The Port Douglas Carnivale has been given a $55,000 State Government grant for next year’s event, up $5000 on what was received this year.

The funding is part of a $14m money pool across four years in efforts towards “cementing the state as Australia’s events capital” in order to “enhance and grow uniquely Queensland events to attract more visitors”.  

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the government was committed to expanding the program. 

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, which is why we’re investing in homegrown events that deliver unforgettable visitor experiences and drive regional tourism,” Minister Powell said.  

“These uniquely Queensland events showcase the best of our regions and provide a significant boost to local economies.”

Port Douglas Carnivale, held in May each year, is a weekend of celebrations kicked off by the iconic Friday night parade and features other music, dining and family events.

More than $1.5m is set to be shared across about 30 statewide events planned for 2026.

Organisers can apply for up to $300,000 across three years for festivals such as Carnivale to help “grow iconic local events that showcase Queensland as a must-visit destination and contribute to the visitor economy”. 

Applications for Round 2 of the Homegrown grants are now open for June next year to June 2027, with applications for that round closing on Thursday, October 9.

Part of the Queensland Destination Events Program, the grants aim to help connect festivities with the regions they call home.

Since it began in 2015, QDEP has supported more than 1000 events with more than $25m in funding. 

The program has recently been refreshed to align with Queensland's 20-year vision and create more opportunities for tourism to grow and thrive.