General News
9 September, 2026
Harvest ‘comes to life’
WHAT began decades ago as a simple local gathering to celebrate the end of the agricultural season has grown into one of Far North Queensland’s most cherished regional traditions.
Organisers of the Babinda Harvest Festival – this Saturday 12 September – are gearing up for a spectacular event expected to draw huge crowds from across the local area and surrounding towns.
This year’s celebration centres on the theme “Pages come to life,” a concept that has already sparked enthusiastic local participation.
A recent barefoot bowls fundraiser at the Babinda Bowls Club saw teams transform the greens with creative, storybook-inspired costumes.
Local momentum has continued to build through a series of warm community gatherings, including a charming ‘Princess Quest’ garden party, complete with homemade cakes, an iconic Cinderella Ball at the RSL Hall and a lively barn dance hosted at St Rita’s School.
Babinda Harvest Festival president 2026 Courtney Sheehan said the event continued to show off the best of the region.
“What I love about the Babinda Harvest Festival is that it brings the whole community together,” she said.
“It celebrates our local businesses, attracts visitors from across the region and really shows off what makes Babinda special.
“There’s something for everyone, from families and kids to long-time locals and first-time visitors – and that’s what makes it such a great event.
“It’s a chance for us to showcase our community and share our story with the wider region.”
Central to the festival’s charm are the five Princess Quest entrants who have worked tirelessly to represent the town.
From running wheelbarrow raffles and selling sweets outside local storefronts to assisting at community events, the young women are embodying the generous spirit they compete for the official crown.
Festival day, Saturday, promises an action-packed lineup for families and visitors of all ages.
Munro Street will spring to life with the grand parade and there’ll be bustling market stalls, dynamic food vans and live music throughout the day.
Thrill-seekers can head to the roar of the tractor pull – a high-energy battle of
horsepower and skill that remains a major regional crowd-pleaser.
Younger attendees can look forward to the famous giant lolly drop, with the entire evening capped off by onstage entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. The parade starts at 2pm, the festival at the showground (Bill Wakeham Park) at 3pm and fireworks are scheduled at 8pm, with the festival expected to say goodnight around 11pm.
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