A Japanese archery tournament is set to be one of the major talking points of this year's Carnivale in Port Douglas.

Yabusame is a type of mounted archery where competitors, riding on a running horse shoot arrows at three wooden targets in quick succession. 

The free event will be held on Four Mile Beach on Saturday May 17, with 16 entrants from all over Asia competing in the tournament.

This is the first time an accredited Yabusame event has ever been held outside Japan and Carnivale organiser Roy Weavers said it was a special privilege to be hosting the event.  

"This is an Australian first and a real coup for Port Douglas Carnivale, and we are incredibly excited to welcome these talented athletes from Japan," he said. 

Mr Weavers said the archery tournament was just one of a host family-oriented events planned for the first weekend of Carnivale, starting off with the Macrossan Street Parade on Friday night. 

Each year about 10,000 visitors line the streets to watch the parade featuring motorised floats, bands, dancers, and more. 

Mr Weavers said revellers would also be able to enjoy festivities before the parade with Market Park opening from 5pm.

The park will featuring plenty of entertaining activities, including live music, street theatre, market stalls, rides, amusements and a special live broadcast.  

"90.9 FM Radio Port Douglas will also be broadcasting live from Coco's on Macrossan Street this Friday night from 6pm to 8pm and for the first time ever," Mr Weavers said.

"And we will have a Carnivale flash mob pop up when you least expect it."

On Saturday, Four Mile Beach will be transformed into a playground for locals and visitors alike.

The action will kick off from 12pm with with beach cricket games, treasure hunts, a sandcastle competition, skydivers, medieval jousting and beach busking.

Other family events include Market Day on Sunday, May 18, and The Backyard Games at Rex Smeal Park, with highlights on the day including a motorised esky race and a helicopter lolly drop at 1pm.