Arts Festivals
Our annual arts festivals bring together talented creative people from Cairns and beyond to celebrate all the things we love about living in Far North Queensland - like our unique natural environment and rich cultures.
Cairns Festival is held in September and Cairns Children's Festival in May. The Understory Film Festival accepts short film entries in the later half of the year, followed by an awards ceremony, usually in November.
Many of the events associated with our annual arts festivals are held at the Tanks Arts Centre, Munro Martin Parklands, CPAC and The Court House.
Cairns Festival
Cairns Festival is an annual 10-day celebration of art, culture and the beauty of living in Tropical North Queensland. The festival proudly showcases the breadth and depth of our local creatives, as well as bringing world-class national and international performers to the region.
Cairns Children's Festival
Cairns Children's Festival is an annual event for kids and families, celebrating and encouraging creativity, expression and performance. Exhibitions, concerts and events are held across Cairns arts venues over two days, usually in May.
Live & Local: City Sounds
Live & Local: City Sounds is a FREE one-day music festival is filling the town with tunes in the most unexpected places.
Understory Film Festival
A short film festival for local independent, student, emerging and professional film makers in North Queensland. The competition culminates in a red carpet event, the Understory Film Festival Screening and Awards Night, held annually.
Last Updated: 17 September 2025
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