Join us for the inaugural WOW Cairns Festival Men's Breakfast, a thought-provoking and engaging event bringing together leaders from business, government and the community to explore the role men play in building stronger families, workplaces and communities.

Join us for a special WOW Cairns Festival screening of SEEN, including a live Q&A with producer Sam Jockel exploring how adults can help children feel safe, supported and seen; and a marketplace of information for parents and those working with children. 

An interactive workshop discussing ideas for sustainable business growth for FNQ women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games, including special guests with expertise in business investment and enterprise development.

WOW Schools Day is a full-day experience bringing together Years 10 & 11 students from across Cairns and Far North Queensland for a dynamic program of interactive workshops, live performances and creative storytelling, speed mentoring with women from a range of sectors and life experiences and Inspiring speakers and young change-makers.

Too often we tend to put things in the ‘too hard’ basket when it comes to finding new solutions to problems that we face in the world today. Sometimes it is easier to leave it to someone else to ‘fix’. This is an opportunity to hear from some remarkable change makers, women who have taken it upon themselves to break down barriers for women through investing their time, ideas and financial resources in building a better world.

Join Patron of WOW in Australia the Hon. Quentin Bryce for the Cairns launch of her biography and a timely conversation about her life and work as a trailblazer, with biographer, journalist and Royal Correspondent Juliet Rieden, CEO of Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership Kirsty Davies and facilitated by the CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency Christine Castley.

A jam packed pack, full day program including panel conversations, performances, visual arts, workshops, WOW Bites: where you get to hear from everyday heroes and the WOW Healing Space where you can chill out and do some weaving all talks, conversations, workshops and more!

Join Mandy Nolan's Cranky Women’s Comedy Course for a unique opportunity to turn frustration into laughter and take the stage at the WOW Cairns Festival. Participants will attend a full-day workshop, followed by a mentoring week, a rehearsal, and a live performance at WOW Cairns.

Designed by acclaimed comedian and WOW Australia favourite Mandy Nolan, the program helps women find humour in life’s challenges and transform personal experiences into comedy in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Hosted by sharp-shooting Ellen Briggs, the brightest, boldest and baddest babes of comedy come together for a night you won’t forget!

Featuring Jenny Wynter, Kat Davidson, Urvi Majumdar, Alexandra Hudson, Grace Hogan and Steve (Sophia Hutchence).

A Brisbane favourite, WOW Schools Day '26 will be held on Tuesday 13 October.  This year we will continue to partner with QPAC to host over 200 high school students in a full day of workshops, performances, and speed mentoring on the Wheel of Brisbane with over 200 mentors from diverse fields, highlighting opportunities and inspiring diverse ambitions, together with an inspiring panel conversation hosted by ABC’s Natasha Mitchell in conversation with 3 amazing young people doing extraordinary things!