The Cairns Esplanade will be transformed into a light and water spectacle when Canvas of Cairns opens on Friday, 29 August.
The 10-night installation will feature free evening performances, with highlights including Fragments of Light, a Lagoon show combining fountains, 3D projections and a soundtrack composed for the event.
One of the centrepieces is 'The Story of the Rainbow Serpent', created by KukuThaypan, Widi and Birriah artist Connie Rovina.
Ms Rovina said the story shared how the Rainbow Serpent shaped the land and waterways.
"It was only natural that I told a popular story of how the Rainbow Serpent lived underground and travelled all over Australia, breaking through at certain points to form mountains, rivers and sacred springs that stretched to the sea," she said.
"It is exciting to see technology transform spaces like this and allow so many people to witness cultural richness.
"I love that our young people will carry these stories into adulthood with a deeper understanding of togetherness."
Along the Esplanade audiences will also encounter rainforest-inspired walks, glowing sculptures, ephemeral installations and interactive projections across the Lagoon shallows.
Local school students have contributed to the sea creature installation in the water.
Cairns mayor Amy Eden said the reimagined light show would bring new energy to the festival.
"Canvas of Cairns is a multi-sensory experience created especially for Cairns Festival. It is inspired by the reef, rainforest and cultures that make this place so special," she said.
"The Esplanade will become a living canvas of light and storytelling, offering locals and visitors a whole new way to enjoy the city after dark."
The installation has been developed by internationally recognised creators Laservision, whose productions include shows in Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.
Laservision chief executive officer Shannon Brooks said the focus this year had been on collaboration.
"Canvas of Cairns reflects the idea that the region itself becomes the canvas for creativity," Mr Brooks said.
"Through interactive projections, fountains, lasers and light sculptures, the show transforms the environment into a moving artwork that celebrates both nature and community."
He said working with local and First Nations artists had been central to the project.
"We have worked closely with local and First Nations artists to ensure the show respectfully honours the stories, knowledge and cultural heritage of the region," Mr Brooks said.
Canvas of Cairns runs from Friday, 29 August to Sunday, 7 September, with free nightly shows from approximately 6.30pm to 10pm.
Full festival details are available on the CairnsFest website.