Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady said the weekend, to be held on the new Labour Day October 4 to 7, will incorporate a number of events reminiscent of the Mount Isa atmosphere in the 1970s and 1980s.

"In a lot of places around the state such as on the Gold Coast and in Hervey Bay for example, ex-Isans meet on a regular basis and we intend to contact those groups via the individuals and families," he said.

Cr McGrady said Councillor Kim Coghlan had sourced a committee to work on organising events and attendance during the weekend.

"There will be a whole series of events planned but one will bring back an event from the 70s," Cr McGrady said. "Where the Irish Club oval is used to be a vast area similar to the car park there and every week all the single men who lived in the barracks would have an open air movie night where you'd go along with your blankets and pillow and watch free movies."

"The Irish Club is going to re-enact that over the weekend and have a BSD (base supply depot) movie night, the oldies will remember that and the newcomers will hopefully come along and experience it, it should be a big event of the week."

Cr McGrady said the Back to Isa weekend was still in early planning stages but the city could expect lots of activities, including a formal dinner. "We were trying to plan a weekend where there wasn't a lot already on, if it was during the Mount Isa Show or at rodeo time there would be no accommodation in town but we think Labour Day will be a perfect time," he said.