Music
The Creative Life music program offers opportunities for local musicians - established and emerging - to perform paid gigs across all venues and events, as well as offering opportunities for industry development workshops and networking events.
Musicians and performers are invited to register for the opportunity to be programmed for paid gigs at Council venues and events, such as Tanks Arts Centre and Festivals by submitting the form at the bottom of this page.
We've included a little information below about regularly occurring opportunities but we are always adding new events. Follow our social media pages to stay up to date.
Creative & performance opportunities
Busking opportunities are available at Tanks Market days, held monthly at Tanks Arts Centre on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, between April and November.
Head to the Expressions of Interest form at the bottom of the page.
Tank 5 has played host to hundreds of brilliant local, national and international acts over the years. Local musicians can play their own shows in a world-class venue, and play opening sets for visiting artists.
Head to the Expressions of Interest form at the bottom of the page.
On select evenings, we open up the Tank 4 Gallery and gardens after a headline act, and invite guests of the Tank 5 show to stay on for a nightcap, listen to a local music act and check out the current exhibition – 'til late.
Head to the Expressions of Interest form at the bottom of the page.
Expressions of Interest Now Open
Cairns Regional Council is proud to support THE NEXT WAVE, an exciting artist development program helping emerging musicians from across the Cairns region take their music from the rehearsal room to the main stage.
Delivered by Enter Stage Right and hosted at Elixir Music House, the program provides aspiring original artists with valuable industry experience, professional development opportunities and paid performance opportunities at some of the region's premier events.
Only 8 places are available in 2026
Successful participants will receive:
✅ Free rehearsal session at Elixir Music House
✅ Dedicated sound engineer support
✅ Paid live performance opportunity at either:
Cairns Festival Main Stage – 6 September 2026
Cairns Music Industry Gathering, Tanks Arts Centre – 30 October 2026
✅ Professional photo and video content for EPKs and social media
✅ Multitrack recording and board mix of their live performance
We're seeking original bands, solo artists and duos ready to take the next step in their music careers.
Applications close Monday 13 July 2026
Apply now
For more information
enterstagerightfnq@gmail.com
0439 611 703
Cairns Regional Council is proud to support initiatives that nurture local creative talent and strengthen our region's vibrant music industry.
Musician, Band and Performer Expression of Interest
Register here for the opportunity to be programmed for paid gigs at Council venues and events.
Last Updated: 26 June 2026
Latest News > All News
Cleaning up Cairns to keep waterways litter-free
Over 100 people have joined clean-ups across Cairns so far this September. Join a project near you this weekend and...
18 September 2026
Our trainees share why you should apply
With no one better placed to provide insight than our current trainees and apprentices, we asked members of the cohort...
16 September 2026
Barlow Park stadium upgrade works to begin
Barlow Park will close temporarily from 21 September to allow early works to begin on the major upgrade, creating a...
15 September 2026