Music aficionados are in for a real treat in Ipswich this month, with plenty of live gigs for you to sing and dance along to. Some of Australia’s best singers and bands will be taking to the stage in Willowbank for the highly anticipated Trip the Switch Music Festival, as well as a number of stellar acts set to appear at venues across the city.
There’s also markets for bargain hunters to enjoy, drive-in moves for the kids and art classes for those wishing to learn something new. Be sure to add these great events to your diary now.
Double movie feature to delight families
Laugh along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan in the Hollywood blockbuster Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle, as well as Will Ferrell in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, at a special drive-in movie double feature at Willowbank Raceway on Friday, February 12. Entry is $25 per vehicle (includes maximum legal number of people that can fit in the vehicle), with everyone required to download, complete and bring along a COVID tracing form. More information about the event, including details about the tracing form, can be found on Facebook.
Two huge motorsport events
This month get revved up for Powercruise 1 Day Powerplay which is coming back to Queensland Raceway for February 13!
And then on February 20 watch the Queensland Drag Racing Championships at Willowbank Raceway.
Find your inner peace at the upcoming Psychic and Wellbeing Expo
If you are looking for ways to connect with the spiritual world, or to simply learn how to live a healthier life, the Psychic and Wellbeing Expo is the perfect event for you. There will be a number of stall holders on the day selling their products, as well as workshops and live demonstrations. The expo will be held on Saturday, February 13 from 10am-3pm at 17A Thorn St, Ipswich. Entry is $5, with children under the age of 16 free. This event has a COVID safe plan and there will be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the venue.
Enjoy fresh new sounds at Studio 188, Ipswich’s intimate music hub
She’s toured with artists like Shania Twain, Ian Moss and Willie Watson, and now Australian singer Imogen Clark will be bringing her delightful sounds to the ears of Ipswich music lovers. The 25-year-old from the Blue Mountains will be performing all her greatest songs at Studio 188 on Friday, February 12 from 7-9pm. Tickets to the show are $18.40 each.
Studio 188 has implemented a COVID safe plan, while still preserving a genuine live music experience, making it a safe and enjoyable night out for everyone. More information about the venue’s COVID safe plan can be found on their wesbite.
Hit the trails
This month the Ipswich Trail Running Series will take place through some of South East Queensland’s most beautiful nature refuges.
There are three locations that make up the series, including Hidden Vale Adventure Park which hosts (round 1), OHV Stockyards (round 2 – 14th February) and Bubbling Springs in Grandchester (round 3 – 14th March).
The series appeals to the community by engaging a fantastic family atmosphere as well as an athletic challenge with the option of participation in 1, 2 or all 3 rounds.
Saucy strip tease to get hearts racing at Brother’s Leagues Club
Ladies, it’s time to text your girlfriends and organize a cheeky night out to see some of the country’s best-looking men strut their stuff on stage for your enjoyment. The hunky men from Badboys Australia will have you gasping and squealing for joy as they dance and strip for you. They will be appearing at Brother’s Leagues Club on Friday, February 19. Tickets start at $32.74 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Reawaken your inner artist with Sip ‘n’ Dip Australia
Art classes are becoming extremely popular across Ipswich, with Sip ‘n’ Dip Australia hosting a number of workshops across the city for people of all ages and abilities. This month, why not try:
Taking home your own homemade resin serving tray at a workshop held at the Coffee Club at Orion Springfield Central on Thursday, February 18, beginning at 5pm.
Painting your own out to sea picture at the Coffee Club at Orion Springfield Central on Friday, February 19. The class begins at 5pm.
Taking part in a pottery class and making your own cactus pots at the Goodna studio on Friday, February 19 from 6.30pm.
Creating your own resin earrings with the help of a qualified teacher at the Coffee Club at Orion Springfield Central at 5pm on Thursday, February 25.
Melting and pouring your own soap at the Goodna studio on Saturday, February 27, beginning at 9am.
And finally, learning to make ‘luxe’, ink and resin coasters at the Goodna studio on Saturday, February 27, this time in the evening at 6.30pm.
To find out more about their workshops, check their website.
Music means business
A Music Means Business Showcase Event featuring five aspiring new music artists performing the best of their live music show is coming to Brothers Leagues Club on Thursday February 25.
You can find thousands of music artists online, but Brothers have engaged the Pushworth Team, who are are looking for the magic, the sensitivity and the energy that a professional and experienced music artist brings to a live audience.
On Thursday 25 Feb, from 6pm, five music artists will perform one small set each. Their job is to give you a taste of their greatness, their entertainment skill, their talent and their ability to connect with what an audience wants. You will meet Jonathan Hayden, a solo guitarist and vocalist; two duos, The Urban Sea and Simplicity and from 8.30pm two bands, Blank Canvas (Generic Covers Band) and Rock of Nations (Feature Show).
The event will be held in the Entertainment Lounge.
The Vintage Belles cabaret
An all-female singing group that combines jazz, Gatsby, swing and pop music into one massive show at the Ipswich Civic Centre this month.
The Vintage Belles is a Cabaret girls’ night out with smoky voices, striking dancing and a variety of songs you know and love.
The girls take a number of songs and bring new life into them – we’re talking songs by your favourite contemporary female artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Nicks, ABBA and The Spice Girls, all brought back to life in the style and glamour of the roaring ’20s. Catch this show on Friday, February 26, beginning at 7pm. Tickets to the show are $75 per person and includes a two-course dinner.
Before your show, why not head into Ipswich’s Top of Town precinct for a bite to eat or to browse through the many eclectic shops – useful if you visit Studio 188 or the Ipswich Art Gallery.
Also on at the Civic Centre is A Morning with Bernstein on February 24. Reminisce on the musical work of acclaimed composer Leonard Bernstein with selections of the best music from West Side Story, On The Town, Candide, Wonderful Town, Peter Pan as well as his famous Piano Trio. Be transported through the thrilling and romantic life of Bernstein as we perform his most beautiful works in the chronology of his writing, as well as share a tale or two about the beloved “Lenny”. There will be free tea/coffee and biscuit included.
Aussie rock legends to perform at Willowbank
Concerts are back, and what better way to celebrate by singing (or screaming) out your favourite songs by Aussie chart toppers at the upcoming Trip the Switch Music Festival! Big name artists including James Reyne, Shannon Noll, Killing Heidi, The Angels, Blues Arcadia, Boom Crash Opera and Icehouse will be rocking Willowbank Raceway on Saturday, February 27. Gates open at midday. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online.
The event will be produced in accordance with the Queensland Government Health guidelines. For contact tracing purposes all patrons entering the event must scan or sign in.
If you wish to turn your visit into a weekend away, Ipswich has many great accommodation options to choose from. Check out our where to stay in Ipswich guide for more information.
Learn more about transport with exciting new exhibition
If you love cars, trucks, trains, planes and all types of transport, you won’t want to miss out on a new interactive exhibition set to open at the Ipswich Art Gallery on Saturday, February 27. Titled On the Move, visitors can discover how transportation works in busy cities, see how vehicles have evolved over time and imagine what they might be like in the future, as well as learn many amazing facts about Australian journeys and inventions. There are four sessions run daily from 9.30-11am, 11.30am-1pm, 1.30-3pm and 3.30-5pm. Due to COVID restrictions, numbers are strictly limited for each session, meaning visitors will need to book online in advance.
It is also your last few days to view two hugely popular exhibitions which are set to close early in February. Wind Tubes will finish on Saturday, February 7, followed by the closure of the Living in Ipswich: New Work by Jane Du Rand exhibition on Saturday, February 14.
Get crafty with the Soul Nook Collective
Located in Marburg, just a short drive from the Ipswich CBD, The Soul Nook Collective is a small creative hub which will delight all your senses. In addition to its boutique shop, the Soul Nook Collective also offer a variety of workshops for people to come and learn a new skill.
Throughout the month of February there will be Tarot readings on Friday, February 5, a floral dome workshop on Saturday, February 20, the chance to create your own crystal wall hanging, also on February 20, and crystal bracelet lessons on Saturday, February 27.
Check The Soul Nook Collective’s Facebook page to find out more.
Relive Queen’s biggest rock anthems at Falvey’s
Brisbane-based tribute band Killer Queen will be paying homage to Britain’s regal rock quartet Queen when they appear at Falvey’s Yamanto at 8pm on Saturday, February 27.
With their fully-costumed, superb musicianship coupled with accurate instruments and with all the cast resembling the original members of Queen…you will be forgiven to think you’re in the presence of the real band. Tickets are $28.60 and can be purchased at Oztix.
Jurassic creatures to overtake Orion Springfield Central
Explore a prehistoric world full of moving dinosaurs when Jurassic Creatures visits Orion Springfield Central from Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 28. This interactive walk-through event will leave you feeling amazed and thrilled as the dinosaurs come to life before your very eyes. Tickets are $29.50 or $82 for a family of four.
Browse through the city’s many markets
Bargain hunters and foodies are never short of markets in Ipswich, with the city home to hundreds of stall holders that love to sell their products.
The Springfield Markets is held on the first Sunday of every month from 8am-1pm at Robelle Parklands in Springfield Central, and the third Sunday of the Month from 9am-4pm at Orion Springfield Central shopping centre.
The Ripley Markets are a great way to shop and explore. This dog-friendly market is held on the second Saturday of the month from 3-8pm at Providence, Ripley Valley.
The Ipswich Showplace Markets are held every Sunday from 6-11.00am at the Ipswich Showgrounds on Warwick Road. The markets have long been a popular destination for early risers on a weekend. Entry is a gold coin donation.
The Walloon Markets are held on the first Sunday of the month on Parkland Drive, Walloon, from 8-11am.
The Haven Markets will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 229 Brisbane Rd, Goodna, from 10am-3pm.
