Located a short drive from Brisbane, the historic city of Ipswich will be a hive of activity this year, featuring some of the biggest and best events like car racing, mountain bike competitions, science exhibitions and music festivals not seen anywhere else!
With so much to see and do, here is your handy month-to-month guide so you don’t miss a thing!
March
There are going to be plenty of stars in the Ipswich region this month, from those in the sky to some of the world’s best singers.
For an out-of-this-world experience, head to The Workshops Rail Museum for the Australia in Space exhibition to learn about Aussie inventions used in space, as well as take a selfie at the makeshift International Space Station.
When you return back to Earth, you will be left star struck by the lineup of amazing artists who perform at CMC Rocks QLD. This year’s lineup featured Morgan Wallen, Kip Moore and Zac Brown Band as the headline acts. Get ready to book when tickets for 2024 are released!
There will also be plenty of local stars cycling to make their community a better place by taking part in the Ipswich 100 Charity Bike Ride on March 26.
April
There will be lots of action for self-proclaimed rev-heads this month.
Queensland Raceway will get your motor running with the Motorsport Australia State Championships on April 22-23 and the Australian Super Bike Series on April 28-30.
Thrills and spills await you at Willowbank Raceway when the Super Thunder drag racing competition roars into town on April 14-15, plus there will be thousands of classic and muscle cars to drool over at the Queensland Autospectacular on April 30.
Other events to get your hearts racing including the Merida 24 Challenge at Hidden Vale Adventure Park on April 1-2 where you can race your mates on mountain bikes, the Easter Monday Races at the Ipswich Turf Club on April 10, plus two new exhibitions showing at The Workshops Rail Museum. Be sure to check out 3, 2, 1 Blast Off from April 1-16 and Planes, Trains and Automobiles from April 29 to May 1.
All that is sure to leave you feeling hungry, so treat your tastebuds at the Watercress Creek Olive Festival on April 16. The day will feature an array of delicious food, fresh produce stalls, olive grove tours, picnic lunches and more.
May
There is going to be a whole lot of fun for the kiddies (and the big kids at heart) this month because it’s show time!
The much-loved Ipswich Show returns in all its glory on May 19, with all your show favourites including rides, showbags, crafts, food, nightly entertainment and fireworks!
There will also be lots of farm animals, show exhibitors and Dagwood Dogs at the Marburg Show, held May 12-13.
Another ‘show’ not to be missed is the Earth Frequency Festival – a four-day festival featuring music, arts, workshops, yoga markets and more. Thousands are expected to attend the event from May 12-15 at Willowbank Raceway.
Don’t forget the Labour Day Races at the Ipswich Turf Club, the Kenda Tires 660 Drag Radial Series at Willowbank Raceway on May 4-6, Powercruise Powerplay on May 6 at Queensland Raceway and Great Houses of Ipswich – an event that sees three heritage houses open their doors to the public.
June
With eight big events, there is something to suit every interest.
It kicks off with the Festival of Horsepower – a month-long program packed full of adrenaline featuring some of Australia’s signature racing and motorsport events. Included in the festival is the 2 Days of Thunder racing event at Queensland Raceway on June 3-4, The Winternationals on June 8-11 at Willowbank Raceway and the coveted TAB Ipswich Cup. Race-goers can enjoy the trackside marquees, in-field DJ entertainment, Fashions on the Field and After Party, plus the Festival of Horsepower Marquee.
There is also plenty of good old-fashioned family fun to be had. Drop by EWE Nique Hobby Farm on June 3 for the annual Sheep Races, build your own Lego city at the Under Construction workshop at The Workshops Rail Museum, learn about life in the olden days at the Back in Time Family Fun Day at the Cooneana Heritage Centre on June 25, or head to the country for a weekend of rides, poultry, livestock, horse riding and more at the Rosewood Show on June 30 and July 1.
July
This month is going to be a big one, with so many fun events to add to your diary!
SPARK Ipswich – an 11-day city-wide event celebrating the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich – returns from July 6-16. The 2023 program will deliver up a fresh program of music, comedy, arts, culture and more!
The list goes on! Register for the Norco 3Plus3 race at Hidden Vale Adventure Park on July 8-9, where you could be racing around the course in a bid to be crowned the champion; Cheer on the drivers at Ipswich Kart Club on July 14-16 as they go head-to-head in Round 4 of the Australian Kart Championship; Admire classic formula and sports racing cars at Historic Queensland on July 15-16 at Queensland Raceway; Show off your gnarly skateboarding skills at the BMD Eastern Rumble event at the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve Skate Facility from July 27-30; Or lace up your joggers and hit the pavement to raise money for charity at the Ipswich Hospital Foundation Park2Park in Limestone Park on July 30.
August
Science, culture and history will delight those with curious minds this month.
Firstly, visit the Incinerator Theatre where actors from Ipswich Little Theatre will perform their One Play Act Festival from August 11-13.
The Workshops Rail Museum will also become a STEM playground for little Einstein’s as part of the World Science Festival Queensland: Ipswich event on August 12, with plenty of immersive and family-friendly events.
Plus, explore Ipswich like never before during Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage. This incredible festival, held from August 31 to September 10, will transport you back in time to a bygone era to visit some of the city’s most iconic and historic sites, as well as participate in some unique social events and experiences.
Petrol heads will also enjoy all the racing action at Willowbank Raceway on August 5-6 for the Brisbane Jamboree – the largest sport compact drag racing event staged anywhere in the world – plus the Shannons Motorsport Australian Championships on August 4-6 and 11-13, and the Hi-Tec Drift Allstars event on August 19-20, both at Queensland Raceway.
For the mountain bike enthusiasts, there’s another series to train for – the Rocky Trail Fox Superflow, held at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve on August 12-13.
September
It’s time to dust off those winter blues and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Featured events this month include: Powercruise at Queensland Raceway, featuring loud engines and wheels spinning; Cooneana After Dark, an afterhours experience where you will hear ghost stories, urban legends and true tales of tragedy from the veranda of the 156-year-old homestead on September 8; The 99 Bikes Cycle and Trail Run Epic at Hidden Vale Adventure Park, where you can challenge yourself to an 117km epic trail ride; As well as the Back in Time Family Fun Day at the Cooneana Heritage Centre.
October
Ipswich will be a sea of Purple this October as the city’s jacaranda trees bloom. This beautiful phenomenon inspired the Goodna Jacaranda Festival, a two-day celebration full of music, arts, performers, rides, markets and food stalls. Head down to Evan Marginson Park on October 28-29.
Queensland Raceway is also delivering more horsepower this month with two big events set to draw in thousands of spectators. These include the Spring Drift Matsuri on October 7-8, and the Spring Historics on October 28-29.
December
Christmas in Ipswich is a city-wide celebration running all the way to New Year’s Eve. You can get into the Christmas spirit by attending one of the many Christmas Carols events, stock up on bargains at the Christmas-themed markets, and share your wishlist with Santa when he visits.
Last but not least, everyone’s favourite blue engine – Thomas the Tank Engine – will be returning to The Workshops Rail Museum from December 27 to January 21, 2024. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt in person, or take part in the many Thomas-themed activities including a Thomas play pit, movies and craft activities.
