Welcome to your family guide for Cairns this weekend (February 28th & March 1st, 2026)! We've got everything from massive markets to unique sound healing and some Chinese New Year vibes still lingering. Don't miss the epic Rusty's Markets on both mornings or the family-friendly trivia night!
See our top picks
Rusty's Markets (Cairns City)
Cairns City
Hit the market on Saturday or Sunday morning for fresh local vibes.
Purple to Marie Antoinette's Fleas: The colourful history of textiles to the 18th Century
Cairns City Library Meeting Room
A free, fascinating talk about history and fashion at the library on Sunday afternoon.
Not So Wicked High Tea
Pullman Cairns International Lobby
Themed high tea on Saturday with kids under 5 eating free.
· February 28
5GONGS & TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS MEDITATION : If you need a bit of grounding after a busy week, check out this sound healing session. While geared toward adults, quiet older kids might enjoy the ambient instrumentalist experience.It’s a unique mid-day activity happening Saturday that offers calm.
FREE : Head north for some live music by Bobby Longstaff. This venue is great because it’s right on the beach, perfect for the kids to play while the adults listen to the afternoon set.Combining live music with beach access makes this a stellar Saturday afternoon family option.
: If you have older kids or teens who love high-energy action, check out this Pro Wrestling event. It’s a short, sharp dose of excitement down at the wharf area.It’s a rare, high-energy afternoon event that specifically caters to action fans.
FREE : Catch the tail end of the Chinese New Year festivities! Expect lion dances, drumming, and markets leading up to the Lantern Festival finale after dark.This event runs until March 8th, but the energy peaks around this specific weekend for the finale.
: A colourful and theatrical high tea experience running Friday through Sunday. Encourage the kids to dress up in pink or emerald for a touch of fun!This is a fantastic themed dining activity ending Saturday, perfect for a fancy weekend lunch.
· March 1
3FREE : Enjoy some lively Gypsy, Swing, and Jazz music by Blue Reed out at the Julatten Hotel on Sunday afternoon. A great chance for a casual lunch trip outside the main city buzz.Live jazz mid-day on Sunday is a wonderful, relaxed activity for families.
FREE : A fascinating talk at the library about textiles, including the history of purple dye and 18th-century fashion. A great, free, indoor option for families with an interest in history or crafts.It's a unique, free, indoor educational event happening Sunday afternoon.
FREE : Catch the band HOT ICE playing down at the Casino bar on Sunday evening. A great way to catch some quality live music before heading home.It's an early evening Sunday gig, making it accessible for families with younger bedtimes.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5FREE : Get down early to Rusty's for the best tropical produce, snacks, and local finds. It's a great way to start the morning and stock up the kitchen. Arrive before 10 am for the best selection!It runs Saturday and Sunday morning, making it perfect for an early family outing.
FREE : A great early evening option if you're south of the city centre. This is explicitly listed as Family Entertainment trivia, making it a fun low-key activity after dinner.It is specifically marketed as 'Family Entertainment' trivia, ideal for Saturday night.
FREE : A classic Cairns evening activity near the Esplanade. Stroll through, grab some cheap souvenirs, or find a low-commitment dinner option.It’s the most reliable low-commitment evening activity running Saturday.
: Treat the family to a massive seafood buffet at Coco's Kitchen. They have specific pricing for kids 0-12, making it a great way to feed hungry explorers!It's a premium Saturday night dinner that explicitly caters to different child ages.
: Tanks Arts Centre is hosting concerts and performances throughout February, so check their specific listings for Saturday night. It’s a cool, unique setting for a family night out if the show is suitable.It's running Saturday, and Tanks is an iconic, interesting venue for families to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Cairns this weekend?
The best free options this weekend are browsing the fantastic Rusty's Markets (Saturday & Sunday morning) and the history talk at the Cairns City Library on Sunday afternoon.
Are there any dinner specials suitable for families on Saturday?
Yes, Coco's Kitchen at the Pullman is hosting their iconic Seafood Buffet every Saturday night, with specific pricing for children aged 0-12.
What can we do in the evening on Sunday?
Check out the band HOT ICE playing early on Sunday evening at BAR36 in the Reef Hotel Casino, starting at 5:30 PM.
