Port Douglas Major Events 2026

Port Douglas Carnivale

Port Douglas
22-24 May

It happens once a year and gives visitors and locals a great excuse to party in paradise. Sure to feature the usual suspects, The Street Parade, Family Beach Day, Pooch Party, Go Troppo exhibition, Longest Lunch along with a host of new and exciting events for the whole family.

And of course, the highly anticipated Savannah Sounds Music Festival headlining big-name Aussie outfits including Sneaky Sound System, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi and Kingswood.

Cabaret more you style? Check out Paramour for the wildest comedy-circus-burlesque mashup hosted by the charmingly unhinged Sylvester Valentine
There is a reason Carnivale has been celebrated for over 25 years. What a weekend - come and play!

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)

Tanks Arts precinct, Cairns
9-12 July 2026

Australia’s premier First Nations-led art fair, celebrated for its ethical marketplace and deep cultural roots returns to Tanks Arts Centre. The 2026 program features visual art, music, fashion, and masterclasses.

Local talent, Yalanji Arts present hand crafted contemporary and traditional fine art and craft works celebrating culture and the deep respect, knowledge and connection to the richly diverse rainforest and ocean environments of Kuku Yalanji Country.

TASTE Port Douglas

Port Douglas
6-9 August

Call yourself a foodie? Then this is your “must do” event for the year. Spencer and Reina Patrick have designed an absolute cracker of a program for Taste Port Douglas, presented by the Sheraton Mirage Resort.

Immerse yourself in a dynamic line up of the culinary best in food, wine and talent. Get ready to learn and be inspired as you enjoy unforgettable dining experiences in some of the best restaurants and outdoor settings in Port Douglas.

Run Port Douglas

5 September 2026

Pick your distance of 2km, 5km, 10km and 21.1km Half Marathon as you Run Port Douglas. Challenge yourself for a best time or take your time! Stop and take photos, enjoy the experience with family and friends, dress up to win some awesome prizes and have fun as you cross the line on Four Mile Beach.

Savannah in the Round

Mareeba
8-11 October

Get those boot scooting shoes ready. This four-day festival never disappoints with an entertainment precinct designed to do just that, entertain!

Stay on site and soak up that festival atmosphere as you enjoy a jam-packed weekend featuring world class acts, a plethora of classics and some of Australia’s hottest up and coming talent.

Where the Outback Meets the Tropics — and the Music Never Stops.

PORT SHORTS Film Festival

Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
24 October

Well, over to well-known actor and Festival Ambassador, Stephen Curry: “Oh my god this festival is my yearly highlight. The setting (Rex Smeal Park) is the single most beautiful outdoor cinema in the world, the films are world class, the people involved spectacular, and the beer is cold!” Say no more, get your creative on and get planning your next visit.

HEATWAVE LGBTQI+ Festival

Port Douglas
12-14 February 2027

HEATWAVE Festival is a bold, joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility, diversity and connection, set against the lush backdrop of Far North Queensland.

Following on from the success of its inaugural event in 2026 the program in 2027 will bring together world-class DJs, drag royalty and high-energy events, delivering glamour, charisma and show-stopping performances all weekend long.