Rev up for Festival of Horsepower in June

The Festival of Horsepower is back with another month-long program packed full of adrenaline and excitement in the City of Ipswich.
16 May 2026
Ipswich Festivals,

The month of June brings the Festival of Horsepower to Ipswich! Power packed full of adrenaline, excitement and all things fast… 

From thoroughbreds battling it out in the Ipswich Cup, to Australia’s largest drag racing event – the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals – June has it all for those with a need for speed.

Read on to see what events to book.

TAB Ipswich Cup

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Rich in history, heritage and horses there really is nothing like the TAB Ipswich Cup. But it is more than a horse race; it’s the social day of the year for the greater Ipswich region. With an infield DJ, fashions on the field and epic after party, this is the event of the year you do not want to miss.

When: Saturday 20 June, gates open 10am

The TAB Ipswich Cup Calcutta will be two days before the race on Thursday 18 June, this social event and pre-race entertainment is free entry but you must pre-register to attend.

Gulf Western Oil Winternationals

Winternationals are back in June 2025

The flame throwing Top Fuel and Nitro Funny cars are back at the biggest drag racing event of the year – the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals! There’s non-stop action each day from Thursday June 4 to Sunday June 7, with a wide range of family friendly festivities both on and off the track.

When: 4-7 June, gates open at 8am.

Australian Superbike Championship

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The Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) will conclude at Queensland Raceway, with the final battles of the season determining the champions across all classes.

When: 26-28 June

Western Star Family Race Day

Western Star Family Race Day at Marburg Pacing Association

There’s nothing quite like a family day out at the trots! Bring the whole family for a day of racing at the Marburg Showgrounds and experience all the excitement just metres away from the racing action. There will be delicious food, entertainment for the kids and the opportunity to bet on a winner – this is country style racing at its best.

When: Sunday 21 June, gates open 11am

GT Festival

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Get ready for non-stop motorsport madness at Queensland Raceway for the Shannons SpeedSeries GT Festival. The festival features the GT World Challenge, Monochrome GT4 Australia, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, First Focus Radical Cup Australia and Motorcraft Mustang Cup Australia. There will be full paddock access all weekend, grid walks, free parking and children under 15 get in for free. Get tickets here.

When: 12-14 June

Cruise the Night

Cruise the Night

Brisbane’s car scene is set to roar under the lights this June with the highly anticipated Cruise the Night – Asian Edition, a family-friendly track takeover celebrating Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and Asian-inspired rides. The event is being held at Queensland Raceway where there will be Asian-themed food stalls, a dumpling-eating challenge and an electric atmosphere!

When: Saturday 6 June

From Horses to Horsepower

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Discover the reason behind vehicle ‘horsepower’ and the history of travel at the Cooneana Heritage Centre. Find out when we moved from horse-drawn vehicles to roaring, racing cars and see the early versions of motoring transport in person.

From vintage and custom cars, to classic and vintage motorcycles, you’ll find the answers when you visit the From Horses to Horsepower Family Fun Day. With food and drinks available, you can even ride the train with the family and check out all the displays on offer including the blacksmiths, family history, creative crafts, the historic schoolroom and the doll display.

When: Sunday 28 June

V8 Race Experience

With a month-long program that includes burnouts, wheel stands, drifts, racing form and plenty of excitement, there are just too many events to list! Visit Ipswich Festivals to learn what else there is to experience!

Stay a little longer and make the most of your time here in Ipswich by exploring our spectacular dining locations, family friendly activities and accommodation options. 

Ipswich Festivals
Experience the thrill of Ipswich's vibrant event scene with Ipswich Festivals. Discover what this major event city in Queensland has to offer and join the excitement! Follow www.ipswichfestivals.com.au to see what’s on.

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