Tropic Weekender: Our guide to the best events and things to do in Cairns
The sun's out and we're making the most of it, but when it's time to head indoors we have plenty for you to do. The Ocean Film Fest is back, along with live music throughout the weekend, poetry, theatre, and workshops. Plus, Friday is St. Patrick's Day.
For a breakdown of more art shows and exhibitions currently on around town, check out our guide.
Friday 17 March
It's St Paddy's Day, get amongst - responsibly.
The Reef Hotel Casino are getting their craic on with Cairns Celtic Craic. Not only on St Patrick’s Day, the festivities will running all weekend long featuring rhythm, dance, and a little rock n roll.
A collaboration between singer-songwriter Lior and emerging talent Domini Forster, Animal in Hiding, is performing an intimate show at CPAC Studio. Their debut EP features intimate storytelling, intricate guitar work, and close vocal harmonies, reminiscent of iconic folk duos of the 60s. The title track was written during Melbourne's lockdown and inspired the rest of the material.
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is a 3-hour celebration of the beauty and power of the ocean, showcasing captivating footage from above and below the surface. The films feature fast-paced wave sequences and awe-inspiring underwater scenes, captured from unbelievable vantage points. The festival celebrates the people who live for the ocean and their respect and appreciation for its creatures. Screening at CPAC Theatre.
Urthboy is doing the rounds for his Savour Every Moment Tour in celebration of his upcoming album Savour. Along with a live band paying homage to his rich legacy of music, he is also supported by Noongar rapper Dallas Woods and Gamilaraay rising star Loren Ryan. Performing tonight at The Tanks.
Saturday 18 March
Your Wardrobe Cairns returns to the Showgrounds with a bevy of secondhand goods up for grabs. Grab a coffee and sift through all the bargains. Entry is a gold coin donation that goes towards a local charity. There is an ATM onsite but in this case, cash is king.
On at CPAC, Cloudland the Musical is a visual and musical feast, featuring a cast of 30 performers and music by iconic Aussie and international artists. Over a decade in development, the musical tells the true story of how the culturally significant Cloudland venue impacted the music and dance scene for three generations. The masterfully re-created digital imagery brings to life the venue's importance in the emergence of the Australian live music scene.
The Melbourne Ska Orchestra is performing at The Tanks to celebrate its 20th year. The anniversary tour showcases their infectious energy and signature ska sound. From humble beginnings in St. Kilda to international stages, the band has earned accolades worldwide with two ARIA award wins and seven albums.
Join artist India Collins for a Textile Wrap & Weave Session to transform your pre-loved clothing into beautiful and unique pieces. Female identifying audience members are invited to bring their items to wrap, weave, and transform with supplied fibre materials, guided by Collins' expertise. Today is also your last day to see her installation at NorthSite Contemporary Arts.
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.
The Secret Jungle is hosting a poetry night, SLAM at the SPEAKEASY. The evening features poetry in many forms, and is hosted by resident poet, Brenton Clutterbuck, aka Cluttered Butts. In addition to the performances, there are also writing activities for those interested in poetry and word wizardary.
Sunday 19 March
Unseen Cinema offers a unique cinematic experience, featuring independent and foreign films that are not typically shown mainstream. This month we have KOMPROMAT, an espionage thriller directed by Jérôme Salle. The film features a talented cast including Gilles Lellouche and Joanna Kulig.
The NQ Chamber Orchestra will be presenting Concerto Spectacular at CPAC Studio, a program consisting of soloists and string orchestra playing Concertos. The soloists include Jane Linstead, who will be performing a C.P.E. Bach Flute concerto and the 4th Brandenburg Concerto with Charlotte Nunn. Liam Gane will be the cello soloist, performing the Haydn Cello Concerto in C major. It promises to be a stunning performance not to be missed.
Mareeba 100 Park Markets return for a second year with a carefully selected collection of 150 stalls. These stalls feature local designers, makers, artisans, producers, and sustainable slow fashion, as well as food and drink options.
Clifton Beach Markets are also on today, held inside the Clifton Village Shopping Centre. If you've been before, don't fret, there're new stalls every month, adding to the already substantial mix of local goods, foods, and creations.
