From music concerts to movies on the big screen, art workshops, markets, car racing and ghost tours, there are lots of fun events for the whole family to enjoy in Ipswich this month.
A mammoth lineup of live entertainment
The Ipswich Civic Centre is set to welcome 10 acts to the stage this month, featuring everything from live music to comedy, tap dancing, album launches and more.
Visitors can tap along to the musical stylings of The Tap Pack, laugh until their stomach hurts with comedian Jimeoin, and cheer on the students from St Edmunds College and St Mary’s College when they present their new musical, School of Rock – The Next Generation. For a full list of shows, times and ticket prices, head to the Ipswich Civic Centre website.
View the gallery’s exhibitions before they disappear
There are only a few weeks left to visit the On The Move exhibition at the Ipswich Art Gallery, which is set to close on Sunday, July 18.
The exhibit takes visitors on a journey back through time to look at how vehicles have evolved over the years, and encourages visitors to open their minds to think about the possibilities of what cars, planes and trains will look like in the future. It is free to attend, and there are three sessions daily.
While you’re at the gallery, be sure to experience the second exhibition currently on show – Lincoln Austin: The Space Between Us. The exhibition is an immersive experience of colour, design and whimsy. You can view this exhibition anytime between 10am-5pm daily. Be quick though, as it closes in early August.
Take part in Ipswich’s first indie music crawl
Jam along with 16 artists across eight sessions during Ipswich’s first multi-venue indie live music crawl as part of SPARK Ipswich’s Waghorn To West event.
Venues include Circa 160, Goleby’s Basement, Ipswich Central Hotel and Studio 188.
In addition, a number of workshops will be held at Studio 188, including the opportunity to connect and learn from industry experts about building a sustainable career in music at the QMusic Connect event, as well as the infamous Live! At the Baptist concerts, showcasing up and coming artists.
Create something truly unique
Whether you have been an artist your whole life, or would like to try something new, Sip ‘n’ Dip Australia host a number of workshops across the city for every person and their ability.
This month try your hand at creating alcohol ink decorated planters, resin paddle boards, paint a picturesque wharf and more. To find a class, like them on Facebook.
Spend the day on a working camel farm
As part of the Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Week, foodies will have the opportunity to try a wide range of camel milk products at Summer Land Camels in Harrisville, just a short drive from the Ipswich CBD.
Look out for the Sunset Cocktails with the Camels on Saturday, July 31.
Play a round to help animals in need
Grab your clubs and join the team from RSPCA Queensland for a day on the green at their Brisbane Golf Day, which will be held at the Brookwater Golf Course on Thursday, July 29.
Expect a fun day in the sun with plenty of games, prizes and entertainment at one of Queensland’s most professional golf courses. All profits from the day will go to help animals in need.
Engines are set to roar at Queensland Raceway
Car enthusiasts will have much to enjoy this month, with plenty of big thrills and spills happening over six big racing events. Start your engines, because all the action kicks off with Roll Racing on Saturday, July 3, Ipswich Mid Week Sprints on Thursday, July 8, Queensland Racing Drivers’ Championship on July 10-11, Morning Drift Session on Thursday, July 15, and the Ipswich Street Sprints on Saturday, July 17. Search the events tab on their Facebook page for more information.
Say hello to Ipswich’s cutest residents
Head to the Ipswich Nature Centre inside Queens Park to see a number of cute and adorable native animals, including a wombat, dingoes, kangaroos, bilbies, spotted quolls, an emu and more!
The best thing is it is free to enter, and you can go as many times as you like. Find out who’s who in the zoo here.
You can even book an Animal Encounters tour during the school holidays or at other times for groups of eight or more to learn more about the animals from zoo keepers and tour guides.
Everyone’s favourite blue engine returns to Ipswich
Thomas the Tank Engine has long been a favourite television character with lots of generations, and now you can meet him and his friends The Fat Controller, Douglas, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel 199, Trevor the Traction Engine and George the Steamroller, when they appear at The Workshops Railway Museum this month.
The Day Out With Thomas event attracts big crowds, so it is best to book your tickets in advance.
In addition, little ones who love stories, dancing, singing songs and craft will enjoy the museum’s Little Nippers program. Designed for children aged between 2-6, Little Nippers encourages fun and discovery learning around a museum object. These fun mornings will be held on July 16, 23 and 30.
Due to the recent COVID lockdown, The Workshops Rail Museum will remain closed until at least Sunday 4 July. Please click here to confirm re-opening before attending.
Enjoy a beer and plenty of live bands
If you’re looking for a night out where you can enjoy a beer and some live music, head to Banshees Bar and Art Space in the Ipswich CBD.
Every month Banshees host a number of bands and artists so they can showcase their songs to music lovers. This month they are hosting seven events, ranging from a banjo workshop to acoustic jam sessions and even a drag queen show. Like their Facebook page to see more.
Learn more about Ipswich’s haunted past
Spend a night visiting historical landmarks and graves with renowned historian Jack Sim on one of his many haunted ghost tours across Ipswich.
Multiple tours are held each month throughout the Ipswich CBD, as well as the cemeteries in Ipswich and Goodna. Jack is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to sharing stories about Ipswich’s many resident ghosts, and his storytelling is sure to have the hair on your arms standing up straight. If you would like to book in for a tour, see Ghost Tours Australia.
Take in a movie at the drive-in
A number of family favourites will be shown on the big screen at the Tivoli Drive-in throughout the month, including How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World; Land; Cruella; Downhill; Despicable Me 3; and Fast and Furious 9. To see the movie timetable, click here.
Play in a winter wonderland
Winter has arrived, and Orion Springfield Central is forecast to have large amounts of snow on site during the first two weeks of the month. Kids and adults will have a ball making their own snowmen, throwing snowballs at one another, and climbing the snowy mountain as part of the Snow4Kids holiday event, which runs until Sunday, July 14 in the car park area behind Spotlight and Aldi.
Sessions will run daily from 9.30am-4.30pm. General admission is $20 per person.
Dinosaurs and reptiles to visit Tulmur Place
Ipswich’s Tulmur Place will be a hive of activity throughout the school holidays, with lots of events planned for kids of all ages.
Events include special stage shows featuring prehistoric creatures, Geckoes Wildlife Show and wildlife encounters, a silent disco tour and arts and craft.
See the Ipswich Libraries website for more information.
Partake in a treasure hunt
Kids of all ages will enjoy searching for jewels, gems and other special items at a special treasure hunt at the Ipswich Art Gallery.
The gallery’s Treasure Hunt event will run until Saturday, July 10, from 9.30am-3.30pm daily (excluding Sundays).
Entry is $5 per child (free for children under 3 and accompanying parents/carers) and entitles one child to their own treasure bag to decorate anyway they wish, and a wristband to enter the sandpit. Bookings are not required – pay at the gallery’s information desk on the day (cashless sales only).
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony or bonsai workshop
Enjoy a guided tour of Nerima Gardens before arriving at the Tea House to view the Japanese tea ceremony; a traditional cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea). The next tour will be held on Saturday, July 31. The cost is $40 for adults, $35 for concession/students, and $30 for a child aged up to 12 years old. Bookings are essential. To reserve your place, click here.
A new bonsai class will be held on July 10. Enjoy a tour of the gardens and head back to the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre for a full day class with experienced teacher.
Theatre group to celebrate Christmas in July
Members from Ipswich Little Theatre will be hosting a special Christmas in July trivia event over two days from July 17-18 at the Incinerator Theatre. The event will be a fun way to exercise your mind while enjoying a drink or two with your friends, and of course celebrate everything you love about Christmas a few months early. Tickets are $10 each. Click here to book.
Take a journey back in time
History buffs will love the opportunity to learn more about Ipswich’s rich past by taking a journey on a historical bus tour around the Blackstone area, showing lots of heritage and historical sites, with commentary from a driver who really knows their stuff.
The next tour will depart the Cooneana Heritage Centre on Sunday, July 11 at 11am. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
The heritage centre is also open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm, and the second and fourth Sundays from March to November, also from 10am-2pm. If you’re interested, more information can be found on the Ipswich Historical Society website.
Drag queens return for a night of sass and glamour
Some of the best drag queens in the business will be bringing their sass and glamour to the stage when they perform at their upcoming Dancing with the Queens show on Saturday, July 3 at Country Motel Ipswich.
Guests will be treated to a buffet dinner and a show, featuring a number of special guests. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children.
Experience the thrill of a lifetime in a V8 Supercar
Cruise around the infamous Queensland Raceway in Willowbank this month in either a Holden or Ford V8 Race Car as part of the V8 Race Experience. Your next opportunity to take the track will be on Saturday, July 31.
Fossick through the many markets across the city
Markets are a great way to pick up fresh local produce, as well as clothing, collectables, plants, jams, honey, bric-a-brac and more. Whatever you feel like filling up your goodie bag with, you are sure to find what you are looking for at these markets:
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 6-11.30am 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.
My Local Market is held on the first Sunday of the month on Parkland Drive, Walloon, from 8-11am.
The Riverlink Market Zone is held on the second Saturday of every month from 8am-1pm at Riverlink Shopping Centre, corner Downs St and The Terrace, Ipswich.
The Handmade Expo Markets are held on the second Saturday of the month at the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Igloos to pop up at popular pub
Dine in a magical pop-up igloo under the stars and enjoy a three-course share style menu for dinner at the MiHi Tavern in Brassall. Two hour booking slots are available from Monday to Sunday, and guests can choose between either a 5.30pm seating or a 7.45pm seating. Tickets are $49 per person. To reserve an igloo, click here.
Enjoy a picnic in the paddock
Head out to the countryside for a relaxing picnic amongst the lime and olive groves at Watercress Creek Olive and Lime Farm for the Fourth of July weekend. The picnic packs are ready to be pre-purchased online and all you need to do is arrive on the day with your chosen beverages and picnic blanket. You can also browse through their on-site shop and purchase more of their fabulous Watercress Creek Olive and Lime products.
Holiday fun for little ones at Yamanto Central
Children of all ages will enjoy making their own special teddy bear to take home with them, watch balloon artists make lots of air-filled animals and shapes, and become a mad scientist during the school holidays events planned at Yamanto Central.
Cheer on Queensland in front of the big screen
Football fans can head to Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct to cheer on the mighty maroons for the third match of the 2021 State of Origin series on Wednesday, July 14. Entry is free and the venue is open from 7pm, with kick off at 8pm. Follow Nicholas Street Precinct on Facebook for updates.
Join in one of the many fun activities at Trevallan Lifestyle Centre
Each month the Trevallan Lifestyle Centre in Brassall host a variety of activities for the community to participate in.
Guests can visit the Mystic Garden, or join the upcoming basket weaving workshop or healing meditation circle. For more information, search their Facebook page.
Watch Ipswich light up
Grab your family and friends and head to three locations each within walking distance of each other to see some beautiful light displays as part of the SPARK Festival.
Head to St Mary’s Church in Elizabeth St, Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct, and the Bremer River (Head to the Riverheart Boardwalk, Riverlink Shopping Centre, David Trumpy Bridge and Bradfield Bridge for the best vantage points). It’s chilly out there, so don’t forget to dress warm and bring your best digital device and headphones to hear the music soundtrack for the light show on the Bremer River. More information can be found here.
There’s also music and theatre events on around for SPARK find out more in this story: 5 reasons to attend SPARK Ipswich.
Watch a powerful movie for a good cause
Limelight Cinemas will be hosting a special screening of a movie that was inspired by true events to help shine a spotlight on domestic violence.
The red-carpet premiere and charity fundraiser for Seven Times Short Film – A Domestic Violence Story, will be held on Sunday, July 18. The movie was filmed at various locations between Ipswich and Gatton, and tells the story of a mother who was subjected to years of drug fueled violent abuse at the hands of her husband.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A Session with key creatives and the cast. Money raised from the night, including $5 from ticket sales, and proceeds from the raffle will be donated to RizeUp Australia.
Let your kids sing, dance and play in Ripley
Kids of all ages are invited to attend the upcoming Little Day Out at the Ripley Town Centre, which will be held on Sunday, July 18.0
The day will feature fun activities like making their own musical instrument, nature play, mural painting, circus workshops, a silent disco and more.
Lace up your joggers to help the Ipswich Hospital
Runners of all ages are being encouraged to lace up their joggers and help raise money by taking part in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation Park2Park fun run on Sunday, July 25 at Bill Paterson Oval.
Participants can choose any distance with options of a half marathon, 10km, 5km, 2.5km, and the new kids’ obstacle course. To register, log onto the Ipswich Hospital Foundation website.
