(Incorrect dates in print, please see updated dates in bold.)
It’s all happening this weekend at the Home Hill Showgrounds, as one of the Burdekin’s biggest events returns for two massive days of culture, competition, food and fire.
The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is back and packed with action, starting Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Friday 31 May.
Friday 30 May: Burdekin Cultural Fair & First Fire
Gates open at 5pm, with live entertainment running from 6pm to 11pm.
This vibrant evening brings over eight cultural performances to the Sweet Stage, alongside 20 food, drink and dessert stalls, kids’ activities like arts and crafts, face painting, and a jumping castle, plus live music until late.
At the heart of it all is the lighting of the first cane fire of the 2025 crushing season—a powerful tradition and one of the most iconic sights of the festival.
Saturday 31 May: Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships
Gates open at 10:30am, with competitions running from 11am to 5pm.
The paddock will heat up with eight hand cane cutting events, where top cutters from across the country compete for bragging rights and big prize money. There’s also a live sugar crushing demo by Burdekin Rum, a vintage machinery display by the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, and the ever-popular Canefield Cook Off—a smoky showdown of the region’s best meat smokers.
Kids are sorted too, with free attractions including a petting zoo, Timmy the Train rides, mini ATVs, and repeat favourites like the jumping castle, face painting, and arts and crafts. Add in another round of live music and stage entertainment, and it’s a full day for the whole family.
Tickets
$10 per adult per event
$15 weekend pass
Kids under 18 are free all weekend
Book online now at www.trybooking.com/CXYWC to save time at the gate.
Note: The event is cashless for entry, bar and merchandise. Some food vendors may accept cash.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of the Burdekin—Sweet Days Hot Nights is on this weekend, and it’s set to sizzle.
WHAT: Sweet Days Hot Nights
WHERE: Home Hill Showgrounds
WHEN: 30-31 May
The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is back and packed with action, starting Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Friday 31 May. Photo supplied
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