Kick FOMO to the kerb with this month’s list of upcoming festivals and events across Queensland.
Port Douglas Carnivale
Let’s start in the sultry tropics with Port Douglas Carnivale, happening from 20 to 22 May.
This 3-day party celebrates culture and cuisine in one of the planet’s prettiest coastal settings. Events include the Seafood Extravaganza at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina – a monster line-up of music, entertainment and the freshest seafood from the tropical north.
There’s also the FNQ Gin Festival, presented by Hemingway’s Brewery, showcasing 6 local distilleries.
Lovers of live performance can rock out to Tropic Rock – under the palms at Rex Smeal Park… or enjoy the slick cabaret acts and circus shenanigans of Rouge at the Wonderland Spiegeltent.
There’s plenty for the family too – with a Monster Kites show; family beach day – include sand sculpting -at fabulous Four Mile Beach; food trucks, markets and so much more.
It all kicks off with Port Douglas’ answer to Rio Carnival – the Tropical Wonderland Street Parade. Colourful floats and dazzling street performers take over Macrossan Street, followed by fireworks illuminating the tropical night sky.
Cooly Rocks On
Guys and dolls, dust off your bobby socks and put your dancing shoes on! Cooly Rocks On shimmies onto the southern Gold Coast from the 8th to 12th June.
This 5-day celebration of 50s, 60s and 70s nostalgia takes place at Coolangatta – and features the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear.
A highlight is the Show ‘N’ Shine – a line-up of more than 1,000 classic cars – a rev up from last year’s display of 600. Proud motorists come from all over Australia to show off their buffed and polished wheels for the annual festival.
Kustomville is back for its second year, showcasing the best of ‘kustom’ culture with low-brow art, ‘kustom’ cars and choppers.
Dance ‘til you drop with stellar international and national rock’n’roll, rockabilly and swing acts. And enjoy tributes to the greats like Johnny O’Keefe, Roy Orbison and Elvis. Thank you very much!
Vision Splendid Film Festival
Speaking of legendary, the Queensland Outback is the epic setting for a silver screen celebration like no other.
From June 24th, the iconic town of Winton (a.k.a. “Hollywood in the Outback”) rolls out the red carpet for 9 days of premiere screenings; breakfasts with Aussie movie stars; a hotly contested short film competition; and fun kids’ activities for budding film-makers.
The town’s century-old Royal Open Air Cinema is the focal point of this celluloid celebration – with this year’s festival theme being “Beach to Bush”.
Head online and check out the It’s Live in Queensland events line-up and start planning your next festival adventure.
Whether it’s food, music, sport, culture or art – you’ll find a celebration that fits you to a tee. There are 12 months of unique events to discover – set in unforgettable Queensland destinations.
Check out what’s on at www.queensland.com/events
