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Weekend events guide: What's on in Cairns July 18-19
Live music, markets, and family-friendly fun: Your weekend starts here
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Cairns is set to buzz this weekend with a mix of live performances, community markets, and outdoor activities that cater to locals and visitors alike. Friday night brings indie rock to the Tanks Arts Centre, while Saturday morning kicks off with the Esplanade markets before a free family concert at Munro Martin Parklands.
Friday night lights
The Tanks Arts Centre at 46 Collins Avenue hosts Australian indie darlings The Grogans on Friday, July 18. Doors open at 7pm, with tickets still available online for $45. The band's latest album earned a spot on the Australian Music Prize shortlist last year, and they're known for their high-energy sets.
Down at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, the final dress rehearsal of local theatre group Barefoot Theatre's production of 'The Sapphires' runs Friday evening. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for concession, and the show opens officially on Saturday night.
Saturday: Markets, music and more
The Rusty's Markets on Grafton Street operate from 6am to noon on Saturday. Stallholders report strong demand for tropical fruit and fresh seafood this season. The markets are a favourite for visitors staying at nearby hotels and hostels.
Munro Martin Parklands hosts a free community concert from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday. The lineup includes local acts like Cairns soul band The Soul Purpose and Indigenous singer-songwriter Narelle Smith. The parkland's playground and skate park will be open, and food trucks will set up along the edge of the park.
For families, the Cairns Botanic Gardens at 64 Collins Avenue runs a free guided tour at 10am Saturday. Children can join the junior ranger activity, which includes a scavenger hunt among the tropical plants.
Sunday: Chill out or get active
Sunday morning offers the weekly Lagoon Markets on the Cairns Esplanade, running from 8am to 2pm. About 50 stalls sell handmade crafts, jewellery and local produce. The market has operated for more than a decade and remains a go-to for pre-lunch browsing.
Cycling enthusiasts can join the Cairns Cycle Club's social ride leaving from Fogarty Park at 7am Sunday. The 30-kilometre route follows the Esplanade to Palm Cove and back, with a coffee stop halfway. Helmets are mandatory, and riders should bring a water bottle.
If the weekend's events don't fill your calendar, the Cairns Regional Council's What's On page lists additional activities including a Sunday afternoon jazz session at the Hilton Cairns and a twilight yoga session at the Botanic Gardens at 5pm.