Gather ’round cabaret and vaudevillian lovers – the spectacular travelling Wonderland Spiegeltent is set to return to Port Douglas Carnivale in 2023, delivering circus, cabaret, comedy, burlesque, music and family shows inside her bevelled doors and velvet curtains to Tropical North Queensland audiences.
The Wonderland Spiegeltent Festival Hub is coming back to Port Douglas’ Dixie Park from May 18. Featuring the beautiful 1930s nostalgic wooden mirrored travelling European circus tent, the Festival Hub is returning with a can’t-be-missed entertainment program alongside the licenced Sunset Bar showcasing locally produce food and cocktails, a food truck, and an open-air stage with free and ticketed entertainment.
From a breathtaking performance of a classic children’s story to more risqué entertainment for adults, there is no denying the Wonderland Spiegeltent is a must-do favourite on the Carnivale program.
In its signature style, this travelling mirrored hand-hewn pavilion will bring together world-class cabaret, music, circus and comedy in a magical world evoking cheek and charm, sass and decadence in its opulent surrounds.
For audiences young, and young at heart, Circus Wonderland – A Neverland Adventure tells the story of Peter Pan.
Joined by Tinkerbell and the swashbuckling pirates, take in flying acrobatics and hilarious antics in this fun-filled enchanting show, which will run from Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21.
For the adults, Popcorn Underground ‘variety show’ combines burlesque with circus and adds a big dash of riotous rock ‘n’ pop roar for a rainbow performance of diversity and glamour.
Sexy and fun, Popcorn Underground is considered the “crème de la creme of the cabaret world” and will run from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 21.
For those who like their raunch late night, Debauched, hosted by Tash York, is an entertaining cornucopia of sexy burlesque, mind boggling acts and risque humour – think the Royal Variety Performance, but with acts you will only see after dark.
Knock Out Events’ Melissa Head said delivering world class entertainment to locals and visitors alike continued to be their mission.
“This will be the seventh year the Spiegeltent has returned to Port Douglas Carnivale, and we just love presenting shows in it, as its up close, real entertainment, and the perfect showcase for live performers, delivering a unique and memorable experience for the audience,” she said.
Ms Head said the Spiegeltent was a “perfect showcase for live performers, delivering a unique and memorable experience for the audience”.
The Wonderland Spiegeltent is one of the many attractions that make Port Douglas the place to live your best life over the 10 days of Carnivale. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.carnivale.com.au
Wonderland Spiegeltent runs from May 18 through to May 21 as part of Port Douglas Carnivale 2023.
Featured Events
Circus Wonderland A Neverland Adventure / Thursday May 18
Be amazed and captivated as you are immersed in the magic of Neverland!
Audiences young and the young at heart will be all smiles enjoying the spellbinding magic of Circus Wonderland. Fun for the whole family as the adventures of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Pirates come to life with a fun-filled enchanting circus adventure for the whole family.
A fantasy wonderland of family entertainment you will never forget! Starring an amazing world class cast of acrobatic characters with astounding feats and hilarious antics to keep you enthralled and in wonder! Tick, Tock, a magical wonderland awaits.
Late Night Debauched / Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20
Hosted by the phenomenal Tash York get ready for a late night romp you won’t soon forget! We’re bringing you a riotous variety show like you’ve never seen before with sexy burlesque, hilarious comedy and acts you’ll only see after dark!
“Just like caramel…warm and hilarious.” The Advertiser.
“REAL and inclusive entertainment with extra ordinary human-beings.”
“Amazing night out. World class performances, fun, thought provoking and so entertaining!”
Tropic Rock Presents YOU AM I, Lady Valiant / May 20
Can it get any better than Australian Rock royalty, You Am I, performing at Far North Queensland’s most pictures event spaces, Rex Smeal Park as part of the Carnivale? Simple answer – NO! You Am I are without doubt one of Australia’s all-time essential rock n’ roll bands.
More than two decades on from their first album release, You Am I have not only had one of the longest and most successful recording careers in Australia, but are also without doubt one of our most loved live bands.
2020’s Lives Of Others debuted at #2 in the ARIA charts, 31 ARIA nominations with 10 wins, 3 #1 records, 2 Platinum and 3 gold records, 5631 shows and 4 very close band members with rock and roll to burn can’t be denied their place as Australian Rock Royalty.
Local Support Act, Lady Valiant, create a ‘less is more’ soundscape that lacks for nothing with its minimalistic approach. Fusing genres, they have given the Blues the Lady Valiant treatment and added some serious weight into their original music. Using the reliable blend of dirty slide guitar, Joplin inspired soulful vocals, heavy low end and a solid drum groove they bring an authentic fresh sound to the stage with raw power and originality.
Make sure you arrive early to catch local legends and festival favourites, Lady Valliant’s, great stories, catchy tunes and rocking riffs that keep the dance floor bouncing.
Under the stars and surrounded by palms, this will be a special experience for Carnivale!
Port Douglas Music Trails
Let us take you through Port Douglas’s most well-loved music venues on an ambling aural adventure. enjoy exciting original music and the stories that inspired it from local and touring musicians….
Local legends, Chopperdog Productions, present something special for Carnivale. A festival of music within the festival, with Port Douglas Music Trails. Unique and inspired story telling through song, authentic and honestly performed with heart and soul. Working with local venues to present this showcase of music, these performances are all free to attend, but make no mistake, these talented musicians will take you places money can’t buy. Be sure to get out and about and enjoy Port Douglas Music Trails at Carnivale, the journey starts with you.
Friday 19th May – Tin Shed: Cinnamon Sun 7pm-9pm
Sat 20th May – Tin Shed: Tim Woodz 1pm-3pm
Paddys Bar: Stuie Harcourt 4pm-6pm
Chilly’s Pizza: Tessa Devine 7pm-9pm
Sun 21st – Central Hotel Beer Garden –
JC & The Tree – 2pm-3pm
Tessa Devine – 3:30pm-4:30pm
Tim Woodz – 5pm-6pm
Cinnamon Sun – 6:30-7:30pm
The Douglas Dash / May 21
Starting and finishing at Rex Smeal Park, the Douglas Dash is a 5km run taking in the magnificent Four Mile Beach and then through the cross-country terrain of the Flagstaff Hill walking trail. There is no more magical part of the world at the start time of 7am and the uninterrupted running experience on offer is world class.
Times will be recorded and bragging rights on the line.
Urban trail run. The event is part of the 2023 Port Douglas Carnival and a fundraiser for TARC.
Date: May 21 2023
Time: 8.00am
Please click HERE to register.
Sheraton Sunset Sessions with Cafe del Mar / May 21
From the deep orange skies to the whimsically pink clouds, whether it’s a feeling of nostalgia or a flicker of hope for a new day, a sunset never fails to capture the attention of all who watch its alluring display as it disappears into the night.
In the spirit of community, Sheraton Sunset Sessions invites locals, visitors and guests to come together for a poolside tropical sunset accompanied by atmospheric music, colourful cocktails and tasty Mediterranean bites.
This special Carnivale 2023 edition of Sheraton Sunset Sessions will feature Café Del Mar.
World famous for celebrating spectacular sunsets in Ibiza since the 80’s, Café Del Mar remains one of the much-loved Spanish island’s most treasured venues to this day.
The true pioneers of bringing music, sensational sunsets and fun together with Mediterranean food and cool drinks, this special Café Del Mar edition of the regular Sunset Sessions at Sheraton is sure to be a hot ticket during Port Douglas Carnivale 2023.
