Showcasing the best of Tropical North Queensland from local food & wines to talented musicians,
artists and entertainers, PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE is one of Australia’s most exciting and
diverse events that celebrates the uniqueness and beauty of tropical living.
Now in its 23rd year, this year’s Carnivale runs 26-28 May 2017 with a calendar chock-full of events and
family-friendly fun, including the spectacular WONDERLAND SPIEGELTENT back for a second season
with a world class program of live entertainment from 19-28 May.
The theatrical phenomenon LA SOIRÉE is set to thrill audiences in the Spiegeltent with its award-
winning variety sensation made of up the world’s greatest performers of cabaret, burlesque, circus
sideshow and contemporary vaudeville. Step inside for a parallel universe of pure entertainment and prepare to be amazed, amused, shocked, shaken and stirred as spectacular skills deliver a high energy
show that has to be seen to be believed. (19-28 May).
Kick off Carnivale weekend on Friday 26 May (11:30am-3pm), and soak up the picturesque setting of the Coral Sea under the palms at Rex Smeal Park. Indulge in a long lazy lunch as PARADISE ON A PLATE serves up plentiful produce, fresh dishes and thrilling performances. Each of 4 courses will be served with matching wines accompanied by a unique performer that will keep your senses buzzing.
Friday evening, Macrossan Street comes alive with dazzling entertainment for the young and the young at heart. A true community event in the finest of North Queenslander traditions, the MACROSSAN STREET PARADE has long been the opening highlight of Port Douglas Carnivale and regularly draws eager crowds of thousands of fans. From 5pm, be captivated by the sights and sounds of live music and extraordinary street performers, indulge in the fresh goodies on offer at the market food stalls, and be enchanted by an array of amusements and rides for the whole family including the debut of the Carnivale Ferris Wheel. The parade will be kicking off at 6:30pm followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm driving the party into high gear. The street fun continues into the night as Port Douglas restaurants and bars come alive. This year’s Parade theme is THE WONDERS OF THE REEF. Want to be involved? Registration for Float entry closes Friday 21 April 2017.
On Saturday 27 May from 9am, grab family and friends and head to the FAMILY BEACH
DAY at Four Mile Beach’s northern end for a full day of fun and frolic by the sea. Featuring an
amazing KITE DISPLAY with astounding giant colorful kites plus a SAND SCULPTING
COMPETITION everyone can join in on. Roving entertainment, face painting, kids’ activities,
refreshments and market stalls will all be on offer.
Locals and visitors alike will be dancing in the moonlight on Saturday night, 27 May as
PORT ON A FORK – FOOD, WINE & MUSIC offers a variety of Port Douglas-inspired dishes that that capture the essence of local living, plus popular food trucks and gourmet artisans to tempt everyone’s tastebuds. It will be one big electric party with live music sets by DJ Peiro, funk, synth and groove quintet Vaudeville Smash, Cairns’ blues & roots princess Leanne Tennant plus Australia’s ARIA Award winner BEN LEE takes the stage as the Festival headliner.
And on Sunday 28 May from 11am, chill out at the FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL with music from the Hillbilly Goats, The Montgomery Brothers, and a return to the stage by Ben Lee.
Just a stroll away is the WONDERLAND LITTLE BIG TOP stage featuring a variety of family and children’s entertainment including ABC Kids’ Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band, Children Are Stinky and TNQ’s own Legends of Perhaps.
Be sure to hop aboard the Bally Hooley historic steam train for the AUDREY CUTTLEBUTTLE & THE GREAT BALLY HOOLEY ESCAPE for a truly moving outdoor theatre experience. Boarding 3x daily Thurs 18 May – Sat 27 May from the Reef Marina with return from St Crispin’s Station, passengers will be wildly entertained along the way by live comedy, slapstick, colourful characters and fun facts on the area. The Bally Hooley was original operated by Mossman Mill to haul sugar cane through the fields.
In between the abundance of good food and fun during Carnivale, don’t miss the stunning
photography on show at the TROPIC DESTINATIONS PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION 2017 – a must- see exhibition of stunning digital photography by the local Douglas Photographic Society Inc. This is the annual Exhibition and competition for Club members, and showcases the beauty and wonder of the people, creatures and places of the region and beyond. The 2018 landscape calendar and printed images in various sizes and formats are available for sale. The exhibition will open from 22-28 May10am-4pm with an official opening party Monday 22 May at 6.00pm at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre. Free entry. For more info visit www.pdnc.org.au.
Want to get involved in Carnivale this year? For all volunteer, parade and stall information please visit www.carnivale.com.au/get-involved.
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