Cairns will welcome 2026 in spectacular style this New Year's Eve, with thousands gathering on the Esplanade for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment and two dazzling fireworks displays.
There will be additional firework display at Walker Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton, and the Palm Cove jetty, both at 8.30pm.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said New Year's Eve was not only about fireworks and entertainment.
"It's also a time to come together as a community, reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead at what the next year may bring with confidence and optimism," Cr Eden said.
"Of course, we want to celebrate and ring in 2026 with a party, but it's also a chance to consider the spirit that defines our city.
"Time and time again our community has demonstrated just how big a heart it has and the past year was no different.
"One stunning example was the 910 hampers packed and distributed to some of our most vulnerable residents, all thanks to the generosity of the Cairns community, which helped raise more than $94,000 for the 2025 Mayor's Christmas Charity.
"As we ring in the New Year, we celebrate that community spirit and look to the opportunities of the year to come."
The free family concert on the Western Events Lawn starts at 5pm and features Tia Muir, Drew Boy, Casey Cygun (aka Bala Kaijo) and DJ Bart.
Launch of Cairns Celebrates 150 Years program
A highlight of the evening will be the official public launch of Cairns Celebrates 150 Years – a year-long program marking the city's founding in 1876.
Cr Eden said the anniversary program was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on Cairns' story and look ahead to its future.
"The New Year's Eve party also marks the beginning of a year that celebrates 150 years of Cairns," Cr Eden said.
"Cairns has an incredible story, shaped by First Peoples, pioneering communities, bold industries and generations of people who have made this region their home.
"In 2026, we will celebrate our past, embrace who we are today, and look forward with excitement and ambition to the next 150 years."
The Cairns Celebrates 150 Years program, championed by Council alongside community organisations, will feature events and activities throughout 2026 that showcase local culture, history, and civic pride.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to join the celebrations and be part of history as Cairns launches its 150th anniversary year with a night to remember.
The program is online and will continue to be updated throughout 2026.
See more information on New Year's Eve celebrations.
Post-midnight bus services
Revellers will have the option of catching a bus home following New Year's Eve celebrations.
Additional services are scheduled to depart from Spence St bus stop (outside Cairns Central) after the midnight fireworks.
Buses will pick up passengers from bus stops at Spence St (Cairns Central), outside The Jack (corner of Spence and Grafton streets), and Lake St station.
Kinetic manager Simon Wolski said: "Kinetic is proud to work alongside Cairns Regional Council and Queensland Police to provide safe, reliable transport options for people celebrating New Year's Eve in Cairns.
"We'll be running 21 additional services across all suburbs of Cairns and Gordonvale from 12.40am through to 2.45am on New Year's morning, helping residents and visitors get home safely after the midnight fireworks."
To see the post-midnight bus schedule, go to: New Year's Eve | Cairns Regional Council
Stay up-to-date on events
The events may be cancelled for safety reasons in case of strong winds, lightning and storms. However, it will proceed if it's just raining, so bring your umbrellas and raincoats, and let's keep the fun going. For the latest event details, updates, and any status changes, please visit Council's Facebook page.
Road closures on the Esplanade
Esplanade Dining Precinct, from Shields St to Aplin St: Closed from 11am on Wednesday 31 December 2025 to 5am on Friday 2 January 2026. (Road open from 5am until 11am on Thursday 1 January to allow garbage collection and deliveries).
Cairns Esplanade, Spence St to Shields St: Closed from 4.30pm on Wednesday 31 December to 1am on Thursday 1 January 2026.
Cairns Esplanade, Aplin St to Minnie St: Closed from 7.30pm on Wednesday 31 December to 1am on Thursday 1 January 2026.
Emergency Access: Emergency vehicles can access these areas at all times.
Palm Cove road closures
Williams Esplanade, from Harpa St to Cedar Rd, closed from 5.30pm to 9pm.
The Palm Cove jetty public carpark will be accessible and an additional 350 car parks will be available on Coral Coast Dr (traffic management will be in place).
