Cairns Festival Grand Parade Call Out
Grand Parade applications are opening soon
Yeehaw! We love your enthusiasm!
The team is prepping for Cairns Festival 2026 and will have the Grand Parade online applications ready to go in the new year...
Cairns Festival Grand Parade
Cairns is turning 150 years young in 2026, and we’re calling on the whole community to help bring back one of our city’s most iconic traditions, the “Fun in the Sun” parade, for a special celebration this year!
This is your chance to help recreate the spirit of Cairns’ early festival days while celebrating everything that makes our city vibrant today.
We’re honouring the businesses, communities and milestones that have built the city of Cairns, while also shining a light on the bright future ahead.
Think tropical colour, coastal vibes, sun-soaked nostalgia and bold Cairns energy. Bright, joyful and uniquely us.
Come and join Cairns’ most spectacular street party on Saturday 29 August 2026 at 5:30pm
When registering, please be sure to read our terms of agreement to guarantee your float meets specifications. Download the Cairns Festival Grand Parade Participation Agreement which is updated yearly.
Please submit your complete application form by Friday 31 July.
It’s free to enter and parade participants are in the running to win:
- $3,000 – First Prize
- $2,000 – Second Prize
- $1,000 – Third Prize
- $1,000 – Best Eco-float
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- Colour
- Creativity
- Vibrancy
- Uniqueness
- Enthusiasm
- Use of natural or recycled materials
- Low or zero emissions transport
- Creating a party atmosphere
Grand Parade Applications are now OPEN for 2023!
It’s time to bring your vibrance to the Cairns Festival Grand Parade. Show us what makes you, your group, your community, your language, your traditions a bright and integral part of Cairns.
The city will come alive with a fabulous street party celebrating the diversity of this tropical city when the Grand Parade hits the Esplanade on Saturday 26 August.
So come and join the party, share your culture, and show the world how the Cairns community shines as we celebrate Cairns Festival's Grand Parade.
It’s FREE to enter and parade participants are in the running to win:
First Prize: $3,000
Second Prize: $2,000
Third Prize: $1,000
Best Eco-float: $1,000
To enter a float in the 2023 Grand Parade, simply complete the easy online application form.
Or alternatively, download the word version of the form below. Then email your completed form to the Parade Coordinator, Jan Aird, at festival@cairns.qld.gov.au
- View or download the Application form ( DOC, 0.34 MB )
- View or download the Parade Rules and Agreement ( DOCX, 0.28 MB )
Applications close: Monday 31 July 2023