We’ve curated a What’s On shortlist featuring must-see events, activities and attractions to add to your plans for the months ahead. From music, theatre and the arts to sport, food, festivals and leisure experiences, there’s always something exciting happening nearby. Check back regularly to stay up to date with the latest events and trending experiences in the local area.

Things to Do in Townsville in 2026
Your Event Guide For Townsville
NRL Cowboys Home Games
Cheer on the North Queensland Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with a lively 2026 home-game schedule bringing NRL action to the heart of Townsville. From Friday night clashes to major match-ups against the Broncos, Panthers, Roosters and Raiders, Cowboys game days offer passionate crowds, family-friendly entertainment and an unforgettable North Queensland sporting atmosphere.
2026 Townsville Open Championships
Watch top table tennis talent in action as the 2026 Townsville Open Championships take place at the Townsville Table Tennis Centre in Hermit Park. s North Queensland’s designated QLD Northern Open association tournament, the event attracts junior, senior and para players from across the state for a competitive weekend of ranking-point matches.
Luke Kidgell Good Intentions Show
Enjoy a night of comedy as Australian comedian Luke Kidgell brings his new world tour, Good Intentions. Known for his viral crowd-work moments and hilarious live interactions, Luke promises an unpredictable and entertaining show for comedy fans.
DOUBLE TAP 3 – Queensland Wrestling Alliance Show
Get ready for an action-packed night of live wrestling as Queensland Wrestling Alliance presents DOUBLE TAP 3 at The Warehouse, Townsville. This all-ages event puts fans in control of the show, with match types, opponents and surprises shaping an unforgettable night of high-energy entertainment.
The Wiggles – The Big Little Show
Bring the family along for a joyful live performance as The Wiggles – The Big Little Show comes to Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. Featuring Anthony, Lachy, Caterina and Evie Wiggle, plus favourites like Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword, this 55-minute show is packed with music, dancing, audience interaction and plenty of Wiggly fun.
Dream Fields Festival
Enjoy a full day of live music and festival energy as Dream Fields Music Festival returns to Central Park, Townsville. Featuring a standout line-up including Galantis, Mallrat, Peking Duk, Skegss, Sneaky Sound System, Sycco and Ziggy Alberts, this all-ages event brings world-class entertainment, food trucks and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere to the heart of North Queensland.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026
Experience the thrill of adventure on the big screen as the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 comes to Townsville Civic Theatre. Presented by Adventure Reels, this three-hour film event showcases breathtaking short films from fearless explorers, climbers, skiers, paddlers, trail runners and mountain bikers pushing boundaries in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.
Country Fest Queensland
Enjoy two days of live country music, festival atmosphere and North Queensland hospitality as Country Fest QLD returns to Cluden Park, Townsville. Featuring a big line-up of Australian country artists including Morgan Evans, James Johnston and The Wolfe Brothers, this lively event is a must for country music fans visiting Townsville.
Michael Jackson HIStory Show
Celebrate the music and legacy of Michael Jackson as the Michael Jackson HIStory Show comes to Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. Featuring electrifying live performances, iconic choreography and hits from the Jackson 5 era through to his legendary solo career, this tribute concert promises a memorable night for fans of the King of Pop.
Townsville Folk Festival
Enjoy a weekend of music, arts and community as the 35th Townsville Folk Festival returns to Foots Hill Station at Reid River. This family-friendly festival features live music across multiple genres, dance, circus, workshops, artisan markets, food stalls and camping under the stars, offering a relaxed country escape just a short drive from Townsville.
Festival of Athletics
Celebrate the energy of track and field as the Festival of Athletics brings athletes of all ages and abilities together at Townsville Sports Precinct. As an Australian Athletics Domestic Permit meet, the event features running, jumping and throwing competitions, offering a lively weekend of sport, community spirit and pathways for athletes aiming to qualify for national championships.
Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride
Join the spirit of community and endurance as the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride returns. Covering 374km over three days from Townsville to Ingham, Innisfail and Cairns, this inspiring charity ride brings cyclists together to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute while experiencing the beauty of North Queensland.
The Challenge Games
Celebrate inclusion, achievement and community spirit as The Challenge Games return to Townsville Sports Precinct. This two-day event welcomes school-aged students with disability and additional needs to take part in athletics, sport and fun physical activities in a safe, supportive and confidence-building environment.
Urzila Carlson – Fatty On A Yacht Tour
Enjoy a night of big laughs as multi-award-winning comedian Urzila Carlson brings her Fatty On A Yacht Tour to Townsville Entertainment Centre. Known for her cheeky wit, sharp storytelling and relatable humour, Urzila promises an entertaining live show from one of Australia and New Zealand’s favourite comedy stars.
Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival
Take part in the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival, a vibrant weekend of swim, bike and run events held along The Strand on the Townsville foreshore. With triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, kids’ events and corporate team races, the festival welcomes everyone from elite competitors to first-time participants for an active North Queensland experience by the water.
North Australian Festival of Arts - NAFA
Celebrate creativity, culture and community as the North Australian Festival of Arts returns to Townsville. With cabaret, comedy, theatre, dance, visual art, First Nations performances and cultural experiences, NAFA brings a vibrant program of local, national and international talent to Strand Park and venues across the city.
Björn Again: ABBA Forever Tour
Get ready to sing, dance and relive the magic of ABBA as Björn Again: ABBA Forever Tour comes to Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. This internationally acclaimed, ABBA-endorsed tribute show brings dazzling costumes, feel-good energy and classic hits including Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, SOS and Fernando for one spectacular night of entertainment.
Paluma Ultra Marathon
Take on an unforgettable trail-running challenge as Paluma Ultra returns to the Paluma Range near Townsville. Set within the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, this 52km ultramarathon takes runners through rainforest trails, waterfalls, creek crossings, eucalypt forest and mountain terrain, offering a true North Queensland adventure for experienced trail runners.
Foo Fighters Take Cover Tour
Get ready for a massive night of rock as Foo Fighters bring their Take Cover Tour to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. With their legendary live energy, stadium-sized anthems and special guests Full Flower Moon Band and Downgirl, this highly anticipated concert promises an unforgettable night for music fans in North Queensland.
Morning Melodies: Townsville’s Got Talent
Celebrate local creativity as Morning Melodies: Townsville’s Got Talent comes to Townsville Civic Theatre. Presented by Townsville Civic Theatre and Friends of the Theatre, this 90-minute variety concert showcases the best of Townsville talent through music, dance and theatre, offering a joyful live performance for audiences of all ages.
Monster Energy PBR 2026 Grand Finals
Feel the adrenaline as the Monster Energy PBR 2026 Grand Finals take over Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Bringing together Australia’s best bull riders and the PBR All Star Bulls, this electrifying two-night event will decide the Australian title in a thrilling showdown of strength, skill and courage.
Guns N' Roses World Tour
Get ready for a legendary night of rock as Guns N’ Roses bring their World Tour 2026 to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. This major stadium concert promises an unforgettable evening of iconic hits, powerhouse performances and classic rock energy in North Queensland.
Morning Melodies: The Best of Bublé Christmas
Enjoy a festive morning of smooth swing and Christmas favourites as Morning Melodies: The Best of Bublé Christmas comes to Townsville Civic Theatre. Featuring Rhydian Lewis and his four-piece band, The Residuals, this heartwarming tribute celebrates Michael Bublé’s festive songs, classic hits and timeless big band style in a joyful 90-minute performance.
Christmas Actually – Theatre Season 2026
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas Actually at Townsville Civic Theatre. Inspired by the music of Love Actually, this sparkling Christmas show features a live band, powerhouse vocals, comedy and festive favourites from artists including Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.