Shine on Gimuy Festival 2024
Shine on Gimuy Festival is well underway, lighting up the Gimuy (Cairns) foreshore and Esplanade with music, art, storytelling, markets, and more. The light and arts festival, hosted by the Yidinji Nation on their homelands, celebrates the Tropical North’s Indigenous heritage and creative spirit.
Shine on Gimuy Festival 2024 Cairns
The Shine on Gimuy Festival is an annual event held in Gimuy (Cairns) in honour of the heritage of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, the Traditional Custodians of the region. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and spirit of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in an inclusive, lively atmosphere.
The multi-arts festival showcases the creativity and strength of Indigenous culture through dance, music, storytelling, and art, while also offering thoughtful insights into Indigenous contributions to science and industry.
Shine on Gimuy 2024 Signature Events
This 10-day festival will offer a wide variety of performances and events each day, but some of the signature highlights include:
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Artstory Light Walk: An immersive light and art installation
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Calling Country Ceremony: A dance ceremony performed by groups in local and neighbouring Nations.
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Deep Wisdom Conversations: Talks on philosophy, science, arts, culture, and politics
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Music Makers performances: Local and international music performances
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Blak Markets: Art, crafts, and business stalls
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Unplugged: Open mic event
Event Details
When: Shine on Gimuy runs from Thursday 3 to Sunday 13 October
Where: Cairns Esplanade & Salt House, 52/54 Esplanade, Cairns City
How to get there: You can find Cairns Esplanade by the city’s tropical waterfront, stretching for 2.5km. Along this foreshore, you’ll also come across Salt House, a popular bar and restaurant that will be hosting a number of events throughout the week. Coming from out of town? Check out our detailed article on how to get to Cairns.
Shine on Gimuy 2024 tickets
Tickets are no longer on sale for Shine on Gimuy 2024. However, if you’re hoping to take part in the festivities, it’s worth taking a look through the full event program to check out any performances, talks, or installations that might be open to the public.
Free Events at Shine on Gimuy
Artstory Light Walk: Free for the general public to attend every day of the festival, this art installation of light sculptures and soundscapes is open from 5pm daily. You can find this stunning piece along the 'Gimuy Boulevard' of Fig Trees just across from the Cairns Lagoon and The Pier Shopping Centre.
Youth Circus with Circa Cairns: On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 of October from 10am to 1pm, young people will get a chance to learn circus tricks and acrobatics from Circa Cairns professionals.
Blak Markets: From Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October, the markets will be open on the Eastern Events Lawn in the Esplanade from 3pm to 9pm.
Cairns Cultural & Indigenous Tours
Whether you’ve been fully immersed in the Shine on Gimuy celebrations, or you missed out this time, there is plenty more to see while you’re in the Tropical North. Local tour companies with knowledgeable guides who can introduce you to Aboriginal art, ceremonies, and traditions are always running.
Top Cairns Cultural & Indigenous Tours
Take a look through our full list of Cultural and Indigenous Tours.
Check out our full visitor information guide here for all of the Cairns info you might need!
