10 days of music to soundtrack Cairns Festival

From First Nations hip hop and indie pop to ska, country, disco and emerging local talent, Cairns Festival will deliver 10 consecutive days of free live music when the Esplanade Festival Hub comes alive from 28 August to 6 September.

Featuring more than 40 artists across 10 themed nights, the Main Stage program showcases the depth and diversity of Cairns’ music scene alongside some of Australia’s most exciting acts, creating a soundtrack for the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The free program opens with a celebration of First Nations music featuring local favourites The Pad Boys, Brisbane outfit Tjaka before rolling into the festival’s biggest weekend with Caravana Sun, Horns of Leroy, Hot Potato Band and Burger Joint taking to the stage following the Grand Parade.

Throughout the festival, audiences can enjoy everything from Ska-B-Q and Disco Bingo Trivia Night to Country Struts, a family movie night, emerging local artists, an all-female music showcase headlined by Blusher and performances by some of the next generation of original musicians curated by Enter Stage Right.

Mayor Amy Eden said every great festival has a soundtrack, and this year’s Cairns Festival will be no exception.

“For 10 nights, our Esplanade will come alive with music. Live music has a way of bringing people together and creating an atmosphere people want to be part of.

“As we celebrate Cairns’ 150th year, I can’t think of a better way to spend a tropical evening than enjoying great music, great food and great company on our spectacular Esplanade.”

Local indie rock band frontman Jasper Farnan said appearing at Cairns Festival was an exciting milestone for Sunday Mistake, whose members are all still in high school.

"We are very excited to be performing on the Main Stage as part of Cairns Festival.

“As a young band from Cairns, it is a real privilege to be included in such a significant event alongside so many other talented artists. It's something we're really proud to be a part of."

"People can expect a high-energy set with plenty of emotion. We love creating a live show that feels immersive and big, whether you have been listening to us for a while or it's your first time hearing our music.

“We just want everyone to have a great time and leave feeling like they've discovered something new."

Carnival on Collins will also celebrate the musicians who have helped shape Cairns’ unique musical identity.

Internationally acclaimed Indigenous performer and cultural leader Dr David ‘Bindi’ Hudson will headline the Carnival on Collins mainstage, bringing together music, storytelling and culture in a special performance celebrating the region’s musical heritage.

Beyond the music, Canvas of Cairns will once again transform the city after dark with large-scale projections and light installations, creating a spectacular visual backdrop throughout the festival precinct.

Running from 28 August to 6 September, Cairns Festival will deliver 10 days of free and ticketed arts, culture and entertainment across the city’s key cultural precincts, celebrating the people, creativity and stories that continue to shape Cairns.

For more information and the full program, visit cairnsfest.com.au