Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival

19/08/2026

August marks Multicultural Queensland Month 2026, Queensland's largest celebration of people, culture and community spirit.

While the Burdekin Cultural Fair may not take place until May 2027, it still embodies these same values of this celebration. As part of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, the event brings people together through food, music, performances and shared experiences, celebrating the many cultures that have helped shape the Burdekin into the community it is today.

Save the date and join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, community and connection in May 2027.

🍝 Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire presented by Parkside
📅 Friday 28 May 2027
📍 Home Hill Showgrounds

We can't wait to see you there!

28/07/2026

🔥 The sight of cane fires lighting up the early morning skies and glowing at dusk is a familiar part of life in the Burdekin during the sugar cane crushing. This long-standing tradition plays an important role in preparing cane for harvesting and marks one of the region's busiest and most iconic times of year.

It's this tradition that inspires the iconic First Fire, a highlight of the Burdekin Cultural Fair event. We can't wait to welcome you again next May as we celebrate the start of another crushing season and watch the First Fire light up the night sky.

🌱Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival
📅 Friday 28 - Saturday 29 May 2027
📍 Home Hill Showgrounds

09/07/2026

"Sorry we're late to posting..." – Mick 🤠🌱

In true cane farmer fashion, Mick got caught up with planting, harvesting, crushing and everything in between, and forgot to tell everyone that the Burdekin's Sweetest School Competition is back!

Back in May, schools across the Burdekin rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty and planted their cane, kicking off another year of the Burdekin's Sweetest School Competition.

🤠 Mick even managed to sneak away from the farm for a visit to St Francis Catholic School and Ayr State School, where he checked in on the students and their planting efforts.

Good luck to all the schools taking part this year. We can't wait to watch your cane grow and see who takes home the title!

🏆 The winner will be announced at Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival in May 2027.

🌱 In the meantime, make sure you follow the Burdekin's Sweetest School Competition page to keep up with school updates, growing progress and competition news 👀

Thanks again to Canegrowers Burdekin Limited, Burdekin Productivity Services and Sugar Research Australia for putting on this competition once again!

07/05/2026

Everyone’s been talking about the “handsome cane farmer” at Council… and honestly, we’re still not sure if they mean the mural or Mick the Cane Cutter? 🤠

We're starting to think art_by_lavinia may have had some real-life inspiration for her cane farmer 👀

This mural celebrates the Burdekin’s rich cane farming history — from blazing cane fires to iconic landmarks, local produce and the industries that make our region what it is!

📸 Of course Mick from the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival had to stop by for a photo.

Have you checked out this masterpiece for yourself?

📍 Burdekin Shire Council Chambers, MacMillan Street, Ayr

19/04/2026

🌱🥃 Did you spot the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival and Burdekin Rum on Sunday's episode of the Weekender?

If you missed it, you can still watch the episode now on 7plus, where Jackie explores the Townsville North Queensland region (Episode 11) 🎥

Jackie's tasting the bold flavours of Burdekin Rum on our Visit Townsville North Queensland special this week 🥃

This award-winning distillery has mastered the art of alchemy, transforming locally grown sugar cane into the golden, caramel spirit you know and love!

Join us 5:30pm Sunday on Channel 7 & 7plus 📺