A Curated Guide to What’s On in Port Douglas, Daintree and Beyond.
After last week’s epic long weekend, happenings are a bit more laid back in the Douglas Shire this weekend, but there are plenty of events and gatherings on offer if you don’t mind exploring a bit farther afield.
Markets will be held on Saturday in Mossman and Mareeba (at the Turf Club) and on Sunday in Port Douglas and down in Cairns at the Tanks.
Celebrate la dolce vita at this weekend’s events for the Cairns Italian Festival. Sunday is a cracker, with the Food and Wine Festival at Fogarty Park. All the details below.
For those with a fossickers bent, GemFest is being held in Cairns this weekend.
Round out your weekend, with a stop off for live music at Ellis Beach Bar & Grill or the Julatten Hotel who are both playing live local music both days of the weekend.
PS. Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival has just been announced for October, with the likes of Jessica Mauboy putting on a free concert in an amazing setting in the Yarrabah community. Details below.
Rumble in the Jungle
Get ready for a fully energetic night of live looping, folk, reggae and electro blues! Idan Shoham (aka ShmonΓ©) is appearing live at PK’s Jungle Village Cape Trib. on both Friday and Saturday night.
A multi instrumentalist, loop artist and singer songwriter from Israel, ShmonΓ© performs covers and original music from different genres. Woven together with saxophone, guitar, bass, drum machine and vocals with Idan live looping on stage, this is a going to be a rumble in the jungle well worth heading over the river for!

If you missed last week, indoor pickleball is back!
Pickleball arrived to the Douglas Shire last weekend, but is back to recruit more players this weekend. Odd name aside, this social and friendly game is now one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, the rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.

“Pickleball is a paddle and ball sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups, enjoyment and success on the court. Using a paddle and plastic wiffle ball, played on a hard surface indoors or outdoors, the game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourages and inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability or age differences.
Pickleball Australia Association
Pickleball is both fun and challenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics and touch.
Finally, pickleball and the sense of community achieved through pickleball, provides connection, social, mental and physical well being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate both in Australia and globally.
Pickleball in Australia is welcoming, accessible and safe; striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. “
Saturday, at the Cyclone Shelter at Port Douglas State School from 12-4pm.
Four courts. Bats and balls provided. Wear tennis shoes or runners. Children over eight. All children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent.
Cost: $5
Contact telephone: 0431038414
Email organiser: ekendall56@gmail.com
Get ready for GemFest Cairns this weekend!
Calling all gem enthusiasts and crystal lovers! Join us for a dazzling gem extravaganza! Witness stunning gem and crystal displays from around the world, showcasing nature’s most exquisite treasures.
Immerse yourself in the art of silver craftsmanship with live demonstrations by skilled artisans, and discover the secrets behind creating breathtaking jewelry pieces.
Experience the magic of gem polishing and shaping firsthand, and bring home your very own polished gemstone as a precious keepsake!
Don’t miss this sparkling event where you can indulge in your passion for gemstones and uncover the beauty hidden within the rocks.
Cairns Mineral and Lapidary Club

Film Buffs Unite in Dog Love and Gutsy Girl Adventures
CPAC is proud to present the 2023 Top Dog Film Festival on Saturday, a heartwarming celebration of the bond between dogs and their beloved humans. Featuring a curated selection of uplifting stories from independent filmmakers across the globe, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for both dog enthusiasts and cinema lovers alike.
In addition to the Top Dog Film Festival, CPAC are also bringing you the captivating Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour. This tour showcases a series of awe-inspiring short films highlighting fearless female adventurers. From epic journeys to stunning landscapes and adrenaline-fueled action, these films will ignite your spirit and encourage you to push beyond your limits in pursuit of your passions. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking new inspiration or simply captivated by tales of courage and determination, this tour is a celebration of the human spirit and will leave you inspired to embark on your own extraordinary quests.
Locals Fridays at the Tav
Are you a local resident and want a shot at winning $1200?
Be a part of the excitement every week on Fridays from 6pm to 7pm.
Local residents, this is your chance to win as you must have a local address to qualify. Not a member? Sign up at The Tav or any βBottle-Γβ shop in Port Douglas!
Donβt miss out on the Memberβs Draw, AFL Crocs Raffle and Lucky Squares Games at The Tav this Friday night!

La Dolce Vita
Benvenuti a La Festa β Food & Wine, the ultimate Italian cultural extravaganza!
Fogarty Park is this weekend’s destination for immersion in the mouthwatering flavours of regional Italy. Savour the delights of a true Italian feast, complemented by a splendid selection of Italian wines, aromatic coffee, and delectable dolci.
La Festa is a festa per tutta la famiglia, a celebration for the whole family, with a multitude of entertaining performances that will enchant and captivate everyone.
Be mesmerised by the live performances of Siesta Cartel, Made in Italy Show, Ross Maio and DJ Marciano showcasing the best of Italian music and dancing.
You wonβt want to miss the incredible pizza acrobatics, folkloristic dances and live music.
This is a perfect family day out.
So, pop Saturday aside for la dolce vita, and get ready to experience the ultimate Italian Cultural Celebration at Fogarty Park.
Cost:
- Adult: $20
- Child (5 β 16 years): $10
- Infants (0 β 4 years): FREE
- Family Pass ( 2 adults + 2 children): $55
- Group of 10: $180
Live Music
Friday
Central Hotel/ Sea Change 7.30pm
Mount Molloy Hotel/ live music from 7.30pm and Jag the Joker
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill / Dave Cooke from 5.30pm
Saturday
Paddys / Sea Change 8pm
Julatten Hotel / 5-8pm
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill / Barbary Coasters 2-5pm
Sunday
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill / Talitha from 1pm
Court House Hotel / Seachange 7.30pm
Julatten Hotel / 1-4pm
Coming Soon
The first Boy and Bear concert at the Tanks in October has just sold out but another Show has just been added for Sunday October 25. Get amongst itβΌ Boy & Bear – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns (QLD) – 2ND SHOW

Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival
The Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival is making a comeback on October 7 and is poised to be the best one yet.
The lineup includes Jessica Mauboy, Electric Fields, Jessie Lloyd, and the Yarrabah Brass Band. Part of the Queensland Music Trails, the festival encourages people to explore and enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of the region.
Everyone, whether locals or travellers, can enjoy this free festival, dancing and celebrating the world’s oldest living culture in the tropical paradise of Far North Queensland.
While tickets are free, you need to register at Moshtix via the link below to secure your spot.
Jessica Mauboy, Electric Fields Music, Jessie Lloyd & Yarrabah Brass Band
Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival will be held Saturday October 7, Jilara Oval, 2pm
Free Entry – Ticket Registration Essential
Info at http://yarrabahfest.com.au

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