Ever wanted to attend the Brisbane Jamboree, or see the Umbilical Brothers live? Well you can this month in Ipswich, find out what’s on in August below.
Arthur Boyd: Landscape of the Soul
Wrapping up this month, it’s your last chance to see the only SEQ showing of this Bundanon Trust National Touring Exhibition.
From light-filled early landscapes to tormented figures in the bush, more than 60 paintings, prints and drawings drawn from major state and national collections, expose an inner landscape and the creative odyssey and complex genius of Arthur Boyd.
Arthur Boyd: Landscape of the Soul was curated by Barry Pearce, internationally renowned expert in Australian art and Emeritus Curator of Australian Art at the Art Gallery NSW.
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
Last day to see the exhibition is Sunday August 18.
Madeleine Kelly
In these new works Madeleine Kelly takes images of local flowers and seed pods as a starting point and interweaves them with disparate images drawn from a variety of sources.
The finished paintings present a complex realm where references from mythology, politics and art history intersect with and the artist’s concern for the environment.
See What the centre cannot hold:New work by Madeleine Kelly at the Ipswich Art Gallery from now until October 7.
Friday night drift
On August 9 get down to Queensland Raceway for Friday Night Drift Practice. This session gives top drivers a chance to test their new setups and equipment and for newcomers and social drivers to see how their cars perform. Two drift circuits will be run simultaneously as well as the skid pan. Runs from 4pm-10pm.
National Science Week
Celebrate National Science Week at The Workshops Rail Museum. Enjoy a fun family day out during National Science Week and unleash your inner scientist at the new Sciencentre, with over 20 interactive science stations, as well as all your family favourite exhibits.
Get into gear at the Electric Vehicle Rally, and see more than 10 exhibitors featuring electric vehicles from past and present. Electric cars, bikes, and other electric powered vehicles will be on show this Saturday (August 10) from 10am to 2pm at the free Electric Car Rally at the Workshops Rail Museum North Ipswich.
The latest in electric vehicles will be joined by older vehicles including the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games electric van.
School groups can have fun learning with hands-on STEM Stations offered to visiting schools. Science week runs from August 10-18.
Ripley markets
The Ripley Markets will be held on August 10 from 3pm to 8pm.
Browsing the market stalls and pick up a bargain with handcrafted goodies and the mouth-watering street food to tempt your taste buds.
Over 60 stalls featuring live music, delicious food from all around the world, homewares, fantastic fashion and farm animals, jumping castle and even a circus school.
Kids of all ages will love the boundless fun of nearby Providence Splash ‘n’ Play adventure park. Pooch, pram and wheelchair friendly.
Markets at the Boulevarde
Markets At The Boulevarde is a monthly markets featuring artisans and producers in the Boulevarde at 17 Limestone Street, Ipswich.
What to expect is monthly themed markets, workshops, fashion shows, along with stalls of delicious eats and specialty retailers.
With the Ekka show season almost upon us, Markets At The Boulevarde invites you to celebrate Best In Show with market stalls, sideshow games, fairy floss, entertainment, showbags and our cupcake decorating competition. So come one, come all, to enjoy some show favourites with us on August 10 from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
A night with the Queens
Casa Mia Presents: Palace, A Night With The Queens on August 10.
Head down for dinner and a show with Dina Tunnel’ hosting a line up of Diva Drag Queens from 7.30pm.
Ipswich Jets vs Tweed Head Seagulls
The mighty Savige Pest Control Ipswich Jets take on the Tweed Head Seagulls for round 20 of the Intrust Super Cup at home in their Sunday Session Garlo’s Pies Day!
Leading into the finals the Jets want home ground support so come on down, gates open at 12pm sharp.
They are having a Sunday like no other, with Garlo’s Pies and Beer specials, taste testers and a fun half time promo where a lucky winner will win big.
Full canteen and can bar facilities and plenty of great spots to watch the game. Free jumping castle for the kids.
My Brilliant Divorce
From the team that brought you Shirley Valentine and Always…Patsy Cline, now brings a show that’s been a hit in 28 countries around the world.
My Brilliant Divorce sees star Mandi Lodge, award-winning director Denny Lawrence (AFI and ACCTA Awards) and HIT Productions (25 years touring Australia) again combining their talents.
This time to present a funny heartfelt story about Angela who is trying to ‘take charge’ after a divorce from her lying, cheating husband. A divorce that shocked her…but that everybody else she knows, knew she was hurtling towards. A funny, contemporary story with heart.
With one in three Australian marriages ending in divorce, this is a highly relevant topic that is skillfully tackled by leading playwright Geraldine Aron. The West End Production of the show starred Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley, French and Saunders) and was nominated for a coveted Olivier Award as Best Entertainment.
Mandi Lodge says she’s enjoying the challenge of taking on a challenging issue using wit and honesty.
See My Brilliant Divorce at the Ipswich Civic Centre on August 11 2pm-3.30pm.
Bush Mechanics
Based on the popular ABC television series co-created by David Batty and Francis Jupurrurla Kelly, and told through the show’s distinctive brand of humour, this exhibition showcases the ingenuity of outback mechanics whose clever resourcefulness can turn branches, spinifex and sand into tools and spare parts to get cars back on the road.
Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition features a range of items from the series, including two original cars, clay figurines, specially commissioned artwork and interactive displays, it also provides broader insights into Aboriginal life and culture.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see original footage from the series and try their hand at some of the ingenious and resourceful nyurulypa, or tricks, by assembling the discarded parts that make up the exhibition’s ‘bush driving simulator’ and operating it.
Bush Mechanics will be at The Workshops Rail Museum from August 12, 2019 to February 2, 2020.
Exhibition admission is included with general Museum entry.
Ekka holiday fun in Ipswich
When the Brisbane show day holiday rolls around this month, Ipswich will be luring crowds with some country fun and showtime deals of its own.
From dagwood dogs at The Retro Diner, to Ewe Nique farm experiences, find out what’s on offer in Ipswich on August 14.
Yamato The Drummers of Japan
Following their hugely successful tour in 2017, the Yamato Drummers are back in Australia by popular demand. Their acclaimed performances of Japanese Taiko drumming and music have captivated audiences of over 7 million people in 54 countries across the globe.
In a brand new show, Passion, the drummers challenge and push themselves to their absolute limits. Yamato will leave audiences exhilarated by this visually spectacular, high-energy and explosive show.
An unimaginable amount of energy. A 400 year old instrument. Heart-thumping rhythms and explosive beats. Yamato’s passion can be seen unfolding on stage.
Audience spirits are lifted to new levels with our drummers’ infectious sense of joy and entertainment. Lighting the fire of the passion held within our bodies and honouring the drumbeat since, like the heartbeat, it is the very pulse of life.
We have five double passes to give away to the show in August 15 at 7.30pm. Competition ends 10am on August 9.
Umbilical Brothers
After smashing countless countries and slaying endless audiences, the Umbies’ most beloved show is back.
The Umbilical Brothers are an international comedy phenomenon who have so far won a couple of BAFTAs, an Emmy, the Critics’ Choice at Edinburgh Fringe and the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performers. They have performed in 37 countries with five different shows. Now they are returning home with one of their most beloved ones, Speedmouse.
Full of the stuff you love best, Speedmouse is a live action, fast paced, rewind, slow motion, frame-by-frame adventure where two men create the impossible out of a microphone and a unique physical ability that has no equal. Speedmouse has earned a bevy of five star reviews and numerous awards including best stage production and best international show, along with a multi-platinum DVD that is sold in every corner of the world.
Join them in celebrating the 15 year anniversary of Speedmouse with a limited live theatrical run. If you haven’t seen this show live, you should. Really.
Handmade Expo
Get on down to the monthly Handmade Expo on August 17 from 8am-1pm.
These markets are exclusively handmade/baked/grown along with a few quality crafting supplies for you to create your own handmade experience. This is an outdoor market with up to 100 amazing stalls of products and food.
It is free entry and loads of easy access free parking, held at the Ipswich Turf Club.
Markets on Main Street
Markets on Main St at Orion Springfield Central will be held on August 18 from 9am to 4pm. Food, live music, market stalls and more.
Main St closes all day as markets line the street.
Sustainable Ipswich week
Listen to award-winning director Damon Gameau (2040 and That Sugar Film) at Sustainable Ipswich Week’s EnviroForum on August 22 for free.
Motivated by concerns about the planet that his four-year-old daughter would inherit in 2040, Gameau began a global journey to meet innovators and change makers in the areas of economics, technology, civil society, agriculture, education and sustainability.
A free viewing of the film 2040 will be held on Friday August 23 at the Barry Jones Auditorium.
Sustainable Ipswich Week runs from August 19-25, there a range of activities on offer from night walks to sustainability summits.
Vietnam Veteran’s Day
Listen to the multi award winning Steve Cummins live at Club Services Ipswich for a special Vietnam Veteran’s Day performance on Sunday August 18.
Join the club at 5pm for a service then listen to Steve from 7.30 pm.
Or join a service with the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch at the Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall, Nicholas St Ipswich at 11am. Special guest Keith Payne VC AM.
Fat Albert – free concert
For 11 years Fat Albert have been providing heart pumping, foot stomping, sweat dripping rock’n’roll to the people of Queensland. And now they’re in Ipswich for a free concert on August 24 at Club Services Ipswich. The concert starts at 8pm.
Brisbane Jamboree
The 2019 Garrett Advanced Motion Brisbane Jamboree is one of the world’s largest Sports Compact Drag Racing events.
The exciting two-day event at Willowbank Raceway, from August 24-25 will feature over 200 competitors from all over Australia and New Zealand, including World record holding race cars and drivers.
As well as on track action the event will include the Shannon’s Show & Shine, Drifting, Hot Wheels Matt Mingay Stunts Inc., Babe and Bikini Contests, a huge Trader Alley, a kid’s entertainment area including rides and face painting and brand-new food and drink options.
See www.jamboree.com.au for more information.
Ipswich Heritage Day
Celebrate Ipswich Heritage Day at the Cooneana Heritage Centre on Sunday August 25. Wander through old school classrooms, see classic and vintage cars and miniature machinery. Browse vintage dolls, and motorcycles and Lost Ipswich displays.
See blacksmiths at work as well as spinners and weavers. Devonshire tea available and heritage bus rides. The event will run from 9am-2pm.
Lady Beatle
From the creators of celebrated Australian works Rumour Has It and Wrecking Ball comes the must-see live music event of the year: Lady Beatle – a kaleidoscopic journey through the Beatles’ most monumental hits.
Starring UK-born Australian stage and screen star Naomi Price (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rumour Has It, Ladies in Black, The Voice Australia) and inspired by true accounts, Lady Beatle is a rollicking magical mystery tour sound tracked by The Beatles’ biggest chart toppers, including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine and Penny Lane.
Flanked by a live band, Price transports audiences to 1960s Liverpool, taking the audience along for the ride as she riffs off the cuff, invites them to join in the big numbers, and ultimately has them on their feet for the show’s epic mega-mix finale dance party.
See the show at the Ipswich Civic Centre from 7.30pm-8.45pm.
Killer Queen Experience
After sold out shows across the world, The Killer Queen Experience are coming back to the Ipswich Civic Centre. Get ready to re-live the memories, and experience the greatest hits of the world’s most loved and iconic rock band, as The Killer Queen Experience take the stage in an all-live concert that has been described as “like stepping back in time”.
Starring the most recognised Freddy Mercury performer on the planet, John Blunt, who returns from the UK after starring in the Queen biopic Who Wants To Live Forever. With his unmissable voice and iconic look—you’ll swear you are watching Freddy Mercury come back to life!
Don’t miss your chance to re-live the best moments of rock, The Killer Queen Experience is a must see for any fans of Queen, young and old, at the Ipswich Civic Centre from 7.30-9.30pm.
Drawing Machines
You can still take part in the Ipswich Art Gallery‘s Drawing Machines exhibit this August.
Great for the kids, there’s swinging pendulums, turning cogs and spinning discs.
You’re invited to come and play with the drawing machines, make a frenzy of marks with wind-up mice and chickens. Swing the pendulum table and see magic spirals appear.
Experiment with a giant Spirograph to create large geometric designs. Every drawing made by these mesmerizing machines is one of a kind. Take your drawings home or hang them in the exhibition.
Available until September 15.