Cairns Festival officially gets underway tomorrow (Friday 23 August) with an action-packed opening weekend in the city centre.

Friday features the Cairns Festival Launch Party: A cultural Rising headlined by Christine Anu, the return of immersive Reef Lights, interactive fun at the Bubble Station and HEXADECA, exhibitions and live entertainment on the Court House Gallery lawn.

On Saturday, thousands of people are expected to watch the Grand Parade along the Esplanade, which gets underway at 5.30pm, followed by the fireworks spectacular from 7.30pm, and enjoy seven hours of live music and roaming performers.

The following road closures will be in place.

Cairns Festival Launch, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August

Esplanade Dining Precinct, from Shields Street to Aplin St – closed from 6pm Friday (23 August) to 5am Saturday (24 August).

Grand Parade, Saturday 24 August

Lake St, from Minnie St to Florence – closed from 5am to 10pm.Minnie St, from Lake St to the Esplanade – closed 2pm to 10pmCairns Esplanade, from Spence Street to Minnie St – closed 5am to 10pmPier Point Rd, half road closure, no access to bus stops - 5am to 10pmThe Southern Esplanade Car Park Pier Car Park, western section only - closed 5am to 10pm.

Cairns Festival 2024 runs from Friday 23 August to Sunday 1 September, with an array of free and ticketed events at a range of locations across the Cairns region. For the full program visit cainsfest.com.au