What’s On
at Cooktown Discovery Festival
Here’s just a taste of what’s in store across the weekend!
Friday
Botanics River Cruise: 9.00am
Markets: 12pm to 8.30pm
Guided Tour of Botanic Gardens: 2.00pm
Live and Local Music: 4.00pm to 8.30pm
Automotive Muster Sound and Light Show: 5.00pm
Reconciliation Re-Enactment: 5.30pm
Official Event Opening: 6.20pm
Firing of Muskets: 6.30pm
Saturday
Markets: 7.00am to 9.00pm
Big Run for Little Athletics: 7.00am
CWA Tea House: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Busking Competition: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Banana Eating Competition: 11.00am
Gold Delivery: 11.30am
Kids Corner: 10:00am – 1.00pm
Cape York Automotive Muster: 12.30pm
Street Parade: 3.30pm
Unfenced Asylum Challenge: 4.00pm
Live Music & Performances: from 4.00pm
Fireworks: 8pm
Kingswood: 8.15pm
Sunday
Markets: 7am to 12pm
Kids Corner: 8.00am – 10.00am
Church Service: 8.30am – 9.30am
CWA Tea House: 9.00am
United Tableland Pipe Band: 9.30am
Cook’s Landing Re-Enactment: 10.00am
Kingswood live at Cooktown Discovery Festival this June
Three days of free music, history, culture and community on the banks of the Endeavour River.
This June, Kingswood headline the Cooktown Discovery Festival, a three-day weekend of live music, workshops, cultural moments and long-standing local traditions.
Set along the Endeavour River, the festival brings together music, historical re-enactments and family activities in one of Queensland’s most historic towns.
No tickets. No entry fee. Just turn up and be part of it.
About Kingswood
Kingswood are an award-winning four-piece from Melbourne, delivering high-energy live shows that blend modern country with vintage rock’n’roll. They’ve toured nationally, played major festivals and shared stages with AC/DC and Aerosmith.
Expect loud guitars, big choruses and a crowd on its feet long after the sun goes down.
Cook Shire’s Got Talent takes the stage this June
Cook Shire’s Got Talent is where rising stars step into the spotlight and showcase their skills in front of a live audience at the Cooktown Events Centre.
From powerful vocals and energetic dance routines to comedy, music and unique hidden talents — this event celebrates the creativity and confidence of young performers across the region.
Open to ages 5–25, the night is filled with supportive energy, proud moments and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re performing or cheering from the crowd, it’s an inspiring evening that captures the spirit of the festival.
One stage. Endless talent. Don’t miss it.
Live street performances at the Busking Competition
The Cooktown Post Office Busking Competition brings Charlotte Street to life with music, movement and raw talent.
Throughout the day, performers take to the streets, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere where every corner has something new to discover. From acoustic sets and solo artists to energetic acts and crowd favourites — it’s all about live, authentic entertainment.
Festival-goers play a part too, with winners decided by people’s choice voting, making this one of the most interactive events of the weekend.
Wander, watch, and vote for your favourite.
The streets come alive at the Regional Street Parade
The Regional Street Parade is one of the most loved moments of the festival — where the entire community comes together in a vibrant display of colour, costumes and creativity.
With this year’s theme “Discover Our Culture”, expect to see everything from cultural tributes and historical references to playful interpretations of local life.
Schools, community groups, businesses and families all take part, transforming Charlotte Street into a moving celebration filled with energy, laughter and applause.
Find your spot, soak it in, and be part of the celebration.
Explore local flavours, crafts and creations
The festival markets are a hub of activity, bringing together local makers, food vendors and small businesses from across the region.
Wander through a vibrant mix of stalls featuring handmade goods, unique gifts, fresh produce and delicious food. It’s the perfect place to meet local creators, support small businesses and experience the region’s culture through its flavours and craftsmanship.
For businesses and stallholders, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with thousands of festival visitors across the weekend.
Come hungry, curious, and ready to explore.
