Entertainment
8 October, 2026
Torimba festival shines a spotlight on Ravenshoe
THE annual Torimba Festival kicks off this weekend with a line-up of events to set the tone for a two-week celebration of entertainment, connection and country hospitality in Ravenshoe.
Running since 1969, the festival includes photography, music, sporting events, the stunning Festival of the Forest woodwork competition and display and culminates in a Mardi Gras street parade, fireworks display and the Gala Ball.
The Torimba Festival is named after the words “Tourism” and Timber”, reflecting Ravenshoe’s heritage as a former timber town, and the street businesses dress for the occasion.
This year’s theme is “Your Story, Your Stage” with artwork competition and displays to be featured in a pop-up gallery.
The first week of the festival begins this Saturday, 10 October, with Queen Entrant cake stall’s and Misty Mountain music, a photographic exhibition, a come and try day at the gun club, a memorial cricket match, and an Oktoberfest at the Club Hotel.
Throughout the first week there will be a trivia night, a hoedown, a combined evening church service and more.
On Saturday 17 October the iconic Mardi Gras kicks off at 2pm and throughout the day visitors can enjoy a trade show and music on Grigg Steet, woodchopping competitions, toad races and the fireworks at 8pm.
A highlight to watch is the Stocklick Farmers Challenge where teams of four race the clock through a series of challenges (think wheelbarrows, potato sacks and other surprises).
Barefoot bowls, and a Bumper bingo will be held throughout the week, and on Saturday 24 October, the Gala Ball and Queens Crowning will be held at the Town Hall, as a ticketed event.
For full details of the events, visit https://www.torimbafestival.com.au/
