Things to Do in Townsville in 2026

Your Event Guide For Townsville

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.

The image of the rugby game players on the field

NRL Cowboys Home Games

24 April 2026 - 5 September 2026

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.

The image of the table tennis equipment

2026 Townsville Open Championships

2 - 4 May 2026

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.

The image of the "comedy cafe sign"

Luke Kidgell Good Intentions Show

8 May 2026

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.

The image of a wrestling show

DOUBLE TAP 3 – Queensland Wrestling Alliance Show

16 May 2026

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 image of the microphone at the stage

The Wiggles – The Big Little Show

17 May 2026

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.

The image of the stage at open air music festival

Dream Fields Festival

23 May 2026

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.

The image of the movie theatre seats

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026

11 June 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.

The image of the festival stage

Country Fest Queensland

12 - 13 June 2026

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.

Stock image of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson HIStory Show

12 June 2026

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.

The image of the crown at the festival

Townsville Folk Festival

12 - 14 June 2026

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.

The image of the athlete at the start line

Festival of Athletics

5 - 6 July 2026

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.

The image of the bike rider in the mountains

Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride

23 - 25 July 2026

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 image of the city sport event

The Challenge Games

29 - 30 July 2026

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.

The image of the lighten up "comedy" sign

Urzila Carlson – Fatty On A Yacht Tour

20 - 21 August 2026

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.

The image of sportsmen in thriathlon competition

Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival

23 - 24 August 2026

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

25 September 2026 - 11 October 2026

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.

The image of ABBA album cover

Björn Again: ABBA Forever Tour

10 October 2026

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.

The image of the road in the forest

Paluma Ultra Marathon

24 October 2026

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.

The image of the crowd at the concert

Foo Fighters Take Cover Tour

7 November 2026

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.

The image of the mic setup on stage

Morning Melodies: Townsville’s Got Talent

7 November 2026

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.

The image of the bull riders

Monster Energy PBR 2026 Grand Finals

13 - 14 November 2026

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.

The image of the rock concert performance

Guns N' Roses World Tour

2 December 2026

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.

The image of the decorated christmas tree

Morning Melodies: The Best of Bublé Christmas

15 December 2026

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.

The image of the theatre stage with shadows

Christmas Actually – Theatre Season 2026

19 December 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.