The countdown is on for one of the Burdekin’s most anticipated weekends, with the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival returning to the Home Hill Showgrounds on May 30 and 31.
Now just two weeks away, the annual festival celebrates the region’s deep-rooted connection to sugarcane and multiculturalism, combining cultural performances, fierce competition, and family-friendly entertainment across two big days.
Festivities begin on Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire. Gates open at 5pm, with live entertainment running from 6pm to 11pm. More than eight cultural performances will take place on the Sweet Stage, complemented by 20 food and drink stalls, arts and crafts, face painting, and a jumping castle for the kids. The centrepiece of the night is the symbolic lighting of the first cane fire of the 2025 crushing season—a nod to the industry that shaped the region.
Friday 31 May sees the return of the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, a fan-favourite event showcasing raw strength, speed and technique. From 11am to 5pm, spectators can watch eight cutting events featuring competitors from across the country, with thousands in prize money up for grabs and plenty of action in the paddock.
The day also features a live sugar crushing demonstration by Burdekin Rum, the Canefield Cook Off meat smoking competition, and machinery displays by the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists. Free activities for children include a petting zoo, mini ATV rides, Timmy the Train, and more.
Entry is $10 per day for adults, or $15 for a weekend pass. Kids under 18 are free all weekend. To save time at the gate, tickets can be pre-purchased at trybooking.com/CXYWC.
The festival is a cashless event for entry, bar and merchandise, though some food vendors may accept cash.
With music, culture, food and fire, Sweet Days Hot Nights promises a unique slice of the Burdekin that locals and visitors won’t want to miss.
With music, culture, food and fire, Sweet Days Hot Nights promises a unique slice of the Burdekin. Photo supplied
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