Port Douglas Turns Up Fun for Carnivale 2026

To find out more about Port Douglas Carnivale, click here.

With fabulous food, creative floats, daring burlesque, a big beach playdate and massive headliners at Savannah Sounds, Port Douglas Carnivale returns in 2026 with a program line-up that is as diverse as it is entertaining. 

Running from 22–24 May, Port Douglas Carnivale draws more than 10,000 people to the seaside town for a long weekend of music, feasting and festival fun.

From The Longest Lunch and the Macrossan Street Parade to the famous Four Mile Beach Day, the signature favourites set the tone for a weekend that feels distinctly Port Douglas.

But when the sun drops behind the palms at Rex Smeal Park, Carnivale shifts gears.

With three nights of headline acts in one of the most spectacular waterfront settings in the country, Savannah Sounds presented by Douglas Shire Council and major sponsor Newsport, delivers one powerhouse musical lineup. 

Jon Stevens leads the charge on Saturday night, bringing an iconic Australian rock voice to Port Douglas for the very first time. He is joined by Vanessa Amorosi, making this Carnivale’s biggest Saturday line-up to date. 

Friday night fires up with Sneaky Sound System, delivering the high-energy, hands-in-the-air party Port Douglas loves while on Sunday, Australian-New Zealand rock legends Dragon close the festival with the anthems that have soundtracked generations.

As festival director and chief executive officer of Sound Australia, James Dein knows how to build a great music weekend and to him, Savannah Sounds feels tailor-made for Port Douglas.

“Savannah in the Round has become one of regional Australia’s standout music festivals offering an exceptional live experience. Savannah Sounds builds on that in a way that feels perfectly matched to Port Douglas,” James Dein says.

“This town loves to party, and this year we are serving up three huge days of Australian talent in one of the most beautiful settings in the country.”

And the headline artists aren’t the only ones drawing crowds. James says the weekend will also feature a strong line-up of supporting acts, including Savannah in the Round favourites Kingswood, Sara Berki and Austin Mackay, alongside a selection of talented local performers.

Beyond the music, Savannah Sounds brings a full festival precinct to Rex Smeal Park, complete with food trucks, bars, relaxed seating areas and a VIP zone overlooking the water. 

“Port Douglas has a charm that’s unlike anywhere else, and that’s a big part of Carnivale’s appeal,” James says.

“Savannah Sounds fits into that perfectly with great music, good food and a relaxed setting where people can pull up a chair, enjoy the view, have a cocktail or two and make a whole weekend of it.”

With events running across the town, headline music in the park and warm May days setting the scene, Port Douglas Carnivale remains one of Australia’s most loved festival weekends.

Whether you come for the long lunch, the beach fun or three big nights at Savannah Sounds, 2026 offers a celebration that feels relaxed, welcoming and unmistakably Port Douglas.