It may be the school holidays, but not everyone's skipped town for a getaway, so make sure you're across what's going on. Flickerfest continues with a night of comedy shorts, the Far North Air Cats are showing off some serious aerial art skills, Smoky Petes is back, there's plenty comic relief, and Wallaby Creek Fest celebrates its' 21st birthday!

We have a week full of cultural and arts celebrations with Big Talk One Fire, the Babinda Harvest Festival, and Flickerfest all on. There's plenty of live music too including The Pad Boys, Ben Jansz, Teenage Dads, and a few tribute shows to pick from. There are laughs to be had with several stand-up comedy shows around town. Plus the Cardiac Challenge returns.

The celebrations start early this week as the Cairns Amateurs Carnival begins. We have plenty of performances on around town with comedy, live music, and even some Shakespeare. We also have a handful of charity events with Gran Fondo, Pizza Under the Stars, Barefoot Bowls, and Vinyasa Yoga all raising funds for a good cause. And did you know, it's Papaya Week!

The festivities continue this week as Cairns Fest rages on. We have an abundance of live music covering a range of genres, from Cub Sport and The Jungle Giants, to the Soweto Gospel Choir, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Under the Stars. Cazalys is raising funds for the RSPCA, the Buy Back Shop is hosting their Trash to Treasure Fair, and we have a few running events for enthusiasts to get amongst.

A big week is upon us as the Cairns Festival begins, we have a bevy of live music, with The Brazilians, DZ Deathrays, Salt and Steele, and Tessa Devine all putting on shows. AusArmourfest and Red Bull Defiance are on. We also have Wine and Cheese Night, Magic Men, and plenty of theatrical prowess from The Ironing Maidens, JUTE Theatre, and shake & stir theatre co.

As the weather rights itself, we've suitably got a medley of musical, magical, and Matilda focused events this week. Kicking things off, no pun intended, is the FIFA Women's World Cup semis, closely followed by the finals. Reef to Reef is back for another round, The Ironing Maidens are sharing their wisdom, Daryl Roberts is doing the beach rounds across FNQ, and we have G Flip in town.

The weather may not be putting on a good show but we've got plenty else going on to keep you busy. The weekend kicks off early with a couple school drama showcases, The Presets are hitting the stage at Gillies, and Taste Port Douglas is back for another year. There's more live music with Bic Runga at the Tanks, Tijuana Cartel at The Jack, James Reyne, and tributes to The Beach Boys and INXS.

We have a cracker of a week to kick of the new month with events for the young and old and everyone in between. Before the weekend hits the Positive Ageing Expo is on, there's improv comedy at Bulmb-ja Theatre, and a killer show from The Chats and Cosmic Psychos. There's plenty more where that came, with more live music, performances, and sports to get amongst.

Tropic Now talks with The Presets, to mark their 20-year milestone in the music industry and upcoming tour 20 Years, 20 Nights, DJ Tour. The duo reflects on their journey, from early beginnings as aspiring musicians to becoming renowned global influencers.

Another busy weekend is upon us with a bevy of live shows including The Delta Riggs and Katy Steele at the Tanks. The Italian Festival is in full swing with a trope of events, cycling frenzy Tour of the Tropics is also upon us, plus there's multiple comedy shows, and a bunch of films to see.

This week has a few goodies with the main star being the Cairns Show and the beginnings of the Cairns Italian Festival. We also have the Pool Rescue Champs in town, live comedy from the Umbilical Brothers, live music from Vince Jones Quintet, and Geoff and Ben Robertson. Caffiend is hosting a wine sensory class, the German Club is putting on a Show Show, and best of all, Friday is a day off (for most).

This week is brimming with local culture and talent as CIAF kicks off a range of workshops, performances, exhibitions, and of course the Art Fair and Market. There's something for everyone with Kuranda Roots celebrating 21 years, the Mareeba Rodeo bringing all the howdy to town, and the Cairns Marathon is keeping people active.