Heatwave Festival to return on back of a big low season spend
Heatwave Festival
Heatwave Festival has announced its return to Port Douglas, running from Friday to Sunday, February 12 to 14 on the back of the first event which injected an estimated $350,000 into town in the low season.
Organisers Andrew Dalbertanson and Kent Fordham report that Heatwave 2026 brought more than 850 guests into town for the festival and their visitor-spending estimate covers a four-day visit period encompassing accommodation, hospitality and purchases from local businesses.
The organisers report that some major hotels reached 100 per cent occupancy over the festival weekend, with busy cafés, restaurants and bars as guests spent time in town between events.
Those accommodation bookings and hospitality purchases placed the festival’s commercial contribution beyond its ticketed venues and into the wider local economy. The opportunity extends to other parts of the tourism industry. Airport transfers and local transport connect visitors with the destination, while shops, reef experiences and rainforest tours offer reasons to explore between events or extend a stay.
Heatwave’s 2027 approach will encourage those connections, giving local operators more opportunities to turn festival visitation into business. International artists were also flown into the region for the inaugural festival.
Behind the performances, catering, sound, lighting, security and other event services formed part of delivering the weekend. These connections bring the tourism and events industries together, with opportunities for venues, suppliers and creative professionals to participate in the festival’s growth.
“We created Heatwave to celebrate our community and give people a reason to visit Port Douglas in February,” said festival founder and director Andrew Dalbertanson.
“Seeing guests stay in town, dine locally and enjoy our venues showed us what this festival could contribute. We want local businesses to share in its success.”
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree recognised that contribution in its industry update in February. The tourism organisation reported that Heatwave had drawn visitors from across the country and highlighted the festival’s role in attracting interstate visitation during traditionally softer periods, while generating content that helped promote the destination.
That domestic appeal was evident before the first festival. Tourism Port Douglas Daintree reported in December 2025 that around 80 per cent of early ticket sales were coming from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, demonstrating the event’s reach into key domestic visitor markets.
For 2027, Heatwave aims to encourage longer stays and wider participation in the town’s tourism offering outside the peak season. Alongside immediate trade, the organisers want the festival to give visitors lasting reasons to recommend Port Douglas and return.
The festival remains rooted in the LGBTQIA+ community, welcoming allies and bringing residents and visitors together.
Local involvement is central to an event founded by members of the community it celebrates. Coco Jumbo and VYBE join the 2027 lineup fresh from the 2026 series Drag Race Down Under vs the World, part of the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise.
Internationally renowned drag queen and DJ Kitty Glitter will fly in from the United States, while Melbourne favourite Hayley Maree returns to the decks following her appearance at the inaugural festival.
Port Douglas favourite DJ Just Andy will also be behind the decks. Local drag queens and DJs will perform alongside the visiting artists, keeping community talent at the heart of the program.
The organisers want Heatwave to represent and support the community that helped create it, with opportunities for local performers to share the celebration.
The celebrations will open with Neon Nights at Sugar Wharf on Friday, February 12 bringing DJs, drag and dancing to the waterfront.
The Campest Lunch will return on Saturday, February13 to Harrisons by Spencer Patrick at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, combining dining with festival entertainment.
That evening, Sparkle will take place at The Central Hotel. The weekend will close on Sunday, February 14 with a pool party at The Oaks Resort, continuing the mix of music and performance in a resort setting.
Spreading the program across daytime and evening events gives guests opportunities to enjoy different venues and spend time in the town throughout their visit.
“We want people to feel welcome and leave with wonderful memories of Port Douglas,” said organisers Andrew Dalbertanson and Kent Fordham.
“Come for the music, make some new friends and enjoy the businesses that make this town special.”
The festival acknowledges Newsport, Electric Dreams, The Tin Shed Port Douglas, Back Country Bliss Adventures and Wildlife Habitat, part of the CaPTA Group, together with Rattle n Hum, part of Red Rock Venues.
Port Douglas Catering is an official affiliate partner. Their support helps bring Heatwave 2027 to life.
In recognising the inaugural festival’s success, the organisers thank Douglas Shire Council for its Sugar Wharf venue sponsorship, The Central Hotel for complimentary use of its venue, The Oaks Resort for providing its pool for the finale party, and Harrisons by Spencer Patrick for hosting The Campest Lunch. Special thanks also go to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas for accommodating the festival’s international artists.
These partnerships helped make the first Heatwave possible. Heatwave is welcoming new sponsors for 2027. Businesses and organisations interested in becoming involved are invited to email [email protected] to discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Tickets and festival updates: Book through Humanitix or visit heatwavefestival.com.au. Television, radio, print and digital media are invited to enquire about organiser interviews, festival images and proposed media photo opportunities. Arrangements and performer availability would be confirmed separately.