TNQ Writer
Follow the sun north this winter and satiate your love of running, riding, festivals and art in the home of Tropical North Queensland events!
Get Ready to Rodeo
Celebrate a hat trick of outback life and spend a few days camping at the Mount Garnet 3 – 5 May, Chillagoe 17 – 18 May and Mareeba 13 – 14 July Rodeo Carnivals. For those looking for country but comfy, stay in Cairns and let the cowboys come to you as they take on the challenge of riding bulls Rambo and Aussie Bob at the Professional Bull Riders competition.
Let the games begin
Immerse yourself in the excitement of the North Queensland Games, 3 – 6 May, a grand celebration of competition, sportsmanship and community with 2,000 competitors across 50 sports. Feel the adrenaline rush as Crankworx returns to Cairns 22 – 26 May for its third instalment of wild Whip-Off, eye-watering Speed & Style and jaw-dropping Downhill, accompanied by four days of Party in Paradise events featuring local acts, DJs, and Aussie musical larrikins Beddy Rays and legends Spiderbait.
Race 'n' Ride
Events on two wheels dominate the season with the UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships riding into town 15 – 19 May, followed by the Cairns to Kurumba Charity Bike Ride 21 – 28 June and the Reef to Reef Mountain Bike Festival 25 – 28 July. Not to be forgotten, The Great Wheelbarrow Race celebrates its 18th anniversary on single tyre power, raising money for the local community while traversing the breathtaking landscape of the Outback savannah.
Get into the iron spirit
Peddle power moves to foot power in June for the annual Ironman Cairns & Cairns Adventure Festival 14 – 17 June, backed up by the 3,000 competitor-strong 7 Cairns Marathon 14 – 15 June.
Winter Festivals
Talking tunes, the NYX Music Festival returns for the winter solstice among the picturesque eucalyptus and paper bark forests of Ravenshoe from 21 – 25 June before reggae, roots, and soul take over the village of Kuranda for the return of the Roots Festival 12 – 14 July.
Shining a light on culture, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair brings the theme “Country Speaking” to its 15th anniversary to showcase art, fashion, and music 24 – 28 July weaved throughout an incredible program of events, including BLAKtivation in the Cairns CBD, the annual Art Fair and Art Market, a ‘Light the Fire’ fashion performance, and musical showcase featuring hip-hop artist Barkaa.
Taste the tropics
And if all that action and adventure and music and culture leaves you craving, we’ve got a feast for you at the Cairns Italian Festival beginning 25 July. Indulge in a cultural extravaganza, including a series of Food and Wine Degustation showcases, a salami and sausage fiesta and all-day food and wine indulgence featuring over 20 local vendors vying to tantalise your tastebuds. Pop back in August to savour everything Cairns at the Salt House Food & Wine Festival 3 August before heading up to Port Douglas for the annual Taste Port Douglas foodie heaven 8 – 11 August.
Not to be missed
For those seeking something a little more unusual, the annual Cardwell UFO Festival will draw those who look to the skies 9 – 11 August. In its 10th year, learn about the unusual sightings and activities in the area including the Tully Saucer Nests and the Cardwell Lights!
Of course, the winter event schedule wouldn’t be complete without a serious celebration of life in the tropics. Cairns Festival 23 July – 01 August. Featuring a grand parade, music, art, culture, food and everything in between, it is a week not to be missed!
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