After the success of Live + Local: Stratford Sounds earlier this year, Cairns is ready to turn it up once again, this time in the heart of the CBD.
The weekend-long celebration of live music and creativity will see Live + Local: City Sounds and the Cairns Music Industry Gathering 2025 join forces to spotlight local artists, support emerging talent, and strengthen the region's thriving live music community.
Presented by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with the Live Music Office, OneMusic Australia, and APRA AMCOS, the two events are proudly part of the national Live + Local program.
This grassroots initiative is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia and is designed to activate local venues, create new performance opportunities, and grow the audiences that sustain Australia's live music scene, while driving cultural and market development strategies that keep live music accessible and vibrant.
The weekend will kick off with the Cairns Music Industry Gathering on Friday 7 November, and will be followed by another two-day of events over Saturday and Sunday connecting artists, producers, venue operators and industry professionals.
Through networking sessions, workshops and panels, participants will explore how live music contributes to placemaking, creates professional learning pathways, and strengthens production and technical skills across the region.
Then, on Saturday 8 November, the music spills into the streets with Live + Local: City Sounds, an evening takeover of one of Cairns' most dynamic city blocks, featuring four venues, one laneway, and an incredible line-up of local talent.
Food, drinks and pop-up stalls will spill out into Bank Lane, adding to the festive, street-party atmosphere as audiences move between venues to discover new sounds and celebrate the city's diverse music scene..
For a full line-up of Live + Local artists and venues, as well as Cairns Music Industry Gathering program details, visit: cairns.qld.gov.au/city-sounds
