If you thought A-list music stars, bands, comedians and critically acclaimed theatre shows only appeared at ritzy venues in larger cities, guess again.
The city of Ipswich boasts plenty of amazing live music venues, meaning locals and visitors can access world class entertainment closer to home without having to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Here are some of the best events happening in Ipswich this year you won’t want to miss!
Stitch in the ‘Swich – May
Join comedian Anthony Lammond as he MC’s the upcoming Stitch in the ‘Swich comedy series.
The May event features The Nelson Twins: One of Australia’s most sought-after double comedians; Ting Lim: Whose dark wit, cutting humour and distinctive style have made her a rising star in Australian comedy; and Jessie Morwood: Who was a boring, shy, 1960s model Australian housewife before branching out into radio announcing and comedy.
The first show will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre on May 21.
Nat’s What I Reckon – Ipswich
Nat’s What I Reckon shot to fame during the pandemic lock downs and now he’s touring doing shows all over the country.
See him in Ipswich on Thursday May 19 at The Racehorse Hotel from 7pm.
Casey Barnes – Light It Up Tour
Australian country rock singer/songwriter Casey Barns will be dropping by the Racehorse Hotel on May 20.
This tour will be his biggest tour to date, and will feature smash hits from the album Town of Million Dreams, as well as his new studio album Light It Up.
Barnes Storm – The Ultimate Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel Experience
They are known as one of the best bands this country has ever seen, and now fans can jump, dance and scream along to their favourite songs with this special tribute show that will be held at the Racehorse Hotel on May 21.
It doesn’t matter if you’re favourite song is Flame Trees, Working Class Man, Khe Sanh or Lay Down Your Guns because they will all be played on the night!
Bjorn Again – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Can you hear the drums, Fernando?
That is one of the songs fans can relive when Bjorn Again, a parodic tribute act to the Swedish pop group ABBA, take to the stage at the Ipswich Civic Centre on May 22.
Having played in more than 120 countries across the world, the international acclaimed stars will visit Ipswich on their new tour, where they will delight audiences by playing all of ABBA’s greatest hits.
And yes, there will be plenty of flare pants, knee high boots and blue eye shadow.
Mamma Mia, don’t forget to book your tickets by clicking here.
World of Musicals
The World of Musicals Concert has graced stages across the globe, and now the show is coming to the Ipswich Civic Centre on May 31.
The concert features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented performing artists who recreate classic hits fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes from your favourite musicals.
The audience will have a ball singing along to songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You and Sister Act, just to name a few.
It’s fun for the whole family, so treat your loved ones to a night out by booking here.
Glen Shorrock and Brian Cadd – The Two Amigos
Aussie music legends Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd are reuniting on stage and appearing at the Ipswich Civic Centre for one night only on June 3.
The Two Amigos will be joined onstage by a five-piece band to perform hit after hit including Little Ray of Sunshine, Reminiscing, Ginger Man, Arkansas Grass, Cool Change, Help is on its Way and Don’t You Know It’s Magic from their past supergroups – The Twilights, The Groop, Axiom, The Bootleg Family, and Little River Band.
Stitch in the ‘swich – March re-do
The comedy series returns, with more big names heading to Ipswich to make people roar with laughter!
This month features some comedians who should have visited in March, but had to postpone the show due to bad weather.
Laugh along to the comedy stylings of Brisbane’s own funny girl Mel Buttle, Bron Lewis, who is another Brisbane comic, as well as Ipswich local Fran Mulcahy.
The show will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre on June 3.
Golden
There will be plenty of glitz and glamour when superstar vocalists Luke Kennedy and Irena Lysiuk take the audience on a journey through a treasure trove of Hollywood and Broadway’s iconic musicals and moments in June.
Luke, who found fame after placing second in the 2013 season of the reality television show The Voice, along with Irena, a Queensland opera star, will perform a wide array of hits including songs from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Westside Story and A Star is Born, just to name a few.
They will also be joined on stage by pianist Damian Sim, who has lead ensembles at some of Brisbane’s most noted jazz events and venues.
The show will be held on June 4 at the Ipswich Civic Centre.
Motown II Millennia
Take a musical journey through the ages – from the Motown era to the timeless hits of the new millennium – with the boys from Sex and Chocolate.
The boys have taken the show out of theatres and are hitting pubs across the country to create an up close and personal dance experience.
The show features hit songs by Stevie Wonder, The Spinners, Earth Wind and Fire, Barry White, Prince, Shaggy and more.
There will also be plenty of choreographed dance moves to entertain you.
The show will be held at the Springlake Hotel on June 4.
You and your gal pals can reserve your seats here.
David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet
American ventriloquist and stand-up comedian David Strassman will have Ipswich audiences laughing so hard they will have tears rolling down their face when he visits the Ipswich Civic Centre on June 16.
But it won’t just be him taking to the stage – he will be joined by the evil Chuck Wood and loveable Ted E Bare.
With his impressive voice skills and repertoire of jokes, you might just forget it’s actually a one man show!
Stich in the ‘Swich – June
The final night for the Stitch in the ‘Swich comedy series will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre on June 24.
Laugh along with Tom Seigert, who has been making people laugh since the mid 2000s, as well as Emma Zammit, who recently did the support act for Jimeoin when he was last in Brisbane, and local comedian Damien Johnson.
Showmen – The Ultimate Magic Spectacular
People of all ages are sure to be left spellbound when a supergroup of conjurers, tricksters, comedians, illusionists and daredevils appear at the Ipswich Civic Centre on July 3.
The show features some of the biggest names in the magic industry, including Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, better known as The Naked Magicians (although this will be a family-friendly show!); Josh Norbido, a semi-finalist in Australia’s Got Talent; Apollo Jackson, from Australia’s Got Talent and The Bachelorette; and Joel “The Cirque Stuntman” Fenton, who is a renowned big top sideshow artist.
From the humble card trick to juggling chainsaws, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the guys when they are on stage.
Don’t Change – Ultimate INXS
This tribute show to INXS recreates the energy and passion of the band in an explosive concert-style live show!
Featuring a line-up of six exceptional musicians led by the charismatic front man Blair Dwyer, the show will include some of the band’s hit songs from the past three decades including Never Tear Us Apart, Original Sin, Don’t Change, Listen Like Thieves, Burn for You, Need You Tonight and more.
The show will be performed at the Racehorse Hotel on July 2.
You can catch all the action of the show by clicking here.
Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow
The annual Melbourne Comedy Show certainly brings lots of laughs, but what if you can’t actually travel to Victoria to join in the fun?
Don’t stress because the show is hitting the road and travelling across the country to home-deliver the freshest and funniest acts from the 2022 Festival to a neighbourhood near you.
Prepare to laugh yourself silly when the comedians visit the Ipswich Civic Centre on July 7.
Tickets to the gig can be purchased here.
Creedance Clearwater Collective
Fans of Creedance Clearwater Revival will be able to relive the band’s biggest hits from the 1960s and 1970s at a special tribute show which will be performed at the Ipswich Civic Centre on July 9.
The show will feature a six-piece band, as well as a guest saxophonist and a vocalist that emulates John Fogerty’s distinct vocals.
Illuminations: Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra
Lovers of classical music will have the opportunity to hear pieces by some of the world’s best composers at a special show that will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre on July 8.
The musical stylings of composers Edward Elgar, Claude Debussy and Benjamin Britten will be faithfully performed by the talented cast from Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.
Agro Up Late
Australia’s most iconic puppet Agro is back in the limelight and will be appearing at the Ipswich Civic Centre on July 22.
Agro will take the audience on a trip down memory lane to the late 1980s and early 1990s – a time when he graced our television screens every weekday.
Joining him on stage will be Jamie Dunne and Big Brother’s Ben from Brisbane, who will be telling the naughtiest and funniest Aussie showbiz stories on how Agro became a national icon.
Diesel – Tailored Set
Following the release of his Aria number 10 album Sunset Suburbia, singer/songwriter Diesel will be visiting the Springlake Hotel on August 6 for a solo concert.
Diesel has ensured his fans get to hear the songs they want to hear by allowing them to choose from a list of songs prior to the concert, therefore making up the tailored setlist for him to perform.
With a career spanning more than three decades, 17 albums and a swag of Aria Awards, Diesel has long been one of Australia’s favourite performers.
Don’t miss your chance to See Diesel. Click here to secure your tickets.
Arj Barker Comes Clean
American comedian Arj Barker, who is also Australia’s adopted son of comedy, will be bringing the laughs to the Ipswich Civic Centre on August 12.
A comedy festival veteran, Arj Barker will have the audience wondering if he is telling the truth, the whole truth, or nothing but the truth in his funny skits – now that’s the truth!
Be sure to prepare your belly for plenty of laughs when you reserve your seats here.
Live! At The Baptist featuring Jem Cassar-Daley
Jem, who is the daughter of country music star Troy Cassar-Daley, will be bringing her own unique style to Studio 188 on July 30.
She may have come from a country-loving household, but it’s her own sound of indie-pop that has made Jem a musician in her own right.
Amy Shark – See U Somewhere Australia
The Gold Coast’s very own golden girl Amy Shark will be bringing her much-loved hits to the ears of her fans when she appears at the Ipswich Civic Centre on August 13.
With hit songs such as Love Songs Ain’t for Us, I Said Hi, Mess her Up and more, this is your chance to see this his Aussie singer and bop along with her.
Jess Hitchcock – Unbreakable
Award-winning singer/songwriter Jess Hitchcock is a First Nations performer who will delight audiences with her special acoustic concert at the Ipswich Civic Centre on August 14.
Her setlist consists of all her own original songs, ranging from intimate soul ballads to upbeat rhythmic country pop.
CMC Rocks Queensland
Some of the world’s biggest country music stars will descend on Ipswich over three big days this September for CMC Rocks QLD – Australia’s biggest international country music festival.
The lineup of talented singers includes Morgan Evans, Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Tenille Townes, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Casey Barnes, DJ Grizzly Adams and more.
CMC Rocks QLD will be held at Willowbank Raceway from September 23-25.
Menopause The Musical
This beloved musical has been delighting audiences around the world for more than 20 years, and this September it’s Ipswich’s turn.
The show is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “the change”, and is a fun musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
You can see the show firsthand by booking here.
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute Show
This show pays tribute to one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time – Fleetwood Mac – and the solo career of their leading lady Stevie Nicks.
Don’t miss out on hearing many of their iconic songs such as Go your Own way, Gypsy, Edge of Seventeen at the Ipswich Civic Centre on September 30.
Relive your youth by reserving your tickets for the show here.
You Got It! – a Salute to Roy Orbison
Fans of the late Roy Orbison will enjoy hearing his biggest hits on stage once again when Australian singer John Stephan pays homage to him at a special tribute show at the Ipswich Civic Centre on October 29.
Roy’s chart-topping hits such as Pretty Woman, You Got It, and Crying are all part of the set list.
There will even be a special tribute to The Travelling Wilburys.
Handle your tickets with care after you have purchased them here.
50 Years On! Queen Bohemian Rhapsody
Fresh of the heels of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie comes a new show which is sure to delight old and new fans of Queen and their lead singer Freddie Mercury.
Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody will perform all the great hits like We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody and more!
You can catch the show when it appears at the Ipswich Civic Centre on November 4.
Marina Prior and David Hobson – The 2 of Us
After three back-to-back years of selling out more than 100 shows, singers Marina Prior and David Hobson are embarking on their encore tour.
Featuring brand new shows, including classics from their vast repertoire, this show is a must-see for all music lovers.
Both will be appearing at the Ipswich Civic Centre on December 9.
