food, face painting, pool games and DJ entertainment
Join Pools In Paradise for a pool party with games, live music, tropical drinks, swimwear runway show, optional body comp, and BBQ supporting local animal rescue. Don't forget to bring a towel, togs, and thongs.
Celebrate at Cazalys with live entertainment, Aussie lunch specials, meat raffles, face painting, games, prizes for the largest tropical shirt, prize wheel, and cricket on big screens.
Mossman Pool is hosting a free community event featuring an inflatable obstacle course, sausage sizzle, lamingtons, live entertainment, and other free activities. The event will run from 11am to 3pm and is open to the public. This will be followed by the 2023 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at the Port Douglas Community Hall.
