What's on in Cooktown

Cooktown, Queensland, hosts a variety of vibrant events that showcase its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The annual Cooktown Discovery Festival is a highlight, celebrating the landing of Captain James Cook with historical reenactments, parades, and cultural performances. For nature lovers, the Cooktown Orchid Show and the Great Northern Clean Up offer opportunities to engage with the local environment

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy live music, art exhibitions, and markets that reflect Cooktown's diverse community. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or cultural celebrations, Cooktown's events add extra excitement to your visit.

Cooktown Discovery Festival

June

The Cooktown Discovery Festival is one of the town's most significant and popular annual events. Held every June, this festival celebrates the landing of Captain James Cook in 1770, a pivotal moment in both Australian and global history. The festival typically spans a weekend and features a vibrant mix of historical reenactments, parades, traditional Indigenous performances, live music, markets, and fireworks.

One of the main highlights is the reenactment of Captain Cook's landing on the shores of the Endeavour River. This interactive performance is accompanied by displays of Indigenous culture, including traditional dances by the Guugu Yimithirr people, offering visitors a unique insight into both the town's colonial and Indigenous history. The festival also includes a street parade, craft stalls, food vendors, and various children's activities, making it a fun, family-friendly event.

Laura Quinkan Dance Festival

July

Although not directly in Cooktown, the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is held in Laura, a small town just two hours' drive from Cooktown. This festival is one of the most important cultural gatherings in Queensland and celebrates the art, dance, and traditions of Indigenous communities across the Cape York Peninsula. Held every two years, the festival brings together hundreds of Aboriginal dancers from various language groups who perform traditional dances in a spectacular celebration of their cultural heritage.

Visitors from Cooktown often make the trip to attend this festival, as it offers a rare opportunity to witness ancient storytelling through dance. The festival also includes workshops, art exhibitions, and cultural demonstrations, allowing visitors to engage with and learn more about the region's Indigenous heritage.

Cooktown Orchid Show

September

For lovers of nature and horticulture, the Cooktown Orchid Show is a must-see event. Held annually in September, this colorful event celebrates Cooktown's official floral emblem, the Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum), which blooms beautifully during this time of year. The show typically takes place at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and features stunning displays of orchids, as well as other native plants.

The event also includes gardening workshops, plant sales, and advice from local horticulturalists. It's an excellent opportunity for plant enthusiasts to explore the diverse flora of Far North Queensland and pick up some gardening tips, all while enjoying the lush beauty of the Botanic Gardens.

Great Northern Clean Up

September

In September, Cooktown joins other towns across Australia in participating in the Great Northern Clean Up, a community-driven environmental initiative that takes place annually. As part of this event, locals and visitors come together to help clean up Cooktown's beaches, parks, and natural areas to preserve the region's pristine beauty. The event is similar to the national Clean Up Australia Day but is specifically tailored to northern parts of the country, where weather conditions are more favorable in September.

The Great Northern Clean Up offers visitors a chance to give back to the local environment and connect with the community. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cooktown while contributing to the town's ecological conservation efforts.

Cooktown & Cape York Art Festival

Dates Vary

Art lovers visiting Cooktown should keep an eye out for the Cooktown & Cape York Art Festival, an event that celebrates the unique art and cultural heritage of the region. The festival showcases a diverse range of works from local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Indigenous art also plays a significant role in the festival, with many exhibitions focusing on traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art from the Cape York Peninsula.

The festival often includes art workshops, live demonstrations, and opportunities to meet local artists and purchase unique artworks. While the exact dates of the festival vary from year to year, it usually takes place in the second half of the year and provides a fantastic cultural experience for those visiting Cooktown.

Christmas in Cooktown

December

Cooktown's Christmas celebrations bring a festive spirit to this tropical town. In December, locals and visitors alike gather for various holiday-themed events, including Christmas markets, carols, and family-friendly activities. The highlight of the season is the Cooktown Christmas Lights Tour, where homes and businesses across the town decorate their properties with colorful Christmas lights and decorations.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Cooktown's Lions Park hosts a community Christmas party, complete with food stalls, music, and a visit from Santa Claus. These festive events are a wonderful way to experience the town's warm hospitality during the holiday season.

Cooktown Markets

Saturdays

While not a single event or festival, the Cooktown Markets are a beloved weekly event that takes place every Saturday morning at the Cooktown Lion's Den. Visitors can browse stalls selling fresh local produce, handmade crafts, clothing, and unique souvenirs. The markets offer a glimpse into local life and culture, and are a great way to support local businesses.

With live music and food stalls offering everything from baked goods to international cuisine, the Cooktown Markets are a lively social event where both locals and tourists gather. Whether you're picking up fresh produce or enjoying a leisurely breakfast, the Cooktown Markets are an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning.

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