Celebrating its 22nd year, Port Douglas Carnivale sails into Tropical North Queensland in May with an exciting new line-up of events and activities for local, national and international visitors alike. Showcasing the best of the region’s abundant produce and fresh ingredients from land and sea, world class wines, market stalls, international entertainers, local musicians and artists plus a stack of family fun, Port Douglas Carnivale is one of Australia’s premiere cultural events.
This year, Carnivale will feature festival favorites plus a variety of exciting new events including the Wonderland Spiegeltent as the new star attraction and Festival Hub venue. Imported from Belgium with its original early 20th century décor including colorful stained glass windows, velvet drapings and warm wood furnishings, the Spiegeltent will present comedy superstar Jimeoin, enigmatic trio The Kransky Sisters, internationally acclaimed cabaret circus spectacular Limbo, Blues superstars Lloyd Spiegel and Big Daddy Wilson, and more starting from 12 May and continuing into Carnivale weekend 20-22 May.
The official Carnivale weekend kicks off in spectacular style on Friday 20 May with a long lunch dining experience, Paradise on a Plate, held within the opulent surrounds of the Wonderland Spiegeltent and in Dixie Park (next to the Sugar Wharf) with outdoor dining under the palms. The 4-course luncheon will be a land and sea lovers’ gourmet delight with matching award-winning wines plus live entertainment to match each course.
Friday night lights up with the Carnivale Wonders of the Tropics Street Parade on Macrosson St. – Port Douglas’ “High Street”. A Carnivale favorite, the parade will feature festooned floats from local community and businesses, stilt walkers, fire twirlers, jugglers, electrifying performers and a few special surprises.
Grab family and friends and head to the Family Beach Day Party at Four Mile Beach for a day of fun and frolic by the sea on Saturday 21 May, featuring an amazing Kite Festival with astounding giant kites. Dig deep into the Sandcastle and Sand Sculpting Competition, and spike your best attack at beach volleyball and cricket games. Includes family entertainment featuring Bosco and Honey (contestants – Australia’s Got Talent 2016), kids’ activities, market stalls and eye-popping giant puppets.
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The inaugural Port On A Fork Food, Music & Wine Festival will have guests eating, drinking and dancing in the moonlight on Saturday evening 21 May. It’s one big foodie party featuring an assortment of tropically-inspired dishes that capture the essence of local living. Savor Port Douglas on your palate with the freshest and best of the area’s produce and ingredients, from the sweet and savoury to the tart and tangy. Plus a variety of regional providore and food artisans will be offering tastings of their handcrafted goodies. Legendary singer and saxophonist Joe Camilleri & Black Sorrows will be kicking the festivities into high gear with electrifying live music.
For Art lovers, the debut Container Art in the Park exhibit from 20-22 May will bring renowned and local artists together to exhibit their works in a trendy industrial shipping container gallery space. Showcasing a range of visual arts mediums and styles, artwork will also be on sale to capture the memory of your visit to Carnivale.
To finish the weekend off on Sunday 22 May, head to the Port Douglas Fisherman’s Village Seafood & Music Festival. What’s Port Douglas without a Bucket of Prawns? Prawns, barramundi, oysters and more cooked fresh off the trawler plus four live free music stages featuring Desert Blues Cartel, Dream Boogie and more. Stages will be located within easy strolling distance along the waterfront starting from Reef Marina. Meander your way to Rex Smeal Park at sunset and wind down from a full Carnivale event calendar with a picnic blanket and soak up the stunning twilight views. Fish & Chips packs will be available to ensure you have all the provisions necessary for a lazy Port Douglas Sunday afternoon.
Get ready for the ultimate Party in Paradise! For event dates, booking and more information on Port Douglas Carnivale 2016, visit www.carnivale.com.au
