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.

North Queensland Elite Rodeo is an invitational only event putting the very best rodeo athletes against the best animals in the country. Theur goal is to not only put on one of the greatest competitions for spectators but to also show junior and emerging rodeo stars that there is a pathway for this great sport.

The Townsville Cultural Festival is a not-for-profit community festival organised by the Townsville Intercultural Centre. The festival showcases the diversity of Australian music, food, arts and culture, bringing tens of thousand of people together each year in celebration of life itself. Over 150 performing groups will offering everything from folk, blues, hip-hop and punk, to Indigenous Australian music and dance, drum circles, fireshows, cabaret, poetry, theatre and traditional dance groups from around the world. This year the JCU sponsored Centre of Learning will host workshops, lectures, discussion panels, theatre shows and the Townsville heat of the National Poetry Slam competition. The Wonky Queenslander will host DJ sets, solo sets as well as workshops and yoga classes. Over 100 food and market stalls from around the world, will offer arts and crafts, cuisines, fashion and produce, and around the grounds you will find art features, interactive games, roving performers, show rides, yarning circle, henna tattoo stalls and gypsy fortune tellers. Join them in this celebration of Unity in Diversity. Tickets on sale 1 May.

Townsville is blessed by beautiful wetlands. In 2014 artist Pamela Griffith visited Clevedon / Cromarty protected wetlands 30 kilometres south of Townsville. Some of the most extensive water-bird habitat in Australia occurs between Giru and Cleveland Bay. This area, with Wongaloo Regional Park at the core is seen by many thousands of travellers passing along the Bruce Highway that runs beside the Mt Elliot range. This is the subject of Pamela Griffith’s exhibition.

Hermia and Lysander are madly in love and wish to marry. But Hermia’s father, Theseus, wants her to marry Demetrius, who is keen to marry her. Her father threatens Hermia with a future in a nunnery or death if she does not obey him. Hermia’s childhood friend, Helena is in love with Demetrius and his romantic feelings are not returned. Lysander and Hermia run away together into the forest, and Demetrious and Helena follow after. Oberon, the King of the fairies, sees Demetrious and Helena and wants to give her the man of her dreams, with a little help from a love potion. Whilst a person is sleeping, the potion can be poured over their eyes and they will fall in love with the first person he or she sees. He asks his fairy friend, Puck, to help him with the task. But something goes wrong. Falling in love can make fools of us all…

Charters Towers is indisputably the centre of Rodeo in the North and has a long history with Rodeo with the Charters Towers Rodeo Association hosting events since 1948. The event features bulls, broncs, barrels, roping, bulldogging and bucking bareback ponies. A live band will keep the mood going once the arena action is completed. The rodeos is a great family friendly outing, with all of the extreme rodeo action taking place under the covered arena at the Charters Towers Dalrymple Equestrian Complex.

Witness first-hand the thrilling atmosphere of a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys home game at 1300SMILES Stadium in 2017! Leading the charge is four-time Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston and Australian and Queensland representative Matt Scott, backed up by reigning dual Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo and an outstanding lineup of state and international representatives and NRL talent, assembled by head coach Paul Green. The Cowboys won an NRL record of 11 out of 12 regular season home games in 2016, delighting passionate members and fans and delivering the exciting brand of attacking football they’re known for. Secure your tickets now to see these 12 action-packed match days full of live entertainment, on-field competitions and rugby league at its best!

This national touring exhibition project commemorates the 60th anniversary of the British atomic test series at Maralinga. The exhibition visits the events and its location through the artworks by Indigenous and non-Indigenous contemporary artists across the mediums of painting, print-making, sculpture, installation, photography and new media.

7.30pm Saturday 22 July.... Melbourne City Ballet offers another Shakespearian classic for audiences with their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream Live on stage at The World Theatre Charters Towers. Choreographed by Artistic Director, Michael Pappalardo, audiences will see a range of diverse movement, executed by some of Australia’s most talented artists. This comical tale explores the lives of two couples whose lives are affected by the meddling fairies who live in a mysterious forest. “A Midsummer Nights Dream” is suitable to both new and more sophisticated classical ballet palates, with an excerpt being selected in 2015 to be performed at the Australian Dance Awards in Adelaide. With a full cast of talented artists, dazzling costumes and beautiful sets, experience the magic, mischief and love that is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Flavours of the World is an event promoting the foods of the various cultural groups that make up the Burdekin and promotes the multi-culturalism of their shire and its people.

Held in July each year, the Paluma Push is a race from the Paluma Village via the Paluma Dam through World heritage rainforest and cattle property to Hidden Valley cabins. Three courses are available, the 42 kilometre recreational course, the 53 kilometre intermediate course and the competition course which is 70 kilometres. This is a race that changes lives! If you are competitive, the prizes are substantial with both cash and equipment on offer. If you are a rider who loves a challenge, The Push is your perfect ride. But if you want to try an achievable personal challenge that will guarantee you a smile and helpful encouragement then this ride will change your life. Sign on commences before Easter 2017. Don't miss out! Hop in and register when the gate goes up. More than 600 riders every year can't be wrong.

Experience Townsville's tropics transformed into a bustling hub of creativity at the Pop Up North Queensland Festival. They've worked with landlords and businesses in the main city street to offer space to artists and other creatives to take them over for nine days. Visit an exhibition or take part in a workshop while you're there to get the most from your experience. Drop in to see an artist work in an open studio, or hear them speak about their work in an artist talk. The Pop Up festival features local, national and international artists - something for everyone. Participants include Laura Castell, Mini Graff, Jo Lankester, Janet Parker Smith, Rosie Deacon, Toby Cedar and international guest artist Piyali Ghosh.

Beginning in 2001, ‘Strand Ephemera’ has developed to be a locally loved, nationally significant outdoor sculpture festival. The event has grown from within the community, with the support of collaborating partners, and in 2015 attracted over 138,000 visitors. ‘Strand Ephemera’ is a free event and presents a spectrum of work from the popular to the conceptually demanding, and attracts national and international works, while also providing opportunities for regional artists. 2017 will be the biggest and best 'Strand Ephemera' in the history of the event, featuring an exhibition of site-specific works chosen from a nation-wide call for artists; a curated selection of contemporary works by leading Australian and international artists; and a range of musical and theatre performances. Visitors can engage with 'Strand Ephemera' in a range of ways that go beyond viewing the range of artworks on display, including a range of art workshops, guided tours, and taking part in the photographic competitions.

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music presents the finest musicians from around the world in a wonderfully unique and innovative nine day program of 30 concerts set in the tropical warmth of Townsville, North Queensland. The Festival has been delighting audiences for 26 years and has earned a reputation for the quality of its programming and performances along with its friendly, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. There is truly nothing else like it in the world - the unique combination of music, warmth and tropical location create a special atmosphere that entices audiences and artists back year after year.

Tectonic exists within shifts: Shifts in land, sea, time, space and thought. Dancenorth join forces with the Urab Dancers from Poruma Island, Torres Strait for the creation of this bold new collaboration. Measuring 1.1 kilometres long and 400 metres wide, Poruma is home to 180 residents and is about as close to paradise as you can get. However as global sea levels begin to rise, Poruma is slowly sinking. Performed along a beautiful stretch of the Townsville Strand, Tectonic unites sculpture, movement and sound in a dazzling site specific performance presented as part of the 2017 Strand Ephemera. With the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island as the backdrop, and featuring 180 fit balls buried in the sand; Tectonic is unlike any dance show you have seen before. These micro-trampolines ignite the performance and the dancers as they run, bounce, flip, soar and ricochet across the stage. The fits balls remain buried for the duration of the festival, providing a large-scale interactive installation for the public. Choreographed by Kyle Page and Amber Haines, with guest artists from Poruma Island.

Co-presented by Townsville City Council and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, this free outdoor music concert is proving to be an incredibly popular event in the calendars of music lovers. Located in the beautiful Queens Gardens this is a perfect Sunday afternoon of classical music, showcasing local talent alongside some of the featured artists from the festival. Further details to follow. *Strictly no bring your own alcohol.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand pays tribute to the iconic Marlene Dietrich with songs by Cole Porter, Edith Piaf, Frederic Hollander and Pete Seeger. Beautifully lit and featuring an exquisite recreation of one of Dietrich’s famous gowns, this critically acclaimed cabaret show vividly captures her timeless style and glamour. With Grant Winterburn, piano and Aaron Coddel, bass. Presented by Andrew McKinnon Presentations.

Witness first-hand the thrilling atmosphere of a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys home game at 1300SMILES Stadium in 2017! Leading the charge is four-time Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston and Australian and Queensland representative Matt Scott, backed up by reigning dual Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo and an outstanding lineup of state and international representatives and NRL talent, assembled by head coach Paul Green. The Cowboys won an NRL record of 11 out of 12 regular season home games in 2016, delighting passionate members and fans and delivering the exciting brand of attacking football they’re known for. Secure your tickets now to see these 12 action-packed match days full of live entertainment, on-field competitions and rugby league at its best!

Three massive days dedicated to health, fitness, wellbeing and nutrition - Fantasea Destination Adventure in conjunction with The McDonald’s® Townsville Running Festival is now offering an exclusive package to not only give you the opportunity to achieve your goals in a running festival, but to indulge in meaningful workshops, complementary yoga relaxation mornings, and beautiful new friendships at the same time. This is your time!

The McDonald's Townsville Running Festival includes a Marathon (42.2 kilometres) Half Marathon (21.1 kilometres), 10K Classic, adult and junior 5 k Run/Walk, 5 kilometre Corporate Challenge and Hero Run. Their AIMS accredited courses are fast, flat and hug the coastline as well as feature the 43rd Townsville Marathon - Australia's second oldest race. All runners experience spectacular views of the Coral Sea, Magnetic Island and the Marina as they follow their tropical blue line and vie for AUD23,000 prize money. With a predawn start marathoners experience a breath taking sunrise over Cleveland Bay as they run along Townsville's award-winning Strand Beach. Arrive early for the pre-race dinner, take in a Cowboys NRL home game and stay for the famous after-party. Treat yourself to a tropical winter getaway this August. Run Townsville and Explore the region. An event Run by Runners for Runners.

The Australian Italian Festival is an authentic Italian cultural event held on the first weekend of August in Ingham, North Queensland. The Festival is staged at the award-winning TYTO Precinct, off the Bruce Highway, 500 metres from Ingham’s Central Business District. For the space of the two day Carnival, the area is transformed into a huge piazza with nonstop world-class entertainment on two stages. Guests gain access to homemade, mouth-watering Italian food and wine, cooking demonstrations, displays, competitions, free amusement rides, market stalls and much more. The atmosphere, the food and the excitement all come together to give you the experience of walking into a festival in Italy.

Since their sell-out season in 2014, #FirstWorldWhiteGirls have been making audiences squirm with delight with their hilariously narcissistic brand of slick comedy and catchy vocals. And now they are back with #FirstWorldWhiteGirls: Botox Party! - that further satirises first world entitlement and the self-obsessed “me” generation. #FirstWorldWhiteGirls are throwing the most exclusive party in town and you’re invited. Grab a botox cocktail and join the girls for an outrageous hour of confessions, makeovers, celebrity worship and backstabbing in this hilarious celebration of first world vanity. Take a peek into the lifestyles of the rich and heinous, set to a soundtrack of original comic songs exposing the struggles of our age - quinoa enemas, Snapchat filters, accidental sexting, foetus facials and the Refugee Diet. Don’t miss this chance to see just how offensive privilege can be.

In Garry Stewart’s Be Your Self (Redux), audiences are engaged in a complex dialogue in which they are compelled to explore what makes you ‘you’. The athletic dancers of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) are transformed into erupting, powerful, and emotional entities, projecting startling physical images. Arising from conversations with a Buddhist monk, neurologist, physiologist and literary academic, Stewart situates the body at the centre of his inquiry and reveals that despite our civilising cultural influences, the body is still a force to be reckoned with. A distilled version of the original Be Your Self, Be Your Self Redux fuses Stewart’s audacious choreography with spoken word to create an exciting dance work that leaves audiences questioning the underpinnings of who they are.

Witness first-hand the thrilling atmosphere of a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys home game at 1300SMILES Stadium in 2017! Leading the charge is four-time Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston and Australian and Queensland representative Matt Scott, backed up by reigning dual Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo and an outstanding lineup of state and international representatives and NRL talent, assembled by head coach Paul Green. The Cowboys won an NRL record of 11 out of 12 regular season home games in 2016, delighting passionate members and fans and delivering the exciting brand of attacking football they’re known for. Secure your tickets now to see these 12 action-packed match days full of live entertainment, on-field competitions and rugby league at its best!

The Townsville Triathlon Festival is entering its fifteenth year and is now the "Big Weekend" with nine events over three massive days. Catering for any fitness level aged seven to 70, The Big Weekend has something for everyone, also now the proud home of the Club Championships North Queensland, bringing Triathlon Clubs from Harvey Bay to Mount Isa and north of Cairns to the region to compete for the title. Challenge yourself at the 2017 Intersport Townsville Triathlon Festival, and give yourself the greatest sense of achievement for getting involved. The Festival also offers a number of packages including an unlimited race pass for just AUD150. The Festival kicks off in style every year with the Carbs with the Stars Dinner, an event not to be missed.

A runaway success in London’s West End, at successive Edinburgh Festivals, at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and right across the USA, this is a hilarious send-up of classical music, which has established Australian pianist, David Scheel, as the successor to the legendary Victor Borge. Beautiful music, and musical fun performed in so many accents/voices that David has also been compared to the late Robin Williams, and Peter Ustinov. Hear a familiar tune played in the styles of the old masters and an i-Pod; two famous pieces played simultaneously, one with the right hand, one with the left, plus his “translation” of the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, already a comedy classic. “As funny as any, wittier than most, and, uniquely, a concert pianist of international stature...He stands alone, in a class of his own.” [BBC Arts Review]. “The only show in town that can satisfy lovers of classical music and comedy alike.” [San Francisco Chronicle].

In collaboration with Seniors Week, the Seniors Lifestyle Expo is a fantastic opportunity for residents aged 60 years and over to gain information relative to their needs. This free event showcases products and services from approximately 100 exhibitors with information, activities and giveaways especially for seniors. Come along and learn more about what Townsville has to offer their valued senior residents.

The Seniors Luncheon is a free event as part of National Seniors Week. This celebratory luncheon is designed to honour the lives, achievements and valuable contributions made to the community by their older residents. Includes a catered lunch, entertainment program and presentation of the 2017 Seniors Awards (presented on Thursday 24 August). Registrations are essential and open to those aged 60 years and over who are a resident of Townsville and its surrounds (up to Northern Beaches, Paluma, Alligator Creek, Major’s Creek). Carers/support workers are permitted to be under 60 years of age. Free transport to and from the event is available to those aged 70 years and over.

The high altitude tropical cloud forests of the Atherton Tablelands are the focus of an exhibition of new works by Ben Trupperbäumer, June Tupicoff and Ron McBurnie. Each artist has created a body of work that is reflective of their different relationships to this unique landscape. Head in the Clouds aptly highlights the friendship that exists between these three artists and their different approach to rainforest, which is at the heart of the exhibition.

Over 200 people ride 18 kilometres (or 4 kilometre option leaving from the Bicycle Pedlar) through the main streets of Townsville with a green wave through all lights. In 2013 two cyclists where injured and Sue Bell killed when a truck driver attempted to overtake a group of cyclists on Shaw Rd. This incident galvanised the Townsville community in the call for safer roads. Mrs Bell’s death and the community’s response to it contributed towards the push for the introduction of the laws to protect cyclists where motorists are now required to give at least a metre distance when passing cyclists, and a metre-and-a-half where the speed limit is higher than 60 kilometres per hour. in 2016 Jeff Ashby was killed by a B double. More needs to be done to improve conditions both in road design and consideration and courtesy given on the roads and by being part of this ride you are making the impact needed to sustain the push for safer conditions. Become a member of the BUG and join the ride.

Over 200 people ride 18 kilometres (or four kilometre option leaving from the Bicycle Pedlar) through the main streets of Townsville with a green wave through all lights thanks to Transport Main Roads. In a spectacular show of symbolism all wear red Operating hats supplied by Queensland Health over their helmets. The Townsville BUG runs The Ride for Road Safety annually in order to highlight the need to improve conditions for cycling in order to get more people riding as part of their everyday. The event began in 2013 as the Sue Bell Memorial ride. With blessing of her family and of Jeff Ashby's the annual event is designed to attract attention of politicians, the media and the general community. Mrs Bell’s death and the community’s response to it contributed towards the push for the introduction of the laws to protect cyclists where motorists are now required to give at least a metre distance when passing cyclists, and a metre-and-a-half where the speed limit is higher than 60km/h. By being part of this ride you are making the impact needed to sustain the push for safer conditions conducive to increased cycling.

Witness first-hand the thrilling atmosphere of a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys home game at 1300SMILES Stadium in 2017! Leading the charge is four-time Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston and Australian and Queensland representative Matt Scott, backed up by reigning dual Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo and an outstanding lineup of state and international representatives and NRL talent, assembled by head coach Paul Green. The Cowboys won an NRL record of 11 out of 12 regular season home games in 2016, delighting passionate members and fans and delivering the exciting brand of attacking football they’re known for. Secure your tickets now to see these 12 action-packed match days full of live entertainment, on-field competitions and rugby league at its best!

Bringing together the excitement of competitive sailing and community events, along with the ambience of Magnetic Island each August, SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week offers an experience to remember. With top notch racing, live bands and partying galore, the shore side program of this annual regatta is sure to leave you wanting more year after year. You don't need to be a competitive sailor to participate in this great event, there is something available for everyone whether it be jumping onboard the a racing yacht or partying after dark with the crews at one of the social functions.

Featuring The King of the Cane Fields steer wrestling (Friday night), break-away roping, barrel racing, Pop Sheahan Memorial Bronc Ride, Harry Burdell Memorial Bare Back, jnr. Rodeo and Open Bull Ride Final.

The Townsville Art Society has held an annual or biannual Arts exhibition since the society’s inception, and The Townsville Art Society’s Awards Exhibition is now a major exhibition in the cultural life of the city. Held in the Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, this exhibition provides an opportunity for North Queensland artists, who are affiliated with an Art Society, to display their work in a major gallery and compete for prizes.

Since 1879 the annual Ingham Gold Cup provides exciting horse racing, excellent fashion, live music and a great social day. Stay on after the race and party till late with a live band and DJ.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is the wonderful story of a family out for walk and on the lookout for a growling bear - they have to march through long swishy grass, wade through thick gloopy mud and even battle a snow storm before entering a big dark cave where maybe they will finally spot the glinty wet eyes of a slobbering, gigantic bear winking at them through the blackness. This 55 minute mini-musical captures the fun and frolics of a father who is clearly still a child at heart, his three children including a tiny intrepid bear hunter in the making – baby is strapped to dad’s back plus the family dog and of course....a big brown cuddly bear! Recommended for ages two to eight years.

Your time is now! Join Steve Moneghetti for a running retreat on a tropical island – a sweet escape from daily routine to explore your running potential and the hidden beauty of Magnetic Island. They invite you to join them in a place where you can challenge yourself and relax completely, learn new skills , flirt with adventure or hang at the beach. Join them for a running experience that spans all its offerings: long runs, fartlek, motivational seminars, nutrition, strength sessions, mobility workshops, intervals and yoga. There will be time to walk or run the unique island tracks, explore the nearshore coral reefs, and time for the beach. We offer healthy meals or the alternative of self-catering, simple group accommodation or the alternative of seeking your own space, and gaps in the program for precious time to yourself. The program is adaptable to different weather conditions and the running sessions will be modified to suit most levels of ability.

The new look Townsville Expo, incorporating the Townsville Caravan, 4x4 and Outdoor Adventure Expo, returns to Reid Park Townsville. This event features the region’s largest showcase of camper trailers, caravans, motor homes and all things 4x4. The Townsville Expo will also now be home to a showcase of all things boating and fishing, from jet skis and tinnies to off shore boating. The new look event will now also incorporate a wider range of products and services for our homes and outdoor living. From pools and spas to tanks, sheds, awnings, finance, kitchens, tools and more, you will find it all at the 2017 Townsville Expo, the largest leisure, home and lifestyle event to be staged in Townsville.

Live on stage... Award-winning Australian choreographer Shaun Parker presents Blue Love. Infused with intense physical theatre, film and dance, Shaun Parker’s Blue Love is a poetic and satirical take on the clichés of pop culture, romance, coupledom and suburbia. From a fantastic place where television soap meets art-house film, Glenn and Rhonda Flune take the audience on an expedition in search of the perfect relationship. Blue Love is inspired by famous works of art, theatre, music, and film, all of which deal with the concept of love. This quirky, character-based work is a multi-media, physical theatre comedy: accessible, challenging and enormously entertaining. “It’s a tight package of snappy acting… and a fat dose of funny.” The Daily Telegraph “Blue Love is so much fun it can’t possibly be good for you.” The Sydney Morning Herald