Exciting new events including headline acts and classic cars have been added to the 2026 Port Douglas Carnivale program to dial up the 10 days of festivities into a Carnivale to be remembered.
Running from 15 to 24 May, Port Douglas Carnivale will feature 10 days of festival fun culminating in a full weekend of celebrations from 22 to 24 May.
New highlights for 2026 include the Paramour Cabaret with shows designed for adults in addition to a family-friendly comedy night, the Coastal Show and Shine motor show, and some of Australia’s favourite performers taking to the stage for Savannah Sounds.
The three-day Savannah sounds music festival at Rex Smeal Park, presented by Douglas Shire Council with major sponsor Newsport, features Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Sneaky Sound System and Dragon.
Long-time favourites such as the Macrossan Street Parade and fireworks, The Tin Shed’s Family Beach Day, Longest Lunch, Sideshow Alley, art and photography exhibitions and the Sunday Markets will once again bring colour and energy to the Carnivale program.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said there was much excitement around the new expanded Port Douglas Carnivale program with more than 30 events including family fun like the new Slime of Your Life Kids vs Parents show at The Paramour Big Top and the return of the Pooch Party, supporting Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.
“Port Douglas Carnivale is an important part of the Douglas community’s culture, and it showcases our incredible destination to a new audience with more than 13,000 visitor nights generated last year,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“This year Carnivale coincides with the Port Douglas Yacht Club’s Race Week which will help to stretch out the festivities even further before the Carnivale finale of vintage vehicles at the all-new Coastal Show and Shine motor show.”
Cr Scomazzon encouraged local businesses and community groups to get involved in the Macrossan Street Parade, with float entries open until 8 May, giving them the opportunity to showcase local businesses and community groups.
“There is a great mix of free and ticketed events to keep all ages and interests entertained from the Go Troppo 2026 art exhibition inspired by this year’s Carnivale theme of Ancient Wonder to the Douglas Dash on Four Mile Beach.”
For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to book tickets visit the website www.carnivale.com.au.
ENDS
Publicity:
Tanya Snelling | Strategic PR
P 4034 3404 | 0417 202 663
2026 MEDIA KIT: https://bit.ly/PDCarnivale_MediaKit
For more Port Douglas Carnivale events, please visit www.carnivale.com.au
