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Port Douglas Carnivale 16th – 25th May 2014 – WHAT TO WATCH

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Sophie Tabouel

The Port Douglas Carnivale turns 20 this year and event organisers are busy adding new events, inviting VIP guests and ensuring this is the biggest 10 day Carnivale yet! Last year approx. 20,000 attended the Carnivale which is now recognised as the largest food and wine festival in North Queensland. Confirmed this year is celebrity chef ‘Colin Fassnidge’ known from his guest appearances on My Kitchen Rules.

So if you were considering a holiday to the seaside resort village of Port Douglas, have a love of delectable cuisine and fine wines, there really is no better time to visit!

 

Here is a comprehensive guide for WHAT’S ON – TO WATCH

 

Douglas Photographic Society ‘Tropical Destinations’ Exhibition’

This photographic exhibition is a celebration of photography in Far North Queensland and will be open to the public throughout Carnivale. The exhibition will showcase a ‘20 years of Port Douglas Carnivale’ theme, with images capturing past shows, parades and events bringing the Carnivale history to life! The other section will be works from the Douglas Photographic Society members, that will be professionally judged and the winner crowned photographer of the year. All photographs framed and matted are available for purchase; this may be the souvenir you are looking for!

Where: Port Douglas Community Hall – 6-10 Mowbray St

When: from Friday 16^th to Sunday 25^th May from 10am – 6pm (4pm closing on Sunday)

Cost: Free entry

 

Macrossan Street Parade Port Douglas Carnivale

The Macrossan Street Parade is back and the locals are getting serious about their floats this year, with $1000 up for grabs for ‘Best Dressed Float’, schools, restaurants, community organisations and local companies are all in on the fun! This is, to many, “the event of the Port Douglas Carnivale” attracting thousands to Port Douglas over the past years.

This year’s theme being simply ‘Carnivale’ as a celebration to its 20th year running, is sure to attract a shock of  bright lights and colours to the streets wowing the crowds. With a finale of fireworks who could imagine a more exciting opening ceremony.

Where: Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

When: on Friday 16^th May 2014: 7pm – Street Parade and 9pm – Fireworks

Cost: Free

 

 

 

(Please be aware there will be road closures)

 

Mossman Markets, Far North Queensland

In the neighbouring town of Mossman the locals are celebrating Carnivale week and inviting all to their very own markets. With a delicious range of homemade and grown preserves, baked goods, herbs, vegetables, plants and more this is a great time to fill the fridge with scrumptious goodies for the week. The locals have assured the Port Douglas Carnivale organisers they have planned some extra surprises in aid of the celebration for the locals and visitors to the region.

Where: North End of Mossman

When: Saturday 17^th & Saturday 24th May from 7.30am

Cost: Free entry

 

 

 

Yabusame Horse Activity

Think medieval, horse riding and archery mix this together and you have ‘Yabusame’ (horse archery). This is the first time ever an accredited ‘Yabusame’ competition will be hosted outside of Japan. 16 top archers from around the world will be competing on a specialised course set up on Four Mile Beach, the sport is completely unique in the combination of skills and showmanship required from its participants. Watch on as the competitors skilfully ride their horses at speed, hands free whilst aiming a bow and arrow at 3 targets in traditional costumes, a spectacular event sure to wow the crowds.

Where: Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas

When: Saturday 17^th May 2014 from 2pm till approx. 5pm

Cost: Free

 

Medieval Jousting

Continuing the 5th to 15th century theme; an encore of ‘Medieval Jousting’ (debuted in the Port Douglas Carnivale last year) will follow the Yabusame event. The knights of Camelot in their full armour will battle it out on the sands of four mile beach. Be transported back to the medieval times with this quite violent but oh so fascinating competition!

Where: Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas

When: Saturday 17^th May 2014 from 3pm onwards

Cost: Free

 

 

Port Douglas Sunday Markets

Now this is a familiar sight every week in Port Douglas, but the Carnivale promises to add to the already impressive array of stalls that frequent the Market Park on Sundays. Being a Cotters Market you will find only locally made products sold by the makers themselves and their immediate family. Fresh local produce, unique clothing, arts, crafts, jewellery and more will line the stalls, so take your time and spend your Sunday morning slowly perusing all these goodies.

Where: Market Park, Port Douglas (straight across from the Court House pub, FYI gents)

When: Sunday 18th May 2014 from 10am onwards

Cost: Free entry

 

Miss K is…wrong.com

Ever felt you’re getting lost in the world of technology, well here’s a girl who is trying so badly to keep up with the tweeting/blogging/facebooking and the rest all in the name of seeking fame and fans with no set talent.

This hilarious live production starring Klara McMurray is making its way around the country from Adelaide Fringe Festival to the Port Douglas Carnivale with two shows planned to ensure no one misses out!

Where: The Clink Theatre, Mowbray Street, Port Douglas

When: Sunday 16^th May 2014 at  6.30pm & Thursday 22^nd  May 2014 at 8pm

Cost: Tickets are $28.00 click here to book.

 

 

Street Art and Performers Festival at Port Douglas Carnivale

Street performers will be livening up the Port Village Shopping Centre throughout Carnivale week. Artists from a large range of genres will be entertaining the public with their talents and then hopefully gaining a spot in the ‘busk off’ finale on Saturday. Event managers will be judging the performers throughout the week and asking for the public get involved and vote for their fave acts at the Saturday competition. A winner will be announced, rewarded and named “the ‘Port Douglas Carnivale Street Performer of 2014”!

Where: Port Village Shopping Centre on Macrossan Street

When: from Monday 19^th till Saturday 24^th May 2014 from approx. 11am – 7pm

Cost: Free – don’t forget to show the performers your appreciation by filling their hat with thank you $$$s!

 

Exemplar Clipper Regatta

A spectacular vision of an expected fleet of approx. 20 yachts racing the waters just off Port Douglas can be seen during Carnivale week, an event that is also enjoying it’s 20^th year makings its debut during the first Carnivale. An ideal vantage point to take in the sights will be the stairs located around the rocks on Four Mile Beach at the Macrossan Street end. There are four divisions for large racing yachts, cruising yachts, multihulls and sports/J24’s, with each day winding up at the Port Douglas Yacht Club for drinks and presentations.

Where: Port Douglas Yacht Club

When: Monday 20^th, Tuesday 21^st, Thursday 23^rd & Friday 24^th May 2014 from noon onwards

Cost: Free for spectators

 

Modéle 14

Here’s an event for the fashion enthusiasts, presented by ‘Claire Tierney’ and ‘Annetta Tantanis’ from 5 Senses fame, this year looks to be totally glamorous and trend setting! Two new entries will be present in this four year old catwalk bonanza and ‘Best in Show’ prizes for the audience will be sure to rev up the creative flair. A new location has been chose this year which has yet to be announced. Share some bubbles and delicious canapés on arrival before taking seat in the dazzling show.

Where: Rasa Restaurant & Lounge at Niramaya Villas & Spa

When: Tuesday 20^th May 2014 at 6.30pm.

Cost: $34/$22 @ Rose and Boy on Macrossan Street or click here to book online, limited tickets available at the door

 

AFL Under the Lights

Want to see a traditional Aussie Footy match? The very best North Queensland AFL players have been selected to play a pre-trial representative game. This match will be played under the flood lights on the Port Douglas Sports Oval home to the ‘Port Douglas Crocs’ AFL team. Traditional footy game food and licensed cash bar will be available on the night. So come pick a team and show your support even if you have no idea of the rules to this unique type of fast moving football!

Where: Port Douglas Sports Grounds, Lot 44 Wharf Street

When: Wednesday the 21^st of May 2014, 7.30pm kick off

Cost: Tickets TBA

 

 

Rugby League

The Port Douglas/Mossman Raiders Rugby Union club have allowed the Mossman/PortDouglas Sharks play on their grounds (an unusual event for the Sharks), all part of celebrating the 20^th Port Douglas Carnivale. The Sharks will be up against rivals Yarrabah, with 5 games set to be played from 3.30pm including the under 18’s, C grade, reserves, ladies and A grade this is an arvo league battle that shouldn’t missed!

Where: Port Douglas Rugby Union Ground

When: Friday the 23^rd of May 2014, from 5.30pm till 9.30pm

Cost: Tickets TBA

 

The Big Laugh

Two big name comedians from across the waters will be headlining this year’s Big Laugh comedy gala for a one night only performance. New Zealand’s ‘Jeremy Elwood’ and ‘Michele A’Court’ have both delivered hilarious performances across the globe and are set to  ensure this will be hands down the funniest night of the 2014 Carnivale. Profits from The Big Laugh will be donated to the Kaleidoscope Foundation.

• Please note that adult concepts and language warnings apply to this show.  MA 16+

Where: QT Resort, Port Douglas Road

When: Friday the 23^rd of May 2014, from 8.30pm

Cost: Tickets $35.00 from Origin Espresso in Port Douglas or Goodies Cafe in Mossman, $40 online click here or at the door (subject to availability)

 

Mossman Rodeo

Where: Mossman Rodeo

When: Saturday the 24^th of May 2014, 5.30pm

Cost: TBA

Stay tuned, when we know you will know!

 

For accommodation, tours and good old local information in Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns please call 4059 5959 to speak with a local Cairns Holiday Specialist!!

Jump on line to look and book accommodation www.cairnsholidayspecialists.com.au

More Port Douglas Carnivale information to come!! Something for the Foodies, The Dancers, The Energetic!!

Author: Kelly – A Cairns Holiday Specialist