Port Douglas Carnivale has today unveiled a huge program headlined by Savannah Sounds, which returns with three nights of major Australian artists at Rex Smeal Park from 22 to 24 May.
Presented by Douglas Shire Council and major sponsor Newsport, Savannah Sound’s line-up features Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Sneaky Sound System and Dragon, supported by Kingswood, Sara Berki, Austin Mackay and a selection of local performers.
Jon Stevens will perform the Noiseworks and INXS collection, bringing some of the most recognisable hits of the 80s and 90s to the Carnivale stage.
James Dein, festival director and chief executive officer of Sound Australia, said the 2026 line-up reflected the strong audience appetite for high-quality live music in Port Douglas.
“Savannah Sounds was one of the highlights of Carnivale earlier this year, and we are excited to bring it back bigger for 2026.
“Jon Stevens is the kind of artist who gets everyone on their feet. His Noiseworks and INXS collection is full of songs people know by heart, and paired with Vanessa Amorosi’s chart-topping hits, Saturday night is going to be massive.
“Add in the hits of the 70s with Dragon and the smooth beats of Sneaky Sound System and we have a festival program with broad appeal across all ages.”
Last year, Port Douglas Carnivale delivered strong outcomes for the Douglas Shire, attracting 10,587 attendees, generating 13,094 visitor nights, and contributing $5.3 million in gross economic stimulus to the region.
Lisa Scomazzon, mayor of the Douglas Shire, said Carnivale continued to grow in importance for both the community and the region’s visitor economy.
“Having Savannah Sounds as part of the program brings an incredible boost to the overall event. Port Douglas has never hosted a music weekend of this scale, and it is fantastic to have an event curated by the same organisers behind the hugely successful Savannah in the Round.
“It adds real value to the region and gives people another strong reason to visit and stay,” she said.
The Longest Lunch will also return on Friday 22 May with a long-table feast on the grounds of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, celebrating local produce with a touch of Port Douglas glamour.
The much-loved Macrossan Street Parade will again fill the town centre with floats, performers and community groups on Friday evening, while Paramour Cabaret brings 10 nights of cabaret, circus and burlesque to Dixie Park in its Port Douglas debut from 14 to 24 May.
On Saturday, Family Beach Day will transform Four Mile Beach into a giant playground with sandcastles, giant kites, water sports, food trucks and live entertainment. Sunday offers a relaxed finish to the weekend with the Port Douglas Markets Spectacular, the Carnivale Coastal Shine and Show and the Carnivale Classic Golf Tournament.
“The State Government supports events such as this in regional areas.
“In light of the great success of Savannah Sounds in Port Douglas over three days in May, I will be working hard with the organiser to ensure this year’s event is even bigger and better,” Member for Cook David Kempton said.
For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to book tickets visit the website www.carnivale.com.au. A limited release of early bird tickets for Savannah Sounds is now on sale.
ENDS
Publicity:
Tanya Snelling | Strategic PR
P 4034 3404 | 0417 202 663
2026 MEDIA KIT: https://bit.ly/PDCarnivale_MediaKit
