Ipswich in Winter 2026

Your guide for entertainment, events and activities IPSWICH INWINTER 2026

Ipswich.qld.gov.au

DOG REGO DUE 30 JUNE

Message from Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding

Winter in Ipswich, with its crisp mornings, sunny days and mild temperatures, is the perfect time to enjoy everything the city offers, from outdoor events and parks to cosy cafes and cultural experiences. It is when Ipswich’s rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods and welcoming community truly shine. This winter, the Festival of Horsepower

Winter also coincides with school holidays, making it an ideal time for families to explore together. Our premier arts festival, SPARK Ipswich, returns, transforming the city into a vibrant canvas of colour, music and light. Fan favourites Little Day Out and World of Music Ipswich return, alongside the Queensland premiere of a musical art installation recently seen in London. A program of interactive art, mesmerising performances and cultural celebration will ensure SPARK Ipswich delights all ages. Holiday fun continues with gallery experiences, creative library workshops, playgrounds, bushwalks and wildlife encounters. So grab a jacket, gather family and friends and plan an adventure. This guide is your starting point for experiencing Ipswich at its seasonal best.

Front cover image: Twigley Farm, Haigslea. If you have any feedback regarding the Winter Guide, please email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au or visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au Disclaimer: Published by Ipswich City Council © 2026 At time of printing all information is current and correct. Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. Ipswich City Council accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes leading to such information being incorrect. As activities, programs and events may cancel or move returns, bringing engines, energy and excitement. Now in its sixth year, the annual festival is firmly embedded in the city’s social calendar and features two of Australia’s most iconic motorsport events, the TAB Ipswich Cup and Gulf Western Oil Winternationals. This year also welcomes the nation’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, with the Australian Superbike Championships taking to the track at Queensland Raceway. Celebrate culture and community at the NAIDOC Cultural and Family Day on 7 July at the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks an important milestone and celebrates the achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

subsequent to publication of this brochure, no responsibility is accepted for accuracy of content. This publication is copyright. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968 (C’wlth), no part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, micro copying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permissions. If you wish to disseminate or share this information and or images please contact Ipswich City Council for permission.

IPSWICH ART GALLERY

7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM — 5PM

We're open

d'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich

A N X R I N S T A L L A T I O N B Y I S O B E L K N O W L E S + V A N S O W E R W I N E 2 7 J U N E — 3 0 A U G U S T 2 0 2 6

The refurbished Redbank Plaza Library is jam-packed with new features, more space and an Ipswich Libraries first. Renovations on the library were completed earlier this year and include a new children’s area, bespoke shelving and a “Bub Hub” internet station. This Ipswich Libraries first allows carers of small children to browse the internet while their child plays safely in an integrated play area. The improvements ensure the library is an even more welcoming and useful space for everyone in our community. HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW-LOOK REDBANK PLAZA LIBRARY?

New-look children’s area at Redbank Plaza Library

As Ipswich grows at unprecedented rates, council is committed to providing infrastructure that keeps pace with the times and our growth. The Redbank Plaza Library is a treasured community institution with more than 2,800 visits per month. This will no doubt increase over the coming years, particularly given the growth of Collingwood Park, Goodna, Redbank, Redbank Plains and Bellbird Park.

Subscribe free to Ipswich First alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au

WINTER HOLIDAYS SCHOOL

IPSWICH ART GALLERY Paper craft: Make a miniature home Inspired by Ipswich Art Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, The World Came Flooding In , create a miniature version of home in this papercraft activity. Draw, fold and create your own paper furniture to arrange into a memory of home. Take away your own “Memory Postcard” – a keepsake to capture a special moment or share with others.

Free entry, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Monday 29 June – Sunday 30 August

Visit Ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au for more information.

Flip the guide to explore the full school holiday program during the SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival. Sparkipswich.com.au

ACTIVE KIDS Shoot and score! Jump into the June school holidays with the Active Kids program. Join a range of FREE and affordable activities to boost energy, build confidence and discover new skills. Visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/activekids for more information.

IPSWICH LIBRARIES Spark your Science Curiosity at

Ipswich Libraries these school holidays! Launch into our FREE program bursting with experiments, exploration and out of this world fun! Cosmic Creations Workshop Out of This World!: Eye Spy Drop-In Road Test a Robot Drop-In Science of Stories: Zine Workshop

Science of the Sea: Self Portrait Workshop Science Takes Flight: Micro Drone Workshop Spectacular Science Show. Bookings open Friday 5 June 2026 Visit Ipswichlibraries.com.au for more information. QUEENS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE Encourage the kids to get hands-on in our art workshops and activities at Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, where creativity meets nature. Explore our range of fun, engaging school holiday programs designed to spark environmental awareness and inspire action through art. Perfect for all ages and skill levels – everyone is welcome! Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich Visit Events.humanitix.com/host/ icc-environment for more information.

AGENTS OF DISCOVERY Your mission is to explore nature! Join Agent Sugar Glider on an exciting exploration of Queens Park with a special Nature Explorer mission these school holidays. Simply download the free Agents of Discovery app to reveal fun challenges and discover incredible facts about our environment. Complete the mission to get a reward from the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre.

SUPERCARS AND IPSWICH CUP TO HEAT UP WINTER WITH COUNCIL SUPPORT

Council is sponsoring the 2026 Ipswich Cup, attended by almost 13,000 people last year.

The hottest tickets this winter will be in Ipswich with council backing two of the city’s most iconic events: Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 and the Ipswich Cup. Council is providing up to $50,000 in funding for the Supercars and $25,000 for the Ipswich Cup, a win for the city’s tourism, events and hospitality industries. Supercars returned to Queensland Raceway in Willowbank last year for the first time since 2019, bringing excitement to the city. This year’s event will run from

21 to 23 August. The historic Ipswich Cup remains the highest attended event of the Queensland Racing Winter Carnival and will be held on 20 June this year. It attracts about 13,000 people with more than half coming from outside Ipswich. The Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 and Ipswich Cup highlight Ipswich’s status as a major events city.

Subscribe free to Ipswich First alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au

A MONTH-LONG PROGRAM PACKED FULL OF ADRENALINE AND EXCITEMENT

IPSWICH | JUNE

HORSEPOWERFESTIVAL.COM.AU

GULF WESTERN OIL WINTERNATIONALS Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June It’s loud and it’s proud - it’s Australia’s largest drag racing event! See the amazing flame-throwing ‘Top Fuel Funny Cars’ along with over 400 cars and motorcycles competing for the National Championship honours. CRUISE THE NIGHT Saturday 6 June Rev up your engines for an epic night at the racetrack with mates, followed by a social circuit cruise. With food trucks, trade stalls and kid-friendly activities, it’s one big festival of car culture. GT FESTIVAL QUEENSLAND Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June A weekend of non-stop motorsport action. Don’t miss the speed, sound and adrenaline. TAB IPSWICH CUP CALCUTTA Thursday 18 June Be prepared for an evening of pre-race day fun and entertainment to help count down to the TAB Ipswich Cup day. TAB IPSWICH CUP Saturday 20 June Ipswich’s social event of the year! Established in 1866, the Ipswich Cup attracts thousands of racegoers to a day of entertainment, horses, fashions, socialising and in-field festive fun.

WESTERN STAR FAMILY RACE DAY Sunday 21 June

There’s nothing quite like a family day out at the trots! Experience all the racing excitement up close and personal at one of the last remaining harness racing courses in Queensland. AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP (ASBK) Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June This final round of the series will crown the 2026 champions. The weekend will feature more than just racing with stunt riding demonstrations, pit walks, autograph sessions, family entertainment and more.

NEED A PIT STOP? Take a break from the adrenaline and refuel. Explore mouthwatering foodie delights across the city.

HORSEPOWERFESTIVAL.COM.AU

GULF WESTERN OIL WINTERNATIONALS

Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June Willowbank Raceway The biggest drag racing event of the year is back! From the amazing Professional brackets Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars through to Junior Dragsters. With more than 400 cars and motorcycles from all over the country expected to be on track over four big days of racing, there’s non-stop action every day, both on and off the track. Don’t miss the thrilling racing action, complemented by a wide range of activities including onsite camping and a festive atmosphere for the whole family.

WINTERNATIONALS WARM UP Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 May

See your favourites warm up against the clock in their last opportunity to shred some rubber before the main event.

FESTIVAL OF HORSEPOWER | JUNE

TAB IPSWICH CUP Saturday 20 June Ipswich Turf Club

TAB IPSWICH CUP CALCUTTA Thursday 18 June Be prepared for a social evening of pre-race day fun and entertainment to help count down to the TAB Ipswich Cup Day.

Mark your calendars for a day of thrilling racing, live entertainment and all the Cup day vibes you love. More than just a horse race, it’s the social event of the year for the Ipswich region and beyond. The Cup attracts thousands of racegoers who converge on the Ipswich Turf Club to enjoy the day’s entertainment. Something the community has been doing since 1866!

HORSEPOWERFESTIVAL.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP (ASBK) Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June Queensland Raceway

This grand finale weekend will feature more than just racing. Fans can enjoy a range of off-track attractions including stunt riding demonstrations, pit walks and autograph sessions, plus a variety of family and fan activations.

Queensland Raceway is all set to host the final round of the championship. All classes will crown their 2026 champions, making it a significant event on the national motorsport calendar.

FESTIVAL OF HORSEPOWER | JUNE

CRUISE THE NIGHT Saturday 6 June Queensland Raceway The city is ready to roar under lights with the highly anticipated Cruise the Night – Asian Edition, a family-friendly track takeover celebrating Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and Asian-inspired cars.

GT FESTIVAL Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June Queensland Raceway A weekend of non-stop motorsport madness featuring GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS, Monochrome GT4 Australia, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, First Focus Radical Cup Australia and National Sports Sedan Series.

WESTERN STAR FAMILY RACE DAY Sunday 21 June Marburg Pacing Association Experience all the excitement for a family friendly day of racing with mini-trot races, entertainment for the kids, plenty of food and drinks and the opportunity to bet on a winner. This is country style racing at its best.

HORSEPOWERFESTIVAL.COM.AU

3 cool ways to enj y nature this winter

GRAB SOME GLOVES Ipswich has a dozen Bushcare groups where community members work together to improve the local natural environment. Winter is a great time to pop down to any regular working bee to try it out. All training and equipment are provided! See Ipswich.qld.gov.au/ bushcare

CELEBRATE THE CATCHMENT Every two years the Peaks to Points Festival celebrates community efforts to care for creek catchments along the southern side of the Brisbane River. There are lots of free and low cost events to join across the region. Find out more at Peakstopoints.com.au

TAKE A HIKE

Warm up with a bushwalk through one of Ipswich’s incredible Enviroplan conservation areas. From short strolls through urban bushland to long hikes up mountains, there’s something for everyone. Search ‘Conservation estates’ at Ipswich.qld.gov.au

Tallavalley Farm B&B

Country charm just around the corner

Swap traffic lights for wide-open skies and discover a different side of Ipswich. Just beyond the city, Marburg and its surrounding villages serve up heritage streets, country pubs and rich local flavours – the kind of easy escape you’ll want to show off when friends come to stay.

Tucked just off the Warrego Highway, Marburg and its surrounds feel like a step back in time – in the best possible way. Think heritage shopfronts, antique treasures and a main street where slowing down isn’t just encouraged, it’s inevitable. Start in Marburg, where historic buildings and character-filled spaces line the streets. Browse for vintage finds, settle in for a long lunch at a classic country pub, or time your visit with one of the town’s much-loved markets or festivals. It’s small-town charm with just enough buzz to keep things interesting. Beyond Marburg, the surrounding countryside opens up to rolling hills and hands-on farm experiences, where you can meet friendly animals and sample local produce

Special Branch Collective

Soul Nook

EWE Nique Hobby Farm

Watercress Creek Olives and Limes

Marburg Hotel and Community Street Library

Scotland Yard Antiques

Pocket Retreats

straight from the source. It’s a gentle shift in pace – fresh air, open space and simple moments that stick with you. This pocket of Ipswich is made for wandering – no strict plans, just follow your curiosity. It’s where locals in the know go to slow down, stretch out and rediscover the simple pleasure of a day well spent. And the best part? It’s all closer than you think – making it the perfect go-to when visitors ask, ‘What should we do today?’

Grab a free copy of the Ipswich precinct guides, available from the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.

IPSWICH CENTRAL PRECINCT GUIDE

GREATER SPRINGFIELD PRECINCT GUIDE

SCAN TO PLAN YOUR COUNTRY ESCAPE

Let’s keep it ing More than 530,000 garden organics (GO) bins were collected in the first six months of GO – helping divert tonnes of garden organics from landfill.

THROW IN:

Leaves

Sticks

Grass clippings

Weeds

Palm fronds

KEEP OUT: Plastic bags Timber (including furniture) Food scraps

For more information scan the QR code or visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/organics

This project is proudly supported by

DIESEL BY REQUEST 6 JUNE IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

GIRL FROM GREECE 13 JUNE STUDIO 188

45 REISSUE, RECEPTS, GIFT HORSE 18 JUNE STUDIO 188

LUKE O’SHEA 2 JULY STUDIO 188

Hilarious and heartbreaking stories of young people in conflict with the justice system. BY HANNAH BELANSZKY SAPLINGS 9 JULY IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

This production is supported by the St George Foundation, Create NSW and Creative Australia.

+

10 JULY IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

with special guest Birren

JIMMY REES ONE NIGHT ONLY 11 JULY IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

SCREAMFEEDER 11 JULY STUDIO 188

FLOOD FEST 11 & 12 JULY

FIRE STATION 101

THE SHOW

SUPPORTED BY

11 JULY IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

IPSWICH LIVE MUSIC: BLUE THREAD SESSIONS 18 JULY STUDIO 188

QUEEN BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY 31 JULY IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

COMEDY ALLSORTS 1 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

EVERLY BROTHERS & FRIENDS AND ROY ORBISON 15 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

CRACK THAT WHIP THE DEVO TRIBUTE SHOW 14 AUGUST STUDIO 188

A TASTE OF IRELAND 27 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

GOODBYE, ELI ANDERSON 21 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

BATTLE OF THE BANDS 29 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

THE HONEY SLIDERS 1975 28 AUGUST IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

Ipswichciviccentre.com.au (07) 3810 6100 BOOK NOW

Cover Image: Creators’ Summit 2026 – Sixteen Tons. Photographer: Tam Cam Images

A treasure trove of council history is now available to new generations of residents, with historical council meeting minutes digitised from the very start of the city onwards. On 3 March 1860, the Municipality of Ipswich was proclaimed in the Queensland Government Gazette. Now residents, historians and anyone curious about the city’s rich history can read the meeting minutes from the Ipswich Municipal Council from 1860 to 1893 on council’s interactive archive website Picture Ipswich. In one of the very first meetings of the new city, the then recently-elected Mayor John Murphy and Aldermen applied to DECADES OF IPSWICH HISTORY UNLOCKED WITH DIGITISATION

Ipswich Municipal Council Minutes from 1860.

the Queensland Surveyor General for a map of the town to be made, and agreed to petition his Excellency the Governor for £3,500 toward building a bridge between Ipswich and North Ipswich. The new councillors also petitioned his Excellency the Governor for £5,000 toward repairing the public highway. These early decisions, representing a population of 3,601, are similar to the work Ipswich’s elected representatives do today, representing 275,000 residents.

For more information and to explore the historical meeting minutes, visit PictureIpswich.com.au

I P S W I C H

A W A R D S

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Entries open 1 August – 13 September Exhibition on 7–14 November

Creatorsofipswich.com.au Find out more

8–12 JULY

WELCOME

Be immersed in Musical Mind, a glowing playground of light and sound where people of all ages and musical backgrounds can create bespoke compositions and dazzling displays. You can also explore a vibrant range of independently produced events across the city, from music and dance to comedy and theatre. SPARK Ipswich is the perfect excuse to light up your winter and experience the magic of our creative city with friends and family.

This winter, our premier arts festival returns to transform Ipswich with five days of colour, creativity and connection. SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of everything that makes our city great:

our people, our culture and our unstoppable community spirit. The program includes hands-on workshops, mesmerising art and performances and interactive experiences designed to SPARK your curiosity.

Fan favourites Little Day Out and World of Music Ipswich are back and the Creative Hub will be buzzing day and night across all five days with school holiday entertainment and hands-on activities for the whole family.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Ipswich City Council respectfully

Mayor Teresa Harding City of Ipswich acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, as the keeper of t e traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.

MAYOR TERESA HARDING City of Ipswich

SPARK IPSWICH ARTS FESTIVAL

From Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 July, the City of Ipswich lights up with creativity, connection RETURNS FOR FIVE UNFORGETTABLE DAYS AND NIGHTS.

and celebration. The city transforms into a vibrant festival playground, showcasing local talent,

interactive art and hands-on creative opportunities.

This is an invitation to explore, discover and experience art in all its forms. From signature festival sites like Creative Hub, Little Day Out and World of Music Ipswich (WOMI), to independently produced events proudly presented as part of the program, SPARK Ipswich offers installations, performances, exhibitions, workshops and family- friendly moments that will SPARK Your Curiosity .

Discover a bursting program of art and performance every day and night of the festival. By day, from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Nicholas Street Precinct is alive with creative play, mind-blowing street theatre and live music. There is an abundance of family-friendly fun to be had and plenty for adults too! By night, the Creative Hub lights up from 5.00 pm - stretching from Tulmur Place to d'Arcy Doyle Place and spilling into local

venues. Explore music, performance, interactive installations, workshops, projections, markets and more.

� Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 July � 10.00 am – 2.00 pm 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm

� Saturday 11 July � 9.00 am – 1.00 pm 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm � Sunday 12 July � 10.00 am – 2.00 pm 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm � Nicholas Street Precinct and d'Arcy Doyle Place

LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE ON TULMUR STAGE DAY AND NIGHT Laugh, gasp and tap your toes with an array of joyous acts. See the website for everything from soulful lyrics to banging beats.

BEYOND THE STAGE Step beyond the main stage to encounter interactive installations and roving performances that invite curiosity and play – for kids and adults alike. A diverse program of workshops welcomes all ages to experiment with new art forms and share their own stories.

NIGHTLY PROJECTIONS + ANIMATED ARTWORKS Experience spectacular projected artworks and animations by local artists with international acclaim. Screenings run nightly every half hour at the corner of Union Place and Nicholas Street.

ARTIST NIGHT MARKET + DJs UNDER THE STARS

Soak up the sounds beneath the stars, then wander the stalls and sample the delights of the local creative community. On Saturday night, Ipswich Art Gallery spills into the market space with a festival-featured, boundary-pushing sound project, MONO.

MUST SEE IN THE

SILENT DISCO TOURS 8–12 July | Every 30 minutes 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm d’Arcy Doyle Place | TICKETED Back by popular demand – enter a world of play and laughter as you are guided to dance your way through the festival.

CHALK + CHEESE 9-12 July | 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm Tulmur Place | TICKETED Think paint-and-sip... but with a facilitated Chalk Play shared canvas to create connection and art.

CHALK PLAY 8-12 July | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm* and 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm Tulmur Place | FREE

Wielding sticks of chalk, and guided by the artists of Inspired Art Studio, you are invited to join in the creation of a collaborative artwork inspired by Ipswich's plants and flowers. This temporary shared canvas brings people of all ages and abilities together to play and create.

KALEIDOSCOPE REFLECTIONS 8-12 July | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm* and 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm Tulmur Place | FREE Kids and adults alike are invited to peer into giant interactive kaleidoscopes, exploring mesmerising patterns of colour and light. As evening falls, the experience pairs with the written word to cast new light on a hopeful future.

* Saturday 11 adjusted daytime hours 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

MUSICAL MIND 8-12 July | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm* and 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm | Tulmur Place | FREE Step into Musical Mind by Amigo & Amigo, an immersive interactive installation that turns sound and light into a playground of creativity. Making its Queensland premiere, fresh from showings in the UK and Sydney, this artwork allows visitors of all ages to craft unique melodies and vibrant visuals through interactive touch panels. It is a celebration of innate musicality, blending harmonies and rhythms into a personalised experience. Presented by Ipswich Festivals, produced by Amigo & Amigo.

THE BIG GROUP SINGWITH MZAZA Workshop: 11 July 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm Near Zambrero's, Nicholas Street Precinct | FREE You have the chance to join MZAZA (Australian Folk Artist of the Year, 2025) for a workshop, then step on stage to join them for a song in their set. Also catch lead singer Pauline Maudy with her brand new project on Tulmur Stage on Friday!

Performance: 11 July 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm Tulmur Stage | FREE

WORLD’S LARGEST TROMBONE ENSEMBLE RECORD ATTEMPT 12 July | 10.00 am – 12.00 pm (Record attempt at 11.30 am) Tulmur Place | FREE

How better to start a festival Sunday than with a buoyant set by the Ipswich City Big Band – and witnessing an attempt to beat the world record of 368 trombones playing together! Led by local legend Matthew Chambers, hundreds of trombones will fill Tulmur Place. Must be seen to be believed! Have a trombone? Sign up to join the ensemble on our website – all skill levels welcome.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IN THE

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT ON TULMUR PLACE STAGE A vibrant mix of amazing local musicians take the daytime slots from melodic storytelling to upbeat hip hop and the joy of big band, and more.

ILLUMINATED HULA HOOP PLAY SPACE 8-12 July | 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm Tulmur Place | FREE Step into the glow of an LED hoop and discover the skill of hula hooping with these drop-in workshops.

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONWORKSHOP 8-12 July | 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm* and 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm Tulmur Place | FREE Join Nicole Crossell, scientific illustrator with the Queensland Herbarium, to discover the art of botanical illustration. Drop in for a single session or return day after day to develop and refine your skills.

* Saturday 11 adjusted daytime hours 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

STREET THEATRE 8-12 July | Various Times Tulmur Place | FREE

Astounding circus stunts and big laughs for all ages as street theatre acts from around the world tumble into central Ipswich in both the day and evening program.

TIN CAN RADIO BY EVERYBODY NOW Workshop : 8 July | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm | Nicholas Street | TICKETED Broadcast : 10 July | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm | Nicholas Street | FREE A playful live pop-up radio broadcast created and presented by local young people. Sign up to the workshop to be one of the key hosts and learn how to create radio! Alternatively, drop in on the broadcast to submit top tips and interview questions, create segments or sound effects, guest host or simply enjoy the live radio experience.

Image credit: Elements Collective Get On Up Youth Program

STREET DANCEWORKSHOP 8-10 July | 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm | Tulmur Place | FREE Street dance artists from Elements Collective invite you onto Tulmur Stage for an open workshop combining movement, music and self-expression. All ages and abilities welcome.

MORE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN AT SPARK See the full lineup of workshops and performances at Creative Hub on the website. Enjoy Tai Chi and Kids Zumba in Tulmur Place with Active and Healthy, explore Ipswich Libraries activities across the city and discover even more throughout the school holidays.

EXPLORE THE FULL PROGRAM SPARKIPSWICH.COM.AU

Little by name, BIG on fun.

With a focus on sustainability, Little Day Out, presented by Verso Projects in partnership with Ipswich Festivals, is bursting with live music, hands-on creative experiences, tasty food trucks and delightful roving entertainment. Gather your festival crew and get ready to sing, dance, create and play as Ripley Town Square fills with energy and imagination. From building a cardboard box village to grooving at the Jumbo Funk Disco or adding your handprint to the pledge wall, there’s plenty to explore. Plus

you won’t want to miss 3-piece Australian band, The Gumboots, bringing playful, high-energy songs that get kids and adults dancing together. So, grab your dancing shoes (or gumboots!) and get ready to boogie at Little Day Out. Little Day Out programming is focused on children aged 8 and under.

� Saturday 11 July � 9.00 am – 3.00 pm � Ripley Town Square � $5 per entry

children with a purchased ticket receive a bucket hat

A celebration of global music, dance, culture and community. This vibrant, free event returns to Springfield with live performances, hands-on workshops, international flavours plus artisan crafts and markets, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Ipswich and South East Queensland.

Main Street, Orion Springfield Central, comes alive with rhythm and colour as performers from around the world share their music and stories. Whether you’re dancing, discovering

something new or soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a lively celebration for all ages. Featuring performances by: Afrophonix | Bullhorn City of Ipswich Pipe Band East of West | Estampa Gen 絃 | Girl From Greece Let’s Bollywood Matala 'o e Pasifiki | Menaka Milne Bay Dancers Ngā Mānia Onewhero Samba Vibes

� Sunday 12 July � 9.00 am – 4.00 pm � Main Street,

Orion Springfield Central

� FREE

SPARK SPOTLIGHT BEYOND THE KEY FESTIVAL SITES

FEVER: CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS 10 July | 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm St Mary's Catholic Church | TICKETED Experience the magic, where live music meets a sea of flickering candles. Set within St Mary’s Catholic Church, this intimate concert series transforms a familiar landmark into something extraordinary. From classical to contemporary, each performance blends atmosphere and artistry, creating a truly magical evening that lingers long after the final note.

JIMMY REES ONE NIGHT ONLY 11 July | 7.30 pm Ipswich Civic Centre | TICKETED Fresh from his sold-out 2025 In Reel Life tour, Australia’s favourite entertainer Jimmy Rees brings his hit comedy to Ipswich for the first time in years. With sharp satire and brilliant social commentary, Jimmy has become a viral sensation, boasting 4.5 million followers worldwide.

Image credit: Jorge Serra

IAG X MONO 11 July | 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Ipswich Art Gallery and d’Arcy Doyle Place | FREE Ipswich Art Gallery collides with the Institute of Modern Art for a special expanded presentation of MONO; a night of boundary pushing sound, evocative movement and durational performance that invites audiences to lean into sense and sensation! This experience weaves throughout the gallery and spills into d'Arcy Doyle Place. Plus your chance to explore exhibitions: LightPlay, The World Came Flooding In and Ties that Bind in the Ipswich Art Gallery’s UP LATE.

SCREAMFEEDER 11 July | 7.00 pm | Studio 188 | TICKETED

Screamfeeder bring their Mixtape Sessions to Studio 188, celebrating the enduring legacy of Rocks On the Soul. Expect an intimate night of iconic songs, deep cuts and stories from a band that helped define a generation of Australian independent music, delivered with energy, heart and grit live.

NORTHERN LIGHTS 11 July | 7.30 pm St Mary's Catholic Church TICKETED The Blackstone-Ipswich

Cambrian Choir Inc. invites you to bask beneath the Northern Lights and immerse yourself in a vast and sweeping landscape to the soundtrack of music from medieval to modern, featuring choir, strings, piano and organ.

SPARK AFTER PARTY When the outdoor programwraps

up, the festival continues with a late night trail of venues keeping the art, music and energy flowing. Visit the website for details. Banshees Bar & Artspace | Monte Lane Stony Creek Brewing | The Rusty Nail

SPARK SPOTLIGHT FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND MUST SEES

IT*S MATERIAL COLLECTIVE OPEN STUDIO 8–12 July | 12.00 pm – 6.30 pm Ipswich Art Workshop | FREE | 12 years +

It*s Material is an artists' collective whose contemporary jewellery practices span minimalist form, feminist ethics and the environment. Visit daily open studio sessions where you can meet the artists and get hands-on in exploring their art forms, making a small piece of jewellery for yourself.

SCIENCE OF STORIES: ZINEWORKSHOP 8 July | 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Springfield Central Library FREE | Strictly 12 years + Get creative and hone your artistic skills in this hands- on zinemaking workshop. Construct an original short story employing art, crafts and words and walk away with

your very own zine. Presenter: Mei Jones BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

AUTHOR HOUR: SALLY PIPER 9 July | 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm Ipswich Central Library | FREE

Join Sally as she discusses her new novel People Like Us , a topical, absorbing story celebrating the power of female friendships and the promise of unexpected new beginnings. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

SAPLINGS 9 July | 7.30 pm Ipswich Civic Centre TICKETED A collection of hilarious

SIDE QUESTS!

and heartbreaking stories born from

workshops with young people experiencing the youth justice system.

This award-winning work by Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) is presented by Ipswich Civic Centre.

Ipswich is a vibrant creative city and the festival SPARKS a

wealth of independently produced events across the region. Dive deeper and discover even more to see, do and experience throughout the city. See the website for full listings, including:

Visit Tulmur Place before the show to complete your evening with music from powerful local bands LanGwij and Jamiesha.

FLOOD FEST 11–12 July | Various Times Fire Station 101 | TICKETED A two-day celebration of Ipswich’s homegrown street dance style, featuring performances, workshops, battles and artists from across Australia and guests from the USA. Experience the growing underground talent in our own backyard.

Arttime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies Decked Out skateboard exhibition –

Booval Fair Connected! Mural Competition – Circus Ipswich Cabaret and Circus Festival – Limestone Gallery and Studios Exhibition and Workshops – The Book Bouquet Local Author Spotlight –

THE 8 BALL AITKEN BAND AND DILLION JAMES  10 July | 7.00 pm Banshees Bar & Artspace TICKETED Get ready to dance with an evening of swamp blues and soul. Check out Banshees Bar & Artspace full festival lineup.

Yamanto Central Celebration of Life exhibition

VIEW FULL PROGRAM SPARKIPSWICH.COM.AU

SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival is made possible by the generous support of our partners and the passion of volunteers who bring creativity to life across our community.

EVENT PARTNERS

SUPPORT PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

PROGRAMMING PARTNERS ACTIVE AND HEALTHY IPSWICH | ARTTIME GALLERY & FINE ART SUPPLIES BANSHEES BAR & ART SPACE | BLACKSTONE-IPSWICH CAMBRIAN CHOIR INC. THE BOOK BOUQUET | BOOVAL FAIR | CIRCUS IPSWICH | FEVER INSPIRED ART STUDIO | IPSWICH ART GALLERY | IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE IPSWICH LIBRARIES | IPSWICHWASTE SERVICES | LIMESTONE GALLERYAND STUDIOS ST MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH | STONY CREEK BREWING | YAMANTO CENTRAL

STAY AND PLAY Make the most of your SPARK experience. Sip, savour and explore a little more.

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