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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Cats may own the internet: but dogs rule the big screen thanks to the Top Dog Film Festival. The inaugural Top Dog Film Festival presents a two hour cinematic celebration honouring the bond between dogs and their people. Audiences will gain an insight into the world of dog-powered sports, an appreciation for the first canine sent into space, explore the bond between owners and their senior dogs, reflect on the true meaning of unconditional love, take a 600 kilometre hike through the Utah Desert lasting a full dog year and meet a philosophical statesman as he reflects on his younger years. This carefully curated program of eight short canine-themed films is comprised of the most inspirational, heart warming and entertaining stories about dogs and their human companions, from independent films makers around the globe. Get your tickets before they all sell out – you’d be barking mad to miss it!

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 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.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival is one of North Queensland’s leading film festivals and serves up an exciting program of feature films, short films, documentaries, industry talks and workshops from around the world. The world premiere of ‘Zelos’ and Gala Opening Night will be on Thursday 7 September at Event Cinemas, Townsville Central Business District. The weekend continues with ‘Shorts At the Sea - Official Selection’ on Friday 8 September which is held at a spectacular tropical island location in Geoffrey Bay with food and beverages available on the night. The GBRFF weekend continues at the Arcadia Village Hotel with ‘Village Shorts - Director’s Choice’ and includes a wide range of feature films, documentaries, workshops and forums - film events that will satiate the appetites of everyone from film enthusiasts to film professionals, with special events for families. Discount ferry and movie tickets are available. You will need to get in early to secure accommodation on Magnetic Island, and to book your tickets.

Listen to the smooth tunes of Pete Murray at The Ville! Pete Murray has delivered a cool, uplifting, emotive, and powerful album and it will be celebrated and brought to life on this greatly anticipated Camacho Tour. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Subject to availability, change and cancellation. *Ticketing fee applies to all online and phone bookings, plus a two per cent transaction fee applies to credit card bookings. Seating is general admission, not allocated.

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.

The Rollingstone Pineapple Festival is an annual event held in Balgal Beach, North Queensland to celebrate Australia's real gold fields - the farms and communities who grow and sell the worlds best pineapples. The Pineapple Festival has an ever evolving format of markets, food, workshops and music throughout the day with kid's activities and plenty of games for people of all ages. It's a fun family day in support of local farmers and the local community. The Festival is a licensed event celebrating everything pineapples!

TheatreiNQ's A Midsummer Night's Dream - Shakespeare Under the Stars 2017. This September, Shakespeare’s most popular comedy comes to Queens Gardens, Townsville. Join us “Under the Stars” for a magical romp where anything can happen. Where fairies play havoc with humans, where lovers battle for their fairytale ending and where a Queen can fall deeply in love with a donkey called Bottom - All thanks to a mischievous goblin called Puck! Dine under the stars by booking one of their premium table seats or bring a picnic to share with family and friends, and experience the very best of Townsville theatre. Directed by Terri Brabon and featuring Brendan O’Connor with Rachel Nutchey as Helena, A Midsummer Night's Dream will definitely be a "Shakespeare Under the Stars" to remember.

Townsville is home to a strong contingent of young and emerging artists, practicing in a variety of traditional and digital mediums. The annual exhibitions showcase works by a selection of these artists, with the Young Artist Awards offering prize categories for participants aged from pre-school to 18 years. Each year, Gallery Services engages a leading Australian contemporary artist to undertake an intensive workshop for Townsville’s youth and emerging artists. The annual Youth and Emerging Artist Exhibition features the works produced by the participants at these workshops.

For thousands of years, the Greeks have enjoyed interaction and trade with neighbours around the Mediterranean and farther east to Asia. In a nod to this, the Festival will expand its offerings to include cuisines and displays from around Greece’s ‘neighbourhood’ ­celebrating Townsville’s cultural diversity. The exciting addition to the cultural experience at Greek Fest and potential for further expansion of the new narrative has culminated in a name change for the festival to 'Glendi'. Glendi translates to festivity, revelry, merrymaking ­ a celebration. The festival has always been and continues to be, a free event for over 25,000 attendees. This year the festival will be held over the long weekend. Festival goer's senses will come alive with traditional music and dancing displays, delectable foods and cooking demonstrations from around the Mediterranean. There will also be a variety of children's entertainment and fun­filled activities for the whole family to be involved in. The festival is proud to offer the community an opportunity to reflect on the values and traditions that have helped shape our country and, more importantly, our region.

Join Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) for an evening of classical favourites. Under the baton of Toby Thatcher QSO will indulge audiences with Dvorák’s splendidly vibrant Carnival Overture, alongside one of Sibelius’ most popular works, Symphony No.2. Esteemed violinist Kristian Winther will light up the stage with Mendelssohn’s beloved and joyful Violin Concerto in E minor. Conductor: Toby Thatcher Soloist: Kristian Winther Program: Dvorák Carnival Overture, op.92 Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor for Violin and Orchestra, op.64 Sibelius Symphony No.2 in D major, op.45

Girls dressed as boys, using techniques for picking up women to pick up men … while wearing pink beehives - Got it? If not, perhaps you’d better consult Melbourne’s hottest cabaret trio The Desperettes. If you’re not familiar with the term “Wingman” it is simply a name for the person who helps you out when approaching potential partners. Originating from the movie Top Gun this term is usually reserved for guys, however, Melbourne’s newest cabaret trio The Desperettes are adopting these techniques and applying them to the modern lady. Their new show A Lady’s Guide to the Art of being a Wingman will take you on a hilarious and eye-opening night out which includes pickup lines, daggy dancing and that all important first move. In this hilarious show these girls defy gender as they highlight not only how ridiculous the world of dating has become, but also the gender stereotypes associated with it.

James Cook University’s Graduate Exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the talents of Townsville’s emerging artists as they transition from student artists to professional artists.

The time has come … for Midnight Oil. From the northern beaches of Sydney to the streets of Manhattan, they have stopped traffic, inflamed passions, inspired fans, and broken new ground. Midnight Oil is more than just a rock’n’roll band. In 2017 they will finally bring things back to where they all began with this one special tour. The circle remains unbroken. Live in Townsville.

Benjamin is Will’s best mate in the whole wide world. Benjamin is also a dog. One morning, Will wakes up with an idea. He has decided to build the first ever boy-dog operated flying machine. And so, this coming-of-age adventure takes to the skies… Follow the extraordinary journey of this young boy, his dog, their wild imagination and a ukulele. The show features a smattering of songs, crazy contraptions and illustrations by visual artist Jacinta Larcombe. Benjamin and Me is a show for families and adventurous adults. It’s the newest work from award winning writer and performer Mark Storen (The Polite Gentleman), and is the debut production for his new company Whiskey and Boots. Produced for Whiskey and Boots by Georgia King. Recommended for audiences aged eight and over.

Townsville Rock Fest is an outdoor Rock Concert for the "Mature" minded person , but still young at heart !! With live music from 2pm to 10pm, food trucks and a great atmosphere for an afternoon/evening of catching up with mates and dancing into the night the Townsville Rock Fest is a must for anyone who wants to relive their concert - going heydays and even the younger generation with an appreciation for some good old classic Rock! This is a capped event so get in and secure your tickets quickly so you don't miss out!

The Color Run is a five kilometre, un-timed fun run, where thousands of participants, or as they like to call them “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe with their coloured powder at each kilometre. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow: 1 . Wear white at the starting line 2 . Finish plastered in colour! The fun doesn’t stop at the Finish Line! Their epic Finish Festival will give the chance for all their fabulous Color Runners to burn a few extra calories by showing off their finest dance moves! Think music, dancing and of course their infamous Color Throws! Trust them when they say, this is the best post-5k party on the planet!

Danny Elliott is truly an extra-ordinarily talented musician, singer and all-round entertainer. Audiences watch in disbelief as Danny plays instrument after instrument, song after song, climaxing in a flourish on his favourite, the Piano.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.