Bumper month of activities lined up for October

If you're looking for something to do this month, check out this list of fun things to do in the Ipswich region this October - from the annual Dilwali Festival to Spring Matsuri, Ghost Tours and the Goodna Jacaranda Festival there's something for all ages.
01 Oct 2019
Discover Ipswich, Staff Writer

Monthly markets

Springfield Markets

The Springfield Markets are up first, starting at 3pm on Friday October 4 and finishing at 8pm at Robelle Domain.

Casa Mia Markets will be held on Sunday October 6 from 8am-2pm.

Riverlink Market Zone is also on Ocotber 6, 8am-1pm.

Ripley Markets will be on Saturday October 12 from 3pm-8pm.

Markets at the Boulevard are also on Saturday October 12.

The Handmade Markets are coming up on October 19 at the Ipswich Turf Club from 8am-1pm.

And Markets on Main St at Orion Springfield Central will be on Sunday October 20 from 9am-4pm.

Killing Heidi

Killing Heidi

See ARIA award winning band Killing Heidi at the Racehorse Hotel on Saturday October 5. 

It’s been 20 years since Triple J unearthed the Hopper siblings with Kettle, and now to celebrate the band coming together again for the 20th anniversary of the Queenscliff Music Festival, they are touring and playing all their hits including Weir and Mascara.

 

Spring Matsuri

The second of this year’s Drift Matsuri events, The Spring Drift Matsuri! is being held over October 5-6.

Queensland Raceway run two Drift Matsuri’s per year, the Autumn Matsuri which is typically in March and the Spring Matsuri in October. 

The Queensland Raceway Drift Matsuri’s are the biggest drifting events held in Australia, filling two full days with non-stop drifting action.

Starting on track from 8am on Saturday morning and running through to 10pm, then back into it from 8am Sunday morning with it all coming to a close at 4pm on Sunday.

Sportsman Thunder

A diverse field of 400 Thunder Sportsman racers will battle it out down the strip at Willowbank Raceway on October 5 from 8am-9pm.

On track will be SuperComp, Performance Bike, Supercharged Outlaws, Top Sportsman, Modified, Super Sedan, Super Street, Modified Bike, Junior Dragster, Super Gas and Pro Radial categories – all fighting for iconic Gold and Silver Christmas Tree trophies. 

Didgeridoo jam

If you’re looking for something different to do, check out Didgeridoo Festivals’ jam night held on the first Saturday of the month from 7am-10pm.

The next one will be held on October 5 at Didgeridoo Festivals HQ in Bellbird Park, outdoors on their bush stage.

Come in, have a jam or bring a blanket and relax, kick back and listen to a mix of instruments combined with the Didgeridoo. They are a Didgeridoo community with a unique gathering of instruments surrounded by gum trees and friendly wildlife.

Disney classics and afternoon tea

Enjoy an afternoon of classic female Disney anthems sung by the amazing Tara Carmen. 

Tickets include afternoon tea.  Dress as your favourite Disney princess and sing along on Saturday October 5 from 12pm-2pm at Casa Mia.

Sunday Remedy Music

Remedy Espresso Café presents Sunday Remedy Music on October 6 from 12pm-2pm featuring Moses King. 

There will be snack menu available on the day, BYO with food purchase.

Rockabilly event

On Sunday October 13 head over to the Orion Hotel from 10am-4pm for a free Rockabilly event. 

Join in the fun for Viva Orion, with live music by Jake and the Cadilacs from midday, dance demonstrations by Just Rock Ipswich Dancing and classic cars on the town walk.  Check out pop up hairdressers and makeup artists ready to give you a vintage look.

 

Smells like the 90s Rock Show

Smells like the 90’s Rock Show.

Head to Brothers Leagues Club Friday October 11 for a free Smells Like the 90s Tribute Show in the sports bar.  All your favourite 90’s bands are covered in the show, including a fully costumed performance of the decade’s biggest band, Nirvana. All their greatest hits are revived including, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Lithium and In Bloom. Plus all the hits from acclaimed artists such as Pearl Jam, Greenday, Smashing Pumpkins, Blink 182, The Offspring, Oasis, Blur, Rage Against The Machine and more.  Music starts at 8.30pm.   

Memories of India turns 1

Join Memories of India in their first birthday celebrations this month. 

An anniversary and curry night will be held on Sunday October 13 from 4.30pm-9.30pm. 

There will be live music and free henna tattoos.  Cost is $35 per person for a banquet including three starters and three main curries, rice and naan.  Kids under 7 will eat for free.

Oktoberfest at 4 Hearts

Ipswich Oktoberfest 2017 at the 4 Hearts Brewing Pumpyard Bar and Brewery

Celebrate Oktoberfest with 4 Hearts Brewing with a week of beer, food and entertainment from October 9-13.

The celebration will be returning to the Laneway at 4 Hearts Brewing.

Saturday the 12th will feature traditional tunes from the Paradise City Oompah band and live entertainment all day long, plus some great giveaways.

There will be three special Oktoberfest beers produced by 4 Hearts plus a German inspired menu available all week.

Oktoberfest meal deal

For the month of October Brothers Leagues Club will be celebrating Oktoberfest with a $20 schnitzel and Paulaner beer meal deal, all day every day!

Swan Lake

Swan Lake – Imperial Russian Ballet Company

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Australia with Swan Lake…the most loved classical ballet of them all on October 11 at the Ipswich Civic Centre.

This masterpiece ballet is presented in two acts and follows the original story line with some subtle revisions and variations introduced by Gediminas Taranda, Artistic Director of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company.

Swan Lake crosses the world of magic and mystical creatures with that of the real world. It is a story where the virtues of love and forgiveness in the end conquer evil and betrayal.

StepUP! For Down Syndrome

Come and join us at Robelle Domain for a StepUP! walk and family fun day on October 12 from 9.30am-1.30pm.

Registration includes an entertainment pass which includes unlimited access to the jumping castle, petting zoo, and face painting.

In addition to the walk there will also be a sausage sizzle, food vans and coffee vans. There will also be a raffle with the chance to win some amazing prizes.

All funds raised by Step UP! Ipswich will stay in the region to provide support, services and information to empower people with Down syndrome and their families. 

Tickets start at $5, children under 5 are free, this is an all ages all abilities family fun day.

You Am I and Jebediah 

You Am I and Jebediah are two legendary bands that have resonated with Australian music fans for over two decades. As close friends and mutually agreeing that two is always better than one, the bands will tour together through late 2019 bringing all their hook laden punk rock to life for audiences around the country from Purple Sneakers and Berlin Chair to Leaving Home and Harpoon.

BrisStyle Laneway Markets at The Workshops Rail Museum Open Day

Museum Twilight Markets at Ipswich's The Workshops Rail Museum

Explore BrisStyle’s signature range of local makers at the BrisStyle Laneway Market as part of the museum open day at The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich.

Entry is free on Saturday 19 October for the open day, anyone can come in and explore the museum, shop with BrisStyle’s Handmade makers, board the land train for a ride around the grounds, grab a bite to eat from local food vendors or sit back and enjoy the live entertainment rocking out in the Museum forecourt.

For car enthusiasts, there will be V8 race cars and muscle cars on show, or if you want to get more hands-on, start your own engines on the slot car raceway.

All Museum exhibitions are open from 9.30am to 4pm, including the new Bush Mechanics and Meteorites exhibits, as well as the Museum’s collection of genuine locomotives, more than 15 interactive permanent exhibitions, the Sciencentre, model railway, and kids adventure playground will be on show for you to explore.

It’s set to be a fun filled day the whole family can enjoy!

Alice in Wonderland High Tea

See the Mad Hatter and Alice at an Alice in Wonderland inspired high tea experience at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club on October 19 from 2pm-5pm

Cost is $45 for adults and $20 for children includes a grazing style high tea, merlo coffee, tea and punch on The Lawn.  Dress to impress as your favourite Alice in Wonderland character with prizes for adults and children.

 

Shannon Noll live

See Shannon Noll live at the Racehorse Hotel on October 19 from 8pm.

This tour will see Shannon perform a mixture of old and new songs, as he heads off to play regional and suburban venues around the country.

Shannon is one of Australia’s most successful singer-songwriters, proving his longevity long after being named runner up in the first series of Australian Idol.

Since rising to prominence in 2003, Noll has released numerous top ten albums, and boasts a reputation as the only Australian male artist in national chart history to have ever achieved ten consecutive top ten singles.

Dilwali Festival

Dilwali Festival

Ipswich’s longest running and most popular multicultural festival – the annual Indian Mehfil Diwali Festival of Light returns under the stars in dArcy Doyle Place on Sunday October 20 from 4.30pm.

Now in its 10th year, guests will be treated to a buffet of authentic Indian cuisine, Bollywood dance performance, Indian classical dance performance, Punjabi Bhangra, Henna painting and much more…

Indian Mehfil owner Rajesh Sharma said “Diwali has become a popular fixture in the Ipswich cultural Calendar”.   “The event celebrates the victory of light over darkness, unity, prosperity and illumination of the inner self,” he said.

“It is wonderful that the Ipswich community comes together on such occasions.  The Ipswich Diwali Festival continues to grow in popularity and my family and talented team at Mehfil Ipswich are proud to invite our community to join us for this special celebration. It is important for us to celebrate the new day as we move forward to an exciting future.”

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available by calling 3281 8683 or in person at Indian Mehfil Ipswich, 116 Brisbane Street, adjacent Ipswich Art Gallery.

Adults $55, children 7-14 $20, children under 7 free.  Table of ten $500.

Cash bar available on the night.

Didgeridoo Bush Camp

The 10th Didgeridoo Bush Camp will be held on October 25-27 using the new bush stage at Didgeridoo Festivals HQ in Bellbird Park.

This is a three day not-for-profit Didgeridoo event for boys and men of all ages and levels.

The Didgeridoo workshops and live performances are done by legend and Didgeridoo Virtuoso Uncle Mark Atkins and Australian Roots multi instrumental didgeridoo player Nathan Kaye.

The weekend also includes the opportunity to make your own Didgeridoo.

During the weekend Marlon Riley will share his knowledge and stories about local history and meanings in cultural workshops.

Included in the ticket are beautiful vegetarian meals and snacks cooked on open fire and served in the Didge Dining Room.

The weekend also includes the opportunity to make your own Didgeridoo.  

 

Ghost tour

ghost tour low res

Grab your torches and book onto the Ghosts of Ipswich Past Tour – a hunt to find real ghost stories.

Come along on a journey of of spine tingling characters who once roamed the old heritage city. Visit the actual sites that claim paranormal activity and immerse yourself on a whirl wind mystery tour that will have you spooked but intrigued to hear more.

Tour departs Saturday October 26 at 5:45pm from 45 Roderick Street car park.  Don’t miss this ghoulish ghostly experience with historian Jack Sim.

Tour ends about 9.30pm and includes a seat in air conditioned coach, commentary from a local guide and stops at mysterious locations.

Locations to be announced soon for this special Halloween inspired tour not to be missed.  Come dressed up and win prizes for best costume…

Love Bugs Tribute to the 60s

love bugs 5

The Love Bugs are ready to “twist and Shout” their way to Brothers Ipswich with their tribute to the 60’s. This exciting night is packed full of all the best rock and pop songs from the golden age of music.  Listen from 9.30pm on October 26 in the Lounge at Brothers Leagues Club.

Jacaranda Festival

jacaranda-2886728_1920

This month the Goodna Jacaranda Festival will be held from October 25-27.

Thrill seekers can enjoy sideshow alley, while chill seekers enjoy free music and entertainment.  Plus there’s plenty to do for the youngest members of the family.

There will be live music, talent shows, market stalls, kids corner, band competitions and fireworks.

Side show alley has rides starting at $4.25.  Rides include dodgem cars, swings, a rock climbing wall, land train, wild hog, jumping castles and more.

This year the Kid’s Corner has an animal petting farm, pony rides, and workshops.

Once you’ve had your fill of entertainment, fill up on food stalls selling the usual burgers, dagwood dogs, chips and hot dogs, if that’s not enough you can choose from New Zealand chur burgers, German sausages, Asian delights, Spanish churro, Mexican nachos and lots more. Boost Juice will also be there with super tasty smoothies.

Discover Ipswich Staff Writer
Rocky the Rock Wallaby is a Sagittarius who lives at the Ipswich Nature Centre and often contributes to Discover Ipswich in his spare time. When he's not busy showing tourists around, blogging or hanging out with his cute and fluffy mates at the Nature Centre, he likes to hit the gym for a leg session, graze on quinoa salad and ponder the possibilities of the universe.

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