Over 10 huge days in July the City of Ipswich will be taken over by music, comedy, arts, exhibitions, projection, culture, collaboration and hands-on fun. SPARK Ipswich celebrates the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich from July 11-20. While there are some ticketed events, there are also a lot of low or no-cost things you can do – so bring the family and get ready to have some fun!
SPARK After Dark
When the sun goes down, SPARK After Dark comes to life showcasing interactive art and experiences with light projection, music and performance. Gather your family and friends and explore Ipswich central on foot from Tulmur Place to the Ipswich Civic Centre – following the light, the music and the art!
deLIGHT will ignite Nicholas Street with a dazzling fusion of art and light. Artistic talent joins forces with projection wizard James Muller- Earthbase Productions to animate their creations. Each night a new artist work will be projected onto Metro B, on the corner of Nicholas Street and Union Place, culminating on Sunday 20 July with a showcase of all 9 artists!
Neon: Play the Music, is a unique collection of interactive life-size neon musical instruments. This immersive experience lights up the night and provides a chance for users to “airplay” and sing with the microphone. The dazzling Neon Baby Grand Piano, transports users to imagine themselves on stage with an orchestra or a New Orleans jazz band, while the next person sitting down is inspired to “play” like piano legends Elton John or Billy Joel.
Date and time: July 11-20, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: Free
Guru Dudu’s silent disco walking tour
Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours are a hilarious dancing, walking adventure for all ages. Wearing supplied headsets we groove our way through local streets, engaging passers by with our spontaneous flash-mob style dancing and antics. Upbeat music from your favourite decades are played by our vibrant disco hosts, quickly washing away your inhibitions and leaving you smiling from ear to ear.
Date and time: July 12 and July 19, 5pm and 5.30pm
Cost: $5
Leaves from d’Arcy Doyle Place
WOMI – World of Music Ipswich
World of Music Ipswich (WOMI) stars a jam packed lineup with music from across the globe. This one-day music festival, held on Main St at Orion Springfield Central, showcases and celebrates the vibrancy of Ipswich and South East Queensland’s culturally and linguistically diverse community. It is bursting with life, light and colour – featuring multicultural food, interactive workshops and variety of market stalls.
Date and time: July 13, 9am-4pm
Cost: Free
Little Day Out
Little Day Out is Ipswich’s signature children’s music and arts festival. With a focus on sustainability, Little Day Out is bursting with music, hands-on art experiences, food and roving entertainment. Join us for “Dirtgirl’s Garden Party” musical eco-adventure with a female hearted, four-piece band set to bring a fresh and vibrant sound and “poptomistic” tunes to this year’s event! Children can sing, dance and play over two sessions 9am-11.30am or 1pm-3.30pm. Entry is $5 and includes a bucket hat.
Date and time: July 20, 9am-3.30pm
Cost: $5 – bookings essential
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Come out to play at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic with a morning full of fun picnic games, performances, and an adventurous bear hunt!
Bring your favourite bear and picnic rug to our annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
There will be craft, giant bubbles, nursery rhymes for you and teddy to enjoy, stage performances and of course… A Bear Hunt!
Date and time: July 6 from 9.30am – 11.30am.
Cost: $14.50 adults and $11.50 children.
Street Art Jam
Street Art Jam is back – bigger, bolder and rolling into Ipswich with a full day celebrating the crossover between street art and skateboarding culture.
Rooted in self-expression, creativity, and community, this year’s event brings together artists, skaters, and the public in an open, interactive space where walls and wheels collide.
Date and time: July 19 from 9.30am – 4pm.
Cost: $14.50 adults and $11.50 children.
Carpark Party
For the first time ever Ipswich Civic Centre will be activating its carpark with six action packed nights of entertainment as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. See captivating performances by local Tulmur and Meanjin artists across multiple artforms, engaging workshops, bespoke roving entertainment, and more!
Groove Terminator will perform on the first night and party like its 1999, with hits like One More Time, Here Comes Another One, and You Can’t See!
Plus there will be a fantastic range of delicious food and drink options will be available each night at the carpark party.
Date and time: July 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19.
Cost: Free
HEXADECA
HEXADECA encourages indulgent play, regardless of your physical ability or age. This architecturally designed, music making playground invites you to engage with art in a tactile way. Sit and spin to create a soundscape from music by: Aurora (Young Adelaide Voices) x Keira Simmons, Tim Koch, Belinda Gehlert, Kiah Gossner, Lewis But-Husaim, Rob Edwards, Adam Page and Tom Thum.
Date and time: Friday to Sunday July 11, 12 and 13, 10.30am-8.30pm. Monday July 14 to Friday July 18, 4.30pm-8.30pm. Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20 10.30am-8.30pm.
Cost: Free
The Bubble Canteen
Experience The Bubble Canteen, a magical installation where the air sparkles with 20,000 BUBBLES PER MINUTE—from tiny, delicate bubbles that drift gracefully to gigantic, shimmering orbs that captivate and inspire awe. This enchanting world of wonder and delight connects directly to the hearts of audiences, creating unforgettable moments of joy, laughter, and connection for all.
Date and time: Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July and Friday 18 July to Sunday 20 July – 4.30pm-6.15pm.
Cost: Free
From music and performance, workshops and discussions and art exhibits galore there is so much to see and do! With over 50 unique events scheduled for the 10 days there are just too many to list so check out the SPARK Ipswich website to see all that’s on!
Why not team your evening up with an incredible restaurant booking or even stay overnight! Check out all the dining and accommodation options available here in Ipswich too.
