Imagination takes centre stage at Cairns Children’s Festival

• Festival runs 17–18 May across multiple Cairns venues
• Interactive performances, art, games, and outdoor fun for families
• Highlights include Ratburger, silent disco, and Harry Potter screening

A weekend of family fun

Families are invited to explore, play, and get creative as the Cairns Children’s Festival returns for its 11th year on 17-18 May, offering a vibrant two-day program tailored for children under 12.

Held across several city venues – including Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Court House Gallery, Tanks Arts Centre, and Cairns Botanic Gardens – the festival features live performances, interactive installations, outdoor adventures, and hands-on activities.

Encouraging creativity through play

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden described the festival as a beloved community event that celebrates imagination.

“We know that it is really important for parents and carers to engage with children, to encourage their imagination and creativity,” Mayor Eden said.

“That is why every year the specially crafted program is packed full of events and activities that actively engage and inspire.

“I encourage families to come along to the Cairns Children’s Festival and expect to explore, laugh and learn together.”

Saturday’s festival highlights

Saturday’s program features a performance of David Walliams’ Ratburger at CPAC, interactive Playable Plants installations, and quirky performances from Box Jelly Theatre Co, including a roving silent disco and the kids’ game show Liar Liar Pants On Fire.

Don’t miss Garden Party: A Bee Story Adventure, a whimsical stage show by Arc Circus and Cluster Arts, at the CPAC Studio.

Outside at the Court House Gallery, the all-day Picnic on the Lawn offers live music, headlined by the Pierce Brothers, with family-friendly sets from Grace Jones performs Disney, Whistle, and Trick.

As night falls, fans of the wizarding world can enjoy A Night at Hogwarts – a magical evening of fun and fantasy capped off with an outdoor screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Sunday at the Tanks

Sunday’s events at Tanks Arts Centre include:

• Brick Mania: Four LEGO building challenges for all ages
• Zindzi and the Zillionaires: ARIA-nominated kids’ R&B hits live in Tank 5
• Creation Stations: Craft and play zones like The Great Airventure, The Yarntree, and Stop on By and Catch a Butterfly
• Scaredy Gardener’s Quest and Story Walk featuring Where Is the Green Sheep?

From theatre to hands-on crafts, music to make-believe, the Cairns Children’s Festival program is packed with opportunities for families to connect and create lasting memories.