Cairns, let’s enjoy QLD Day together!

Published: 4th June 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

There will be free entertainment, including a free sausage sizzle, as part of the Queensland Day celebrations on Saturday.

Cairns’ residents are invited to celebrate QLD Day on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, 6 June, to recognise the state’s proud history and achievements.

QLD Day commemorates 6 June 1859, when Queensland officially separated from New South Wales and began charting its own course as a distinct colony and state.

This year’s celebrations hold added significance for Cairns as the city reflects on 150 years of history and identity since its establishment in 1876.

The QLD Day Party – Cairns Edition will be held at the Eastern Event Lawn on the Cairns Esplanade and will feature free family activities, live music and food vendors.

The event will also include live screenings of two Queensland NRL matches as part of the statewide QLD Day “Mega Round” sporting celebrations.

Deputy Mayor Brett Olds and Cairns local Grayson, 9, are excited to celebrate Queensland Day.

Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, who is representing Council at the event, said there were few things Queenslanders enjoyed more than getting together for a big game of footy.

"You'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to celebrate Queensland Day than watching two Queensland teams go at it on the big screen down by the waterfront," Cr Olds said.

"It’s a great excuse to get your mates and family together, enjoy a cracking Cairns winter evening and soak up a bit of Queensland pride."

"As Cairns marks 150 years, it's also a chance to celebrate our own story. We're a city that loves coming together, whether it's for footy, festivals or community events, and the Esplanade is the perfect place to do it."

Family friendly activities include face painting and hair braiding in team colours, jumping castle, free sausage sizzle, live music, a licensed bar, food vendors and a live screening of two NRL matches.

Event program: