Lots on for Cairns Festival's final weekend

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 (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

With Cairns Festival heading into its final weekend, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience live music, theatre, art and family-friendly entertainment across the city.

From a major exhibition by internationally acclaimed creative duo Craig & Karl to a hometown performance by Dr David 'Bindi' Hudson (pictured) and the return of Carnival on Collins, the festival's final days are set to deliver something for all ages.

Discover Craig & Karl's Double Vision

Now on display at Cairns Art Gallery, Craig & Karl: Double Vision celebrates three decades of collaboration by one of Australia's most recognisable creative partnerships.

The free exhibition showcases the duo's signature bold colours, graphic style and playful artworks and will remain open throughout the festival weekend.

Local and national talent take the stage

Country music fans can catch ARIA and Golden Guitar award winner Casey Barnes at Tanks Arts Centre on Friday night.

Also at Tanks, local theatre makers will premiere One Hour Wedding, an interactive comedy where audiences become wedding guests while organisers attempt to pull together a complete wedding in just 60 minutes.

Across the Esplanade Main Stage, Friday night features VOiiiD Collective and internationally renowned DJ Bcharre, while Saturday's Females to the Front showcase includes performances from Zipporah Anu, Empress and headline act Blusher.

The Main Stage program concludes on Sunday with performances from emerging local artists including Yindali Sharp, Desiree Hobbins, Owen Jacob Band, MC Pyrit, Urelle & the Jams, before Miss Tee Ketu Band closes out the festival.

Father's Day celebrations at Carnival on Collins

The festival culminates on Father's Day, Sunday 6 September, with Carnival on Collins transforming the Tanks Arts Centre and Botanic Gardens precinct from 9am to 2pm.

More than 200 market stalls, food vendors, live entertainment and family activities will be on offer throughout the day.

A highlight of the program is a special hometown performance from renowned Indigenous musician David Hudson, who will debut original songs inspired by Tropical North Queensland and the people and places that have shaped his life.

More to experience

Festival-goers can also enjoy:

  • Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club, a cabaret-style comedy show
  • Opera Queensland's Are You Lonesome Tonight at Cairns Performing Arts Centre
  • Juubu Junggan, a new production by Miriki Performing Arts at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre

For program details and tickets, visit www.cairnsfest.com.au.

Last Updated: 4 September 2026

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