Galvanized, Ipswich’s festival of heritage, is back across 11 days from 29 August – 8 September with a new lineup of historical events and experiences. Be transported back in time by visiting iconic venues and historic sites and participating in open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops and social events.
Go to the Indigenous Wild Foods and Cultural Festival
The Indigenous Wild Foods and Cultural Festival is a chance to celebrate First Nations culture and history during Galvanized. The festival features a huge line up of talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and contemporary talent. There will be bush tucker foods, cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, workshops, markets and free family entertainment. Enjoy a range of food trucks, arts and crafts, games, rides and fireworks.
The Indigenous Wild Foods and Cultural Festival is being held on Saturday 31 August at Ipswich Turf Club from 11am-7pm.
Dance at The Baker’s Ball
Take a step back in time at this WWII victory dance-inspired event. The Baker’s Ball pays homage to the Australian Women’s Land Army and features swing dance classes, dinner and drinks at three beautiful historic locations throughout Marburg. There is also a bus from Ipswich if you don’t feel like driving. Guests are encouraged to dress to the period for this event.
The Baker’s Ball is being held on Saturday 31 August from 5.30pm-11.30pm at various locations in Marburg.
Attend Steam and Smoke BBQ
A brand-new Steam and Smoke BBQ event is being held on Father’s Day, during Galvanized. There will be a bevy of BBQ and steam-themed food trucks, spicy delights, music, games and more! Dad can whet his whistle with a craft beer or local gin at the pop-up bar, watch BBQ demonstrations and peruse the display of vintage vehicles. There will also be a steam train rolling into The Workshops platform around lunch time.
The Steam and Smoke BBQ will be held on Sunday 1 September from 9.30am-4pm at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops.
Hear about haunted histories
You can learn the haunted histories of Ipswich with four ghost tours during Galvanized. Ghost Tours Australia will be running their Haunted CBD Ghost Tour on 30 August, 1,4 and 6 September, their Goodna Cemetery Haunted History Tour on 31 August and an Ipswich Cemetery Ghost Tour on 7 September.
You can also hear ghost stories from Ghost Tours Australia founder Jack Sim at Cooneana After Dark on 6 September.
Learn about lost trades and arts
Pick up a new skill with blacksmithing workshops, finger puppet weaving or creative glass sand blasting workshops. There’s also a presentation on architecture, how to care for family treasures and the early history of Freemasonry.
Join a heritage tour
Join like-minded history buffs on a tour of Ipswich to learn about the history of the city. Choose from Ipswich Heritage Buildings tour on 31 August, Where History Rests (tour of the Ipswich Cemetery also on 31 August), Lost Ipswich City Walks (31 August, 1,7 and 8 September), Old Courthouse Tours (1 September), Summer Land Camels History Tours (29-8 September) and historical Hot Air Balloon Flights (29-8 September).
Locations and times vary see: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/galvanized/tours/
Taste your way through Heritage Ipswich
Ipswich is home to some of the most stunningly designed heritage buildings which now house some fabulous restaurants, pubs and breweries. During Galvanized you can learn all about the history of such venues by booking in a Historical Brewing Tour and Tasting at Stony Creek Brewing (7 and 8 September) or Rubbidy Dubs to Pubs Walking Tour (8 September) for a very fun weekend. Don’t stop there, make a reservation to dine your way through heritage Ipswich.
