Christmas parties seem to be taking over everyone's calendars, lucky we've got a few more options to fill in all the blanks. Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi is sharing his take after five years in Aus. NorthSite is hosting an artist meetup, as well as a new exhibition launch. We have a couple workshops by The Posy Crew and Annee herself with a Vietnamese coffee masterclass at Nu Nu. Plus, there are a few end of year performances by local choir, dance and community groups.

There's now no denying what time of year it is, so to shimmy in all the festivities we have a bunch of Christmas events all weekend long. JUTE's young talent is on full display with help from Overall Arts, and we have comedy at the Tanks with The War on 2023 wrapping the year up in a messy little bow. Paramour Cabaret is back for one night only, James R. Thomas is hitting the stage at Elixir, and Rock'n'Roar4 Paws is in Mareeba this time to raise funds for the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

This weekend we're celebrating Thai culture at the fifth Loy Kra Thong Festival, along with an assortment of live music and theatre. Aloe Blacc brings soulful vibes to the Tanks, while the Beatle Boys deliver an exclusive concert experience. The Teskey Brothers hit the stage at CPAC, and Crooked Colours celebrate 20 years of Gilligan's. Enjoy some good wine and cheese at Guyala, and make sure to support Mareeba Animal Refuge at Rock N Roar for Paws.

It's the week for film fans as Understory celebrates 10 years with a selection of NQ filmmakers and short films. There's also plenty of live music with James Abberley, Hylidae, and Tessa Devine at Elixir. Aussie rapper 360 is at Edge Hill Tavern, there's another instalment of Cairns Drum and Bass at The Jack, and Melbourne based music initiative Homebass is launching an FNQ chapter.

We have a mix of events this weekend including live music, comedy and theatre. Plus we mark Armistice Day, The Cairns Taipans have a home game, and UMI Arts launches their finale exhibition for the year.

We've got it all this week, covering all the arts bases. The Travelling Film Festival returns to town for the weekend with a lineup of award-winning films. Reggaetown Festival is back in Kuranda, giving you a great reason to head uphill. Additionally, there are a couple of exhibitions launching at Cairns Museum and Artview Gallery.

As the glorious weather continues there are plenty of events to get amongst. The Tablelands Folk Festival is back for another year at Yungaburra. There are a few live music events at the Tanks, including Thirsty Merc and the DMA'S. We also have the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, in good company with the world renowned Menopause the Musical, as well as A Taste of Ireland.

The weekend's got something for everyone, with a range of performances, live music, and arts to see. Circa Cairns has its' newest show premiering, there's comedy with Akmal, and the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Swim Series is on. There are also a few film opportunities with Moving Picture Nights, Unseen Cinema, and Mountainfilm. The Royal Czech Ballet is also in town, and CIAF is hosting there previously delayed event Urban BLAKtivation.

We have plenty live music this weekend, including Boy & Bear, Short Stack, Trophy Eyes, DJ NOIZ, and Ella & Sienna. The Cairns Bollywood Charity Ball is also on, raising funds for the Cherish Women Cancer Foundation. There's a Latin Fiesta at Machans Beach, the Cairns Choral Society is celebrating 100 years, and Cairns Pride Fest is on all weekend.

We have a big week ahead with a vastness of arts and culture events. Yarrabah Music Fest is on, along with Shine On Gimuy. It's already that time of year - Oktoberfest. Savannah in the Round is finally here, we also have Torimba Fest, a DNB Pool Party, and the first instalment of Understory High. There's plenty more where that came from!

We have some stellar performances coming your way with the likes of O, Ophelia by JUTE and Overall Arts, and All Fired Up by Rachel Terry and Roz Pappalardo. Not to mention there are plenty of live tunes with Tia Gostelow, Cinnamon Sun, Slowly Slowly and Stand Atlantic.

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.