Events

The Biggest Island Party In Australia, at Townsville - Queensland. For the last five years, Full Moon Down Under has become one of Queensland's, and Australia's most iconic events. Full Moon is staged monthly and set on the ridiculously beautiful Magnetic Island's Nelly Beach. They hand pick the artists, bringing the biggest acts Australia and the world has to offer so they can commit to delivering an explosive night full of entertainment. With up to 3,000 people from different parts of the world travelling to experience their unique island party, you can expect nothing less then fire twirlers, body paint, plenty of colour and good times! From sunset to sunrise, it is a night you may or may not remember.

From a 2,000-year-old natural pearl found in a Kimberley rock shelter to modern lustrous pearl jewellery, the exhibition Lustre: Pearling and Australia traces the fascinating heritage of pearling across the north of Australia, from Shark Bay to the Torres Strait Islands. The exhibition delves into the gritty human story of pearling, weaving together intersecting strands of Aboriginal, Asian and European histories to reveal insights into one of Australia’s oldest industries. Discover the intriguing stories behind northern Australia's unique pearling tradition. Immerse yourself in the qualities of the shell itself, its evolution and habitat, and the people who have collected and harvested these treasures from Saltwater Country. The Museum of Tropical Queensland also unravels the layers of pearling in the Torres Strait from a time before Europeans through to the golden age of luggers and beyond.

Manggan – gather, gathers, gathering presents and shares knowledge, stories and art from nine tribal groups of rainforest people from far North Queensland - the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhun, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulnay, Jirrbal and Djiru people. The exhibition includes documentaries, still photographs, weaving and ceramics by 19 internationally renowned artists from the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, together with artefacts from the South Australian Museum Collection of material collected from the Girringun region. Manggan – gather, gathers, gathering is a travelling exhibition in partnership between Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, the South Australian Museum and toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland. This exhibition is supported by the Visions regional touring program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to cultural material for all Australians. It is also supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program and the Queensland Government, and proudly sponsored by Conrad Gargett and Urban Arts Projects.

Do you have what it takes to be a pirate? Get hands-on with pirate history at this Australian National Maritime Museum travelling exhibition based on the bestselling Horrible Histories series and developed in association with Scholastic UK. Take command of a pirate ship, design and project your own pirate flag, try out different weapons from cutlasses to cannons, find your fate on the wheel of misfortune, discover the best loot to steal and splat rats in the quayside tavern. Along the way, discover why the pirate women were just as wicked as the men and learn to talk the patter of a pirate. Learn about the ships they sailed on, the punishments they suffered and the rules they lived by. The Museum of Tropical Queensland is the first venue in Queensland and only the third in Australia to host this travelling exhibition.

Ingham Maraka Festival will feature steam train rides, cocktail night, Try-Athlon, rock and roll dinner dance, afternoon tea, pet parade, float procession, finishing with entertainment and fireworks in Rotary Park.

The annual exhibition by Visual Arts students of TAFE Queensland North’s Townsville Campus showcases the talent of the individual artists emerging from the school, and includes traditional 2D art forms, 3D design, sculpture and new media art such as video and animation.

A wise man once said “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story” That wise man was Kurt Phelan. Kurt is no stranger to the stage. He has performed major roles in some of the biggest musicals in Australia over the past decade, including Singin’ In The Rain, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and most recently channelling his inner Patrick Swayze onstage in the national tour of Dirty Dancing. Now, he returns home to Townsville with the show that has taken the country by storm and seen a sellout season in New York City. Phelan Groovy is a cabaret of riotous proportions, full of hit songs you thought you knew before, until now. A hilarious night of unabashed laughter where you will get a personal tour inside the mind of Australia’s newest leading man. Part biographical, part celebrity dish and all laugh a minute entertainment. If growing up has taught him one thing, it was to only say 10 per cent of what he thinks, out loud. Well, you get that other 90 per cent (complete with a killer soundtrack.) So, come and share a night with this North Queensland-Gemini’s-rapid-firing mind, and have a good laugh.

Original Australian musical comedy about being a Receptionist and customer service… get a group together to see this one! Share your stories… the bar will be open pre-show. A celebration of administration, Reception: The Musical tells the story of a receptionist who finds joy in the manic world of customer service, stationery orders and thinking on her swivel chair. Inspired by true stories from behind the front desk, this cabaret comedy is the office memo you don't want to miss! Written by award-winning writer/performer Bethany Simons and leading Melbourne composer Peter de Jager, this uplifting and hilarious production features a toe-tapping original score. Songs include My Name is Bethany (Not Stephanie), Do You Have Sticky Tape?, and They Ring My Bell.

Dance the night away! You're going to have a frightfully great time! Live Band: Mystery Road, Awesome prizes for best dressed categories and lucky door prizes. Bar and Food available throughout the night. Accommodation available at: Imperial Hotel, Railway Hotel, Top Camp Hotel and Camping at the Campgrounds. The Halloween Dance is proudly supported by Resolute and Carpentaria Gold.

Rugby League World Cup – Townsville to host three pool matches. In 2017, the best players and teams from around the globe will descend on Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea for the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will see 14 teams play 28 games over five weeks – all hoping to be crowned world cup winners, in what is the pinnacle event in international Rugby League. Townsville Stadium, the home of the North Queensland Cowboys will host three pool matches over two weekends, in what is set to be the biggest sporting event in Australia during 2017. The action will kick off in Townsville, when Fiji take on the USA followed by a double header featuring USA vs Italy and Fiji vs Wales. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be at the Rugby League World Cup in Townsville.

The last run in the Outer Limits Trail Run Series. Join them in the beautiful village above the clouds and run some of the amazing trails this region has to offer. Choose from six kilometres, 10 kilometres or 20 kilometres and have the chance to win some of our amazing prizes. They are giving away over AUD2,000 worth of prizes. The event village will have everything you need, amazing food and coffee vendors, barbecue. fresh fruit and refreshments (free for competitors) and the Outer Limits merchandise and nutrition shop will be on site. Register now online.

This year you'll participate in an Amazing Race style treasure hunt in Charters Towers where you will race to checkpoints and complete challenges to gain points. Be the team with the most points at the end of the race to take out the title at Towers Rush 2017. Be part of the event which has captivated the community and led competitors to abseil heritage buildings, constructing food masterpieces, paddling the river, completing puzzles and challenges and much more!

On Friday 3 November the Museum will open after hours for adults to discover an incredible pirate playground from 5.30 to 8.30pm. Experience live music, special talks and demonstrations, plus ticket holders will get to explore their latest travelling exhibitions 'Horrible Histories – Pirates: The Exhibition' and 'Lustre: Pearling and Australia' without the kids hogging all the fun! At their leisure, adults can grab a drink and bust some pirate myths with maritime archaeologist Dr Maddy Fowler, meet their collections team and see how shipwreck objects are restored, learn about the development of super oysters to produce perfect pearls, find out what qualities make a pearl valuable and explore the Museum with a special Treasure Map Trail.

Dread Sovereign demonstrates a reconfiguration of the act of drawing in response to digital technologies, culminating in what the artist terms ‘metadrawing.’ Within the exhibition, questions of genre, form and medium are abandoned for an interdisciplinary approach. The internet search engine is adopted into the artist’s toolbox, integrating the countless accessible and disposable images as raw matter for the artist to fossick and sift through. Specific images are selected by McBurnie and reconfigured through studio practice, creating a new imbrication of the raw image matter.

Join The Burdekin Theatre for one of the most exciting Australian events of the year, the Melbourne Cup Day! On 7 November, the Burdekin Theatre will be bringing you plenty of thrills and frivolities, with guests bringing all the fashion. The day will start from 11am, with guests receiving a sparkling wine on arrival. Guests will be treated to a smorgasbord luncheon, with the race itself live-streamed on the big-screen. The Theatre will be running a variety of games, including the running of the Burdekin Theatre Cup. There will be prizes for Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman, as well as lucky door prizes. Enjoy the day with a group of friends, family or colleagues and come down to celebrate the race that stops a nation!

The Ville Resort-Casino present its annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon, proudly supporting The Sky Foundation. Ticket includes a delicious three course menu, five hour premium beverage package, Loloma Jewellers diamond giveaway, fashion parade by Townsville Fashion Festival, 7 network television coverage live on the big screens, TAB facilities, fashions on the field, The Ville best dressed, prizes and Sweepstakes and a pamper zone with hairdresser and makeup artist. Purchase your tickets from the Entertainment Centre in person, or phone them. Subject to availability, change and cancellation. Guest must be 18 years and over to attend. Group bookings must be made in a single transaction to allow group seating allocation. Ticketing fee applied to all online and phone bookings, plus a two per cent transaction fee applies to credit card bookings. The Ville practices the responsible service of alcohol.

The Burdekin Shire Council is once again holding a free Christmas themed Morning Melodies event. This year, they’re excited to bring you Sentimental Journey with Vov Dylan and Glenn Amer! Vov Dylan (Australia’s Andre Rieu) and Glenn Amer (the voice of Mario Lanza and the fingers of Liberace) join forces to take audiences on a musical journey filled with great stories and humour and of course great melodies. Join them on a musical journey through over a hundred years of songs from ‘light classical delights’ to the standards of ‘the American songbook’ through to the Musical Theatre hits of recent years, as well as some Christmas favourites. Tickets are free, but guests must reserve a ticket to secure their spot. Tickets are available from their website, by calling them or at Burdekin Shire Council Customer Service Desk at 145 Young Street, Ayr.

Australia's Andre Rieu will take you on a musical journey through over a hundred years of songs from ‘light classical delights’ to the standards of ‘the American songbook’ through to the Musical Theatre hits of recent years.  Vov Dylan and Glenn Amer  join forces to take audiences on a musical journey filled with great stories, humour and wonderful melodies. Vov Dylan is an Australian Violinist with music that flows from every fibre of his body.

Townsville City Council in conjunction with the Townsville and Thuringowa RSL Sub Branches, will host Remembrance Day services on Saturday 11 November to commemorate the official end of hostilities in World War I and to pay respects to those who served our country in this and the various wars since. Members of the public are invited to attend either of the following services: Townsville City, Anzac Park, 10:30am Thuringowa Central, Riverway, 10:45am Further details to be advised.

Keen to try out your new 4x4 and don't know where to go? Had a 4x4 for years and have run out of new places? Don't have anyone to go with? CT 4x4 Club Fun Day allows novice and experienced drivers an area to test their vehicles in a range of terrain including soft sand and rocky outcrops, with the surety of having experienced Four Wheel Drive Queensland members on-hand to assist and guide where required or just for recovery. Located just nine kilometres from Charters Towers central business district, the Millchester Motor Sport and Recreation Facility has it all from winch walls to mud pits that host the NQ Off Road Challenge, participants can come for the weekend and enjoy all that the Towers has to offer. CT 4x4 Club is a family friendly club catering for all 4x4 enthusiasts.

Vov Dylan is an Australian Violinist with music that flows from every fibre of his body. A third generation musician, Vov was born to the Violin! As a child he became a regular in the Classical music circuit. Alongside the shows, Vov has become a regular in the recording studio where he has now released six studio albums, all of which are available globally and receive frequent airplay on radio stations all over the world.

Calling all adrenaline junkies: The Radical Reels Film Festival is back to set your pulse racing with nine of the world’s best action sport films. This year, the line-up showcases heart-stopping action filled with wild rides, long ski lines, steep jumps, and skillful stunts. Each action-packed short has been handpicked from more than 300 entries to the recent Banff Mountain Festival (the largest and most prestigious mountain-adventure festival in the world). These high-energy excerpts will take you to a place where your heart beats faster, adrenaline courses through your veins and the world whirls by at high speed. Featuring 10 awesome short films this is one night not to be missed.

Winner of the international 2016 Guitar Masters fingerstyle competition – one of the largest and most prestigious guitar competitions in the world – East Frisian guitarist Soenke Meinen embarks on his first Australian tour as part of the 2017 Acoustic Guitar Spectacular. With Bruce Mathiske – arguably the finest all-round guitarist Australia has produced (The Australian) – and Michael Fix – one of Australia’s Top 25 Guitarists of All Time – Meinen will join forces to weave memorable musical magic. Showcasing a diverse range of guitar talent from across the globe, the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular has been touring Australia annually since 2012 to sell out audiences and rave reviews. Ticket price also includes the opportunity to participate in a 45-minute Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Michael Fix, however numbers are limited and ticket-holders must register their interest with the Burdekin Theatre to obtain a spot. The performance will commence at 7.30pm, with the workshop occurring from 4.45pm to 5.30pm. Tour produced by Red Chair. Red Chair is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Tickets are available from their website, by calling them or at Burdekin Shire Council Customer Service Desk at 145 Young Street, Ayr.

Experience a once in a lifetime event as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) prepare to deliver two huge nights of the toughest sport on dirt. It's a showdown like no other - elite cowboys versus the toughest bulls on the planet in a three hour action packed sporting entertainment event that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Cowboys all eager for glory as they strive to overcome the power of the 52 most extreme bucking bulls in a battle of power, agility and the fight of the fittest eight seconds at a time. Choreographed with pyrotechnics, lasers, concert sound system and mega screen replays, with multiple camera angles that will take you behind the scenes and inside the bucking chutes as riders prepare for the ride of their life whilst delivering you the ultimate live event bull riding experience inside the Townsville Entertainment Centre. .

Women in Docs are an independent, folk pop act (with a little bit of country), based in Brisbane. They have been compared to the Indigo Girls, the Dixie Chicks and The Waifs. With a reputation for stirring and humourous live performances and a vigorous touring schedule, Women in Docs have spent ten years building a fiercely loyal following throughout Australia, as well as touring internationally to win over audiences throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand and China. Roz Pappalardo and Chanel Lucas as women in docs have wooed the world with their award-winning songs and live shows which incorporate soaring harmonies, rhythmic guitar and authentic story telling. Their refreshing acoustic style of music, a little bit country, a little bit folk, is a breath of fresh air at any festival. They are loved worldwide by audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds, deserving recognition as one of Australia’s most enduring independent and hardest working acts.

This exhibition is curated from works which are drawn from the City of Townsville Art Collection. The focal point of the show is works with a drawn aspect to their medium, as drawings can be seen as the fundamental skill underpinning most, if not all, forms of visual art.

Women Like Us comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are different from other comedians, they’re women, they’re mothers, they’re middle aged and they’re country girls. With more than 70 sold-out shows and packed houses at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival’s Enmore Theatre, Adelaide Fringe and Perth Festival, their candid and unique shows get the crowd crying with laughter. Touring constantly around the Australia, the girls are coming to your town soon. Described as a ‘two Tena pad show’. These stories are untold, laugh out loud, women’s stories. Few sacred cows remain unmilked by these two experienced comic, seven children, four husbands and thirty five years of stage time between them, their material is a hilarious firsthand account of parenting, the beauty industry, getting older, getting fatter, strange surgeries, weird television shows, obsessions, and most importantly, who unpacks the dishwasher. Mandy Nolan, a columnist for the Byron Shire Echo, writer for Mamamia, with appearances on ABC's Q&A, SBS's Mums The Word and About Women also a corporate / club comedy performer nationwide. Ellen Briggs, - national Finalist - RAW comedy and winner of Foxtel Comedy Channel's Be A Comedian.

Let them take care of the Christmas Party for you! Celebrate with friends or book in your work team for one of their Giant Christmas Parties in the Grand Ballroom! Purchase tickets at their website.

Townsville's Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand, celebrates its 16th birthday in 2017 at Townsville's premier event location, Strand Park. Stable on the Strand is one of Australia's most spectacular Christmas events, delighting crowds of 40,000 people over five nights as Christmas is shared with story, song and festivity. Stable on the Strand 2017 will feature the Town of Bethlehem: the story of the birth of Jesus told interactively using live actors as wise men, shepherds, Roman soldiers, King Herod, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; camels, chickens, goats, sheep, and a donkey for children to pat; huge carousel in the Stable Village; fabulous youth program; great children's activities; amazing entertainment on the Main Stage with local and guest artists; hospitality areas: enjoy the ambience of Stable on the Strand while enjoying free tea, coffee and Christmas Cake. Entry is free!

It's all glamour and class at this years New Year's eve soiree! Ticket price includes a gourmet three course dinner, five hour beverage package and entertainment by Abbey Road! Menu Freshly baked bread rolls TO START Tiger prawn, crab and lime tian, green pea, chilli oil and micro cress Alternatively served Char grilled harissa spiced lamb fillet, fried chickpea, tabouli and minted yoghurt IN BETWEEN Barkers Creek pork cutlet, rosemary buttered chat potatoes, wilted spinach and beetroot relish Alternatively served Bindaree grain fed eye fillet of beef, pommes Anna, field mushroom, broccolini and thyme jus TO FINISH Strawberry and white chocolate delice, champagne jelly, berry coulis and white chocolate shard Freshly brewed coffee and tea Tickets on sale at their website.

The Charters Towers Goldfield Ashes is the largest amateur cricket carnival in the southern hemisphere. It is conducted in January by the Charters Towers Cricket Association Incorporated (CTCA). The event was recently given the status of being a Queensland Iconic Event. Matches are played on 58 different playing fields, including some which are privately owned. Whilst 'The Ashes' has grown to levels well beyond the imagination of President Jack Meeson's original concept, it has not lost its reputation for friendliness and hospitality. Perhaps within that reputation, lies the secret of its past success and assured growth in the future.

For more than 40 years, Johnny Cash and June Carter enthralled audiences around the world with their songs of life, love and heartache. A love story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written. Now Jeff Carter Cash together with Brooke McMullen bring to life a captivating and unforgettable musical concert not to be missed, their onstage performance has to be seen to be believed. This two hour live concert event “Leaving Jackson- The Johnny Cash and June Carter Story” will have you singing, laughing and crying for more. Starring Jeff Carter Cash and Brooke McMullen.

The Elliot's Revenge Trail Run is the second event in the Outer Limits Trail Run Series 2018. This run will take you through the beautiful Bowling Green Bay National Park, testing your stamina on steep hills and satisfying your sense of adventure with creek crossings and challenging trails. With multiple distances to choose from, this event offers fun and challenge to the whole family. There will be prizes for the first three runners in each distance as well as prizes for first place in each age category. Reward yourself with complimentary refreshments after you cross the finish line and enjoy great food and drinks from local food and coffee carts. Registration is now open, get in early as the event sell out quick!

This coming May, Townsville will become North Queensland's fashion capital, full of style, creativity and passion. The Townsville Fashion Festival presented by Escape Travel gives those who love to be styled, love to look great, enjoy being pampered, and find all things creative to be inspiring, a week of activities that will culminate in a Fashion and Creative show for all to adore. TFF will continue to assist in the development of the regional creative industries including retail, design, manufacturing, hair & beauty, photography, art, dance and media. The event has grown to become a programmed product in the regions calendar and now falls in line with the fashion season, events season and Townsville's tropical winter climate.

Outer Limits hosts the Two Bays Trail Run on Magnetic Island. The spectacular run takes you from Nelly Bay to the other side of the Island and finishes at the picture perfect Horseshoe Bay. The event offers a 10 kilometre and a 20 kilometre course, both are challenging and beautiful at the same time.

Check out the display of vintage and classic vehicles. Prizes and free kids entertainment. Gates open at 6.30am for Swap Meet and Entrants. Spectators are welcomed from 8am to 3pm. Bring your most prized possessions and show it off to the local region and visitors.

Townsville's first Pop Culture Event was a roaring success, so they are set to bring everything pop culture to Townsville. There will have movie stars, cosplayers from Australia as well as cartoonist that have done work from the Simpsons to My Little Pony. Join in the cosplay competition , see Doctor Who's Tardis a Dalek and you might even see someone dressed up as the eleventh Doctor. They will have memorabilia from the Infamous Geek(Platinum Sponsor) on site as well. Dioramas from Hemble Creations from Star Trek, Star Wars, Indianna Jones and much much more. There will have vendors travelling from all over Queensland selling everything pop culture so they can't wait to see you in Tropical North Queensland during their beautiful winter 17 to 26 degrees.

The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is a test of skill and endurance, with thousands of dollars in prize money up for grabs for competitors. Bring the family to experience history coming back to life, in the sugar capital of Australia- the Burdekin region. Spectators will have the opportunity to walk through a paddock of burnt sugarcane - an unusual and memorable experience for many city dwellers. The dirty, back-breaking work of a by-gone era, the expertise of the 'old-timers', and the excitement of the 'Cut, Top and Load' will be on show again at this iconic Australian event. Sit back and enjoy live entertainment, wander through vintage machinery from yesteryear, take part in a workshop or two, enjoy a bite to eat from one of their many food providers or have a cold drink from the bar. There is something to do for the whole family with free children’s craft and activities, an animal farm, jumping castle and mini train rides. The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships are held at the Home Hill Showgrounds, about one and a quarter hour's drive south of Townsville, and 15 minutes from Ayr.

Ross River Rush takes in the exciting trail network at the Ross Dam. These trails are usually only accessible for selected mountain bike riders, so don't miss the chance to take in the great views and run these fun and challenging trails. Make sure to stick around once you have finished to enjoy the race HQ atmosphere, refreshments and of course cheers on your fellow runners.

Come along to this classic country show with all the favourites: horses, dogs, birds, wood chopping, art, cooking and school displays, animal nursery, fireworks, night entertainment and side shows. The whole family will enjoy it!