Cairns nightlife, pubs and clubs
The city is not the only place to go out at night in Cairns, but it definitely has the widest choice of big and small bars, pubs, clubs and venues.
- The tropics are known for great waterfront dining and beach bars and we have a lot of options. You'll find waterfront bars or beach dining along the Esplanade or the Pier in the city, and out at the Northern Beaches.
- If beer pong, DJ sets, VIP bar service or table dancing are your thing, you're best to go to the city where the backpackers go.
- For a little more sophistication, Cairns has a growing number of small bars.
- National or international acts perform in Cairns most weekends. Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands are our main venues for gigs, theatre, comedy and music of all sorts.
Prefer to stay in and entertain at home? The Cairns region has beer and spirits connoisseurs covered too with amazing lagers, ales, gins, rums and whiskies crafted in the region in boutique breweries and distilleries.
The city isn't the only place to meet mates, have a cocktail or try a local beer on tap. There's a choice of venues and options in these suburbs too:
- Edge Hill or Westcourt on the edge of the city have a mix of traditional and new, quirky venues
- Trinity Beach or Palm Cove north of the city
- Smithfield has a tavern, brewery and a cinema
- Try Edmonton in the south
Cairns has some interesting and iconic venues to catch music, comedy, theatre, dance and performances.
- Tanks Arts Centre attracts national and international acts (for example: Gomez, Michael Franti, Ben Elton, Soweto Gospel Choir, Toni Childs). The venue itself is a converted World War II fuel storage tank, industrial and lit by candles.
- Munro Martin Parklands and Cairns Performing Arts Centre are the city's premier theatre and dance venues.
- Ticketlink is the place to buy tickets for shows at 10 Cairns venues.
- Pubs, sporting clubs and in and around Cairns also host gigs and live music.
Breweries in Cairns include:
- Hemingway’s Brewery
- Sauce Brewing
- Macalister Brewing Company
- Coral Sea Brewing
- Barrier Reef Brewing Co
- Red Dragon Brewery
Finding something local to drink for a night in with friends is also a good option.
