Entertainment
16 September, 2026
Step back in time at festival
THE Innisfail Tropical Art Deco Festival kicks off today at the Innisfail library with a free multi-media presentation on art deco architecture.
THE Innisfail Tropical Art Deco Festival kicks off today at the Innisfail library with a free multi-media presentation on art deco architecture.
Visitors and locals can then cross the road to meet in the shire hall foyer to attend the free shire hall tour.
Tours are an integral part of the festival.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Innisfail’s art deco history alive for locals and visitors,” said society president Trish Ernst said.
“The tours are an added attraction for our town which showcases our distinctive art deco architecture combined with fascinating stories of the town’s people and events of the past,” she said.
The historical cemetery walk begins at 6pm visiting the gravesites of past pioneers and local identities with stories of their lives in Innisfail.
On Thursday, the art deco guided history walk begins in the shire hall foyer, followed by a paint and sip workshop.
“Dress to impress in your 1920s and 30s fashions for a fun evening of trivia at the ICS Club on the river with prizes for best-dressed and the winning teams,” Ms Ernst said.
“On Friday, you can attend the library presentation and shire hall tour if you missed either of them on Wednesday,” she said.
“The 1920s Caribbean cruise murder mystery dinner at the Brothers’ Leagues Club will be a night of fancy-dress fun and games with a delicious two-course meal.
“Guests can dress to impress as a high society passenger, pirate or member of the ship’s crew.”
Ms Ernst said on Saturday the Lions market was in ANZAC Park with jazz music in the rotunda provided by the Innisfail Community Band.
“Enjoy the art deco elegance of the fashion parade and fabulous afternoon tea at the Conservatorium at the ‘Fashion through the ages event’,” she said.
“With a parade of historical outfits from 1890s and 1920s through to the latest modern trends, children’s fashions and racewear, it is an event not to be missed.
“There’ll also be a special presentation of bridal wear and glamorous evening gowns. Enjoy a spectacular performance by Danceworks Academy during the afternoon and a selection of timeless art deco music.
“Come dressed in your favourite fashion era to get into the spirit of the event and win a best-dressed prize.”
The bar will be operating on the day, with raffle and lucky door prizes on offer. Call Rhonda on 0427 616 990 or book online.
“If you’re still looking for something to do on Saturday night, call Paronella Park to see the ‘Darkness falls’ light show,” Ms Ernst said.
“Don’t stay out too late because you’ll need to be up early on Sunday to attend the vintage market in the shire hall which commences at 8am this year,” she said.
“It’s the biggest market yet, with a bargain, piece of treasure, jewellery, clothing or curio to suit everyone.
“Refreshments will be provided by the Innisfail Historical Society with lively entertainment on the veranda while you enjoy your coffee and cake. Entry is by gold coin with the market operating from 8am to 1pm.
“Take the kids out to Warrina Lakes from 10am to 2pm to the Innisfail mini-rail family fun day.
“With train rides, stalls and barbecue it’s a great day out with some vintage fun and music.
“There’ll be sack races, egg and spoon and three-legged races with a prize for every child that participates.”
Visit the Innisfail Historical Society’s website at innisfailhistory.com.au for the festival event program and booking details or google ‘tropical art deco’ on Facebook.
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