There’s no time to be bored when there’s so many fun, exciting and adventurous things to do in Ipswich this month.
Here are our top ideas to help you make the most out of your visit to this beautiful city.
Incredible love stories on display
Fall in love with some of Ipswich’s sweethearts at the I Do in Ipswich exhibition, a pop-up photographic exhibition that shares a selection of wedding photographs from couples throughout the ages from 1890s until the 1950s. You can see this at The Workshops Rail Museum until May 22.
A salute to Roy Orbison
Internationally renowned artist John Stephan will be celebrating and paying the ultimate homage to Roy Orbison by playing his number one hits, with a special touch to The Travelling Wilburys. The show will be performed at the Ipswich Civic Centre on March 26.
Jaleos Flamenco
With all the colour, rhythm and unbridled angst, joy and passion that flamenco has to offer, Jaleos Flamenco offers that quarantine free trip to Spain that you’re itching for!! Olé.
See Simone Pope and Andrew Veivers performing accompanied by vocalist Kacey Patrick and a small company of special guests.
Included in the ticket price is access to a one hour pre-show workshop experience with Andrew and Simone.
Pre-show starts at 6pm, show starts at 8pm.
Enjoy a tipple at Ipswich’s newest artisan distillery
A new craft distillery has opened in Bundamba, where you can sip on a wide range of alcoholic beverages all locally made. Imbibis is the brainchild of Jason and Maree Hannay, who have created a selection of award-winning gin and shiraz brandy. The tasting room is currently open on Fridays and by appointment, but the owners have plans to extend their trading hours soon.
Sign up for the Ipswich 100
The Ipswich 100 is a charity bike ride that takes participants on a scenic ride through the countryside. It is held annually and always attracts a large number of participants who are keen to increase their fitness while also raising money for a good cause.
Sing along to the classics
After sold-out performances across Australia in 2021, acclaimed singer/songwriter Bloom will be appearing at the Springlake Hotel on March 11 to sing an array of classic songs from Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Songbook. Click here to book.
Zeek Power to appear at Studio 188
Zeek Power, who appeared on The Voice in 2019, will be entertaining the crowd when he appears at Studio 188 on March 19 with his nostalgic take on classic R&B and Hip-Hop influences.
Drag Queens galore
Travelling entertainer Britney Love, and your Matriach Lady Dianna Tunne’l are just a few of the big names who will be appearing at Banshees Bar and Art Space for A Night with the Queens on March 12.
Auslan yoga classes
Head to Tulmur Place on the last Saturday of the month to participate in a yoga class taught in Auslan. There will be visual clues and descriptions to accompany the movements. The class is open to everyone and it is free to attend. Find out more here.
Catch a Hollywood blockbuster
One of the best ways to spend some quality family time is at the movies, and this month, Limelight Cinemas is showing a wide range of new releases. Choose from movies like Batman, Marry Me, Death on the Nile, Blacklight, Monster Family 2 and more.
Create your own custom knife
The team from Savage Custom Knives are passing on their skills and helping people to craft their own knife to take home with them. In the two-day class, they go through the whole process of making a custom stainless-steel knife from start to finish.
Put your pedal to the metal
Roll Racing is all about taking the racing off the streets and onto the circuit where you can’t get in trouble. Organisers have designed this event to give you as much track time as possible and they strictly limit numbers to make sure you get value for money as an entrant. The next event will be held on March 26.
Laugh along with Ipswich Little Theatre
The Ipswich Little Theatre Society will perform two, one-act comedies under the banner The Games People Play at The Incinerator Theatre, Burley Griffin Drive this month. The first show is titled Golf, Marriage and Other Murderous Matters, while the second is called Murder Play. Public performance dates are curtain on March 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, with the show beginning at 8pm, and Sunday matinees on March 6 and 13 at 2pm. To book, visit the Ipswich Visitors Information Centre or phone 3281 0555.
Spend a night at the Tivoli Drive-In
Load up the family and jump in the car to watch the latest releases on the big screen at the Tivoli Drive-In. Movie screenings this month include The Boss Baby: Family Business; No Time to Die; Spiderman: No Way Home; and Unchartered.
Book a V8 race experience
Strap yourself in and feel the power as you experience the thrill of a lifetime taking a spin around the famous Queensland Raceway in a Holden or Ford V8 race car. These are almost identical to the ones racing in the championship and offer an exhilarating and heart racing driver or passenger experience. This year two new cars will be making their debut around the circuit, including a brand-new Chevrolet Camaro and a Ford Mustang. To book, click here.
Go on an adventure through the Ipswich Nature Centre
Follow the trail through the Ipswich Nature Centre by using The Little Queenslander’s Alphabet Book as your guide. Kids will have a ball learning about unique places around Queensland and the different animals. There’s also a special Nature Play Passport you can use, which can be picked up at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre or any Ipswich Library branch. Find out more here.
Heal your mind and body
Trevallan Lifestyle Centre in Brassall has opened a Reading and Healing garden, aptly named the Mystic Garden. This will be a tranquil space where people can tune into their emotions understand on a deeper level what they are telling you. A number of Healers will be available, including psychic and spiritual messenger Claire Roe and Lorelle Joy, who specialises in Reiki Healing, rekindled ancient wisdom healings, Chakra and crystal readings.
Learn more about the Air Force at RAAF Amberley
If you’re wanting to learn more about the aircraft used by our service men and women, head on down to the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre where you can see a range of machines up close, including the F-111. The next open day will be held on March 20 from 8.30am-1.15pm. As the Heritage Centre is located on an active military base, visitors must fill out a form with all their details prior to the open day for security reasons. More information, can be found here.
Admire classic cars
Car collectors and motoring clubs will be showing off their pride and joy at Cardi Gras, a monthly car show held at Riverlink Shopping Centre. Visitors can chat with other motoring enthusiasts as they check out the array of wheels on display. The next event will be held on March 5 from 4-8pm on the mezzanine level of the shopping centre.
Journey back in time
Join other history buffs and take a journey on a bus from the 1960s as you are chauffeured around the historic Blackstone area with a knowledgeable driver and a guide from the Cooneanna Heritage Centre. Find out more here.
You can also tour the many exhibitions and learn more about what life was like before your time at the Cooneana Heritage Centre. It’s open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm, as well as the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm (from March until November). Find them at 1041 Redbank Plains Road, New Chum.
Autumn Drift Matsuri
Cheer on the racers who will take to the track as part of the Autumn Drift Matsuri at Queensland Raceway on March 26-27. It’s one of the biggest drifting events in the country, with more than 250 competitors and four tracks to choose from.
Cheer on the jockeys
Enjoy a day trackside at the Ipswich Turf Club as you cheer on the jockeys and their horses. Races will be held on March 17, 19, 24 and 31. Now boasting new horse race day stalls, a refurbished track and renovated facilities, the venue has something for everyone.
Let out your inner artist
If you’re someone that loves to create something new, or are wanting to learn a new skill, be sure to sign up for one of the many workshops hosted by Sip ‘N’ Dip Australia. Participants can choose from a variety of workshops including painting, jewellery making, resin and much more. Workshops are held at cafes, restaurants and businesses right across the region so there is sure to be an event near you.
See what the cards say about your future
Find out what the future has in store for you from fifth generation clairvoyant and cartomancer Anne Maree when she visits the Soul Nook Collective. Anne Maree will be doing tarot readings onsite this month.
Test out your driving skills at the raceway
Racing enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to head down to Queensland Raceway on March 25 to attend Friday Night Drift Night. Drivers can test their driving skills and the performance of their car on the track, with two drift circuits running simultaneously, as well as the skid pan next to the control tower. All the fun is held from 6-10pm.
Learn to play the Didgeridoo
Learn more about local Indigenous cultures by joining in a Didgeridoo Jam in Augustine Heights. Have a jam or bring a blanket and kick back by the fire pit and listen to a mix of instruments combined with the Didgeridoo. The event is held from 7-10pm at the Didgeridoo Festival’s headquarters, which is surrounded by gum trees and friendly wildlife.
Sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset
Watch the sun go down with a glass in hand and the camels roaming in the field at Summer Land Camels’ Cocktails with the Camels event. This event is held monthly and allows visitors a night of fine food and beverages direct from the farm. Tickets are $18.50 per person, and includes a grazing platter showcasing a selection of the farm’s award-winning camel milk cheese and charcuterie. Cocktails, mocktails and other drinks are available to purchase on the night, as well as a farmhouse special meal selected by their chef (only one dish will be available on the night), and camel milk gelato. This is an after-hours event and for people aged over 18. The next Cocktails with the Camels event will be held on March 26 at 4pm.
Spend a Sunday arvo sipping tea
If you’re someone that loves a hot beverage, you won’t want to miss this. Dona from Tranquil Tea House hosts weekly sessions where she teaches you about the taste, colour and aroma of tea leaves. Plus, you will even get your own box of tea to take home to enjoy later. Bookings are $45 per person.
Hear spine-chilling ghost stories
Join renowned historian and ghost hunter Jack Sim at one of his many tours across the city. Jack will share with you a number of stories about lost Ipswich souls, sourced from archives, newspapers, books, and first-hand accounts from local residents. Tours are held through the Ipswich CBD, as well as the cemeteries in Ipswich and Goodna. To book, see Ghost Tours Australia.
Shop till you drop at the markets
The Springfield Markets, 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. This dog-friendly market is held on the second Saturday of the month from 3-8pm at Providence, Ripley Valley.
The Ipswich Showplace Markets, held every Sunday from 6-11.30am at the Ipswich Showgrounds on Warwick Road.
My Local Market, held on the first Sunday – but postponed until March 13 due to the floods – on Parkland Drive, Walloon, from 8-11am.
The Riverlink Market Zone, held on the second Saturday of every month from 8.30am-3pm 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.
The Ipswich Twilight Markets, held on the first Friday of every month at Tulmur Place from 3-8pm.
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Ballistic 6th birthday weekend
On Saturday and Sunday March 19 and 20 head down to celebrate Ballistic Beer turning six. Saturday will see kids entertainment, live music, wood fired pizzas and a fire twirler. Sunday will see more kids entertainment and live music as well as a family roast pork with all the trimmings!
The Soul Nook turns two
The Soul Nook Collective are turning two and celebrating in typical Soul Nook style with live music, a couple of their favourite food trucks and mocktail hour.
There will be free kids activities and a whole lot of Soul Nook vibes! Bring your picnic rug and relax under the trees as they go about their regular Soul Nook Saturday with live music. Or book your own styled picnic space?
And don’t miss discounts instore too!
Gigs at Banshees
This month Banshees Bar and Art Space has some fantastic gigs booked. See unique Aussie jazz group Delay 45 launch their new album ‘Flux’ with Dropbear Lodge on March 18, then Stan, Biggie Nixz, Chicken Rich and Kholo Pup on March 19.
See Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont
Early 2022 will see the release of the first single from the highly anticipated second album from Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, the duo will commence a national tour to accompany the single in January. As part of the tour see them live at the Racehorse Hotel on March 26.
