Dear Valued CSA Members,
Welcome to our September 2026 Members Newsletter.
As we continue through another successful year, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our members, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, and supporters for their ongoing commitment to the Cairns Show Association. Your support plays a vital role in ensuring the Cairns Showgrounds remains a vibrant centre for community, agricultural, entertainment, and commercial events across Far North Queensland.
The first half of 2026 has been particularly busy, with the Showgrounds hosting several major events that attracted thousands of visitors and showcased the versatility of our venue.
Highlights from the Cairns Showgrounds in 2026 – So Far!
The year began with extensive preparation and maintenance across the grounds as our dedicated staff, committee members, and volunteers worked hard to ensure the venue remained in excellent condition for the busy events calendar ahead.
During April, we were delighted to welcome Country Fest Honky Tonk – featuring the one and only Local boy James Johnston * the amazing Zac & George * The incredible Luke Geiger and the unforgettable Y.O.G.A, which brought country music enthusiasts together for a fantastic celebration of live entertainment, community spirit, and great music.
The momentum continued into May, with two major events held at the Showgrounds:
- The Factory in the Fred Moule Pavilion, which attracted strong community interest and a stacked lineup of international heavy‑hitters and local legends exploring the mixture of House, Techno, DnB + more — this event featured Golden Features • Hermitude • What So Not • Stage Cadet • Hood Rich • Social Clvb DJs.
- The Cairns Outdoor Adventure, Home & Lifestyle Expo, which once again proved to be a popular event, connecting visitors with the latest products, services, and innovations across the outdoor living, travel, lifestyle, and home improvement sectors.
In June, the Showgrounds proudly hosted the inaugural Rainforest & Reef FNQ Tattoo Expo. As Far North Queensland’s first major tattoo expo, the event welcomed talented artists, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across Australia, showcasing exceptional creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship while introducing a unique new event to the Cairns community.
In addition to these successful events, preparations throughout the year led to the delivery of another outstanding 2026 Cairns Show, celebrating our region’s rich agricultural heritage, local talent, entertainment, competition excellence, and community pride. This year also provided an opportunity to recognise two significant milestones within our community.
The Cairns Show Association was proud to acknowledge and support celebrations marking 150 Years of Cairns and 50 Years of NAIDOC, honouring the rich history, cultural diversity, achievements, and contributions that have helped shape our region. These celebrations highlighted the importance of community connection, inclusivity, and recognising the stories that make Far North Queensland such a unique and vibrant place to live. We have also continued to invest significant time and effort into maintaining and improving the Showgrounds. From landscaping and grounds maintenance to facility upgrades and improvements, our team is committed to ensuring the venue remains one of the premier event destinations in the region.
The continuing success of our competition sections and the highly regarded Cairns Show Wine Awards demonstrates the strength and enthusiasm of our exhibitors and industry supporters across the country. It has been wonderful to see both new and returning participants contributing to these long-standing traditions.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of the year, we remain focused on supporting the agricultural community, hosting quality local events, and creating opportunities for members and visitors to engage with the Cairns Show Association.
Thank you for being part of the Cairns Show Association family. Your membership and support helps us preserve our proud history while continuing to build a strong future for the organisation and the wider community.
We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the coming months.
Kind regards,
Ian Allen
President
Cairns Show Association Inc.
CAIRNS SHOW
Thank you All for Making the 2026 Cairns Show Unforgettable!
As the gates close on another spectacular Cairns Show, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the 121st Cairns Show such an incredible success.
This year was particularly special as we not only celebrated the enduring legacy of the Cairns Show, but also proudly joined our community in marking the 150th Birthday of Cairns. For more than a century, the Cairns Show has brought people together to showcase the very best of agriculture, industry, innovation, entertainment and community spirit, and we were honoured to celebrate this milestone alongside our wonderful city.
Over the three days, we welcomed an estimated 75,000 visitors through our gates. It was fantastic to see families, friends and visitors from across the region and beyond enjoying all the Show had to offer. We know that rising living costs continue to affect many households, and we are especially grateful to everyone who chose to attend, support local businesses and exhibitors, and be part of this important community event.
A successful Show relies on the efforts of many people, and we would like to sincerely thank our dedicated grounds crew, staff and volunteer committee members for the countless hours they contribute before, during and after the event. Your commitment, professionalism and passion ensure the Cairns Show continues to thrive year after year.
We also extend our gratitude to Cairns Regional Council, our valued sponsors, partners and stakeholders, whose ongoing support helps make one of Far North Queensland’s largest and most celebrated annual events possible.
Thank you to the Showmen’s Guild and ride operators, our talented entertainers, enthusiastic stallholders, and the many exhibitors and competitors who bring the Show to life. From livestock and agriculture to art, photography, homecrafts, produce and championship competitions, your contributions remain at the heart of the Cairns Show experience.
Most importantly, thank you to our incredible Far North Queensland community. For 121 years, the Cairns Show has been a place where people come together to celebrate local achievements, traditions and community spirit. This year, as we also celebrated 150 years of Cairns, it was wonderful to see so many people embracing the occasion and helping create lasting memories.
As we begin planning for the 2027 Cairns Show, we welcome your feedback and ideas. We are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for visitors, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, volunteers and stallholders alike.
Thank you once again for being part of the 2026 Cairns Show. Together, we celebrated 121 years of Show history, 150 years of Cairns, and another unforgettable chapter in our community’s story.
We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2027.
The Cairns Show Association
CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS
Cairns Show Wine Awards 2026
Celebrating Our Winners
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards!
This year’s awards showcased an outstanding collection of wines from across Australia, highlighting the exceptional quality, innovation, and craftsmanship of our nation’s winemakers. Following careful evaluation by our esteemed judging panel, our medal and trophy winners have been recognised as truly outstanding examples of Australian winemaking excellence.
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of all award recipients. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to producing exceptional wines continue to elevate the industry and have earned this well-deserved recognition.
A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to Carol Allen and Trish Young, whose hard work, professionalism, and dedication once again ensured the success of the Cairns Show Wine Awards. We are also deeply grateful to the many volunteers who generously contributed their time and energy behind the scenes. Events of this calibre are only possible because of the commitment and support of people like them.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our judges and stewards. Their expertise, professionalism, generosity, and countless hours of dedication are at the heart of the Cairns Show Wine Awards. We thank them for their amazing presence, careful assessment, and invaluable contribution in maintaining the high standards and integrity of the competition.
Special thanks also to Heather, whose hard work, commitment, and leadership helped bring this event to life once again, creating another memorable and highly successful Cairns Show Wine Awards experience for 2026.
Finally, thank you to every winery that entered and supported the awards. Your participation is what makes this event such a valued celebration of Australian wine. We look forward to continuing to showcase and celebrate the very best wines in Australia right here in Tropical North Queensland for many years to come.
Congratulations once again to all winners, exhibitors, judges, stewards, volunteers, and supporters who made the 2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards such a tremendous success.
CAIRNS SHOW AUTO SPECTACULAR
Cairns Show Auto Spectacular
Each October, engines roar to life as the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular returns to the Cairns Showgrounds, bringing together motoring enthusiasts, families, and the wider community for one of the region’s premier automotive events.
The Auto Spectacular showcases an impressive display of vehicles from across Far North Queensland, with the popular Show ‘n’ Shine competition highlighting everything from classic cars and restored vintage vehicles to modern performance machines, motorcycles, and custom builds. Entrants proudly display their vehicles while competing for a range of prestigious awards and trophies.
A major crowd favourite is the thrilling DYNO Competition, where competitors put their vehicles to the test and spectators can witness the power and performance of some of the region’s most impressive machines. The exciting Go-To-Whoa challenge also draws plenty of attention, testing both acceleration and braking skills in a display of control and precision.
Visitors can explore a variety of trade exhibits, showcasing the latest automotive products, accessories, services, and innovations from local businesses and industry representatives. Throughout the day, entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Cairns Show Auto Spectacular continues to grow each year, providing a great opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate all things motoring in a fun and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a serious car enthusiast, a weekend hobbyist, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular offers an action-packed experience not to be missed. We look forward to welcoming competitors, exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors back again this October for another spectacular event.
CAIRNS AGRICULTURAL, PASTORAL & MINING ASSOCIATION
Cairns Show Association – 2026 Annual General Meeting – TBA
The 2025 Annual General Meeting & Election of Office Bearers will be held on:
📅 Friday,
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 De Jarlais Pavilion, Cairns Showgrounds
Whether you’re a member or a part of the general public, you’re welcome to get involved.
This is your hance to join the Committee and play a vital role in supporting one of Cairns’ most inconic community organisations.
📝 Nominations close:
☎ RSVP: (07) 4042 6699 | 📧 [email protected]
EVENTS ON THE SHOWGROUNDS
The Cairns Showgrounds hosts a range of annual and regular signature events, as well as community expos, markets, club events, and private functions throughout the year.
Major Cairns Show Association Events
Cairns Show:
- Held annually in July.
- 2027 Dates: 14th, 15 & 16th July
- Far North Queensland’s largest regional agricultural show, featuring competitions, entertainment, livestock, exhibitions, rides, food vendors, and community displays.
Cairns Show Wine Awards
- Conducted annually in June
- Recognised as one of Australia’s leading regional wine competitions.
- Includes wine judging, industry networking, and public tasting events.
Annual Events at the Cairns Showgrounds:
Throughout the year, the Cairns Showgrounds comes alive with a vibrant calendar of events, welcoming thousands of visitors, exhibitors, competitors, and community members. From major expos and festivals to agricultural showcases and community events, the Showgrounds proudly serves as a premier destination for entertainment, business, culture, and connection across Far North Queensland.
Highlights throughout the year 2026 included:
- Country Fest Honky Tonk – April
- The Factory – May
- Cairns Outdoor Adventure + Home & Lifestyle Expo – May
- FNQ Tattoo Expo – June
- Cairns Show Wine Awards – June
- Cairns Show – July
- Bird Expo (Far North Queensland Bird Breeders Club) – August
- Big Boys Toys Expo – September
- Cairns Show Auto Spectacular – October
- Camping and Caravan Events – (Big Boys Toys Expo)– October
- Wedding Expos – Various dates throughout the year
- Community Markets – Various dates throughout the year
- Car Club Meets and Motoring Events – Throughout the year
- Agricultural and Livestock Events – Throughout the year
- School and Community Cultural Programs – Throughout the year
- Corporate Functions, Trade Shows and Community Events – Year-round
From large-scale public festivals and exhibitions to community programs, business events, and private functions, the Cairns Showgrounds remains one of Far North Queensland’s premier event destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors through its gates each year.
HOLIDAY WISHES
Season’s Greetings from the Cairns Showgrounds
As the year draws to a close, the Cairns Showgrounds team would like to wish all our members, exhibitors, visitors, and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎉✨
May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and special moments with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping make 2025 a memorable year.
Please note, the Cairns Showgrounds office and grounds will be closed from Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026, reopening on Monday, 5th January 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for more exciting events, celebrations, and community experiences!
Kind regards,
Ian Allen
President
Cairns Show Association
