Goodbye winter and hello spring! With the cold and rainy days behind us, now is the time to get out of the house and start exploring this beautiful city. September is jam-packed full of events and activities for people of all ages including live music gigs, theatre shows, markets, authentic farm experiences, tantalising dinner experiences, movies and more!
Here are a few ideas to help you plan your next visit to Ipswich.
Sing along to the greatest hits from Guys and Dolls
It’s renowned as one of the best musical comedies to ever hit the stage, and now Ipswich audiences will have the chance to see the hit musical Guys and Dolls at the Ipswich Civic Centre this month. Featuring a talented cast from Ipswich’s Musical Theatre Company, the show promises lots of laughs, hit songs, and romance. Five shows will be performed between September 7-15.
Galvanized: A Festival of Heritage
Galvanized is the city of Ipswich’s festival of heritage, showcasing some of the best heritage experiences and events Ipswich has to offer across 11 days from 29 August – 8 September. Be transported back in time by visiting iconic venues and historic sites and participating in open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops and social events of yesteryear. Don’t miss the Indigenous Wild Foods and Cultural Festival, the Limestone Frolic, Steam and Smoke BBQ and the Baker’s Ball. Find out more information here.
Kickstart your weekend at Stony Creek Brewing
Showcasing an array of talented local artists, Stony Creek Brewing at the old Pumpyard is your new Friday night go-to for live music, good food and cold brews. Kickstart your weekend in style, with live entertainment held from 6-9pm.
Laughs and nostalgia combine for interactive dinner show
Become part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter during Faulty Towers: The Original Dining Experience at the Brothers Leagues Club on September 6. This highly improvised, highly interactive, and fully immersive show pays tribute to the infamous BBC sitcom, which is sure to leave audiences feeling a little nostalgic.
Cheers to National Beer Lover’s Day
If you love a good pint, head on down to Ballistic Springfield for a bevvie or two in celebration of National Beer Lover’s Day on September 7. Their will be plenty of craft brews to sip, as well as a Survivor-esque Skill Tester, all sorts of games and prizes, plus a jumping castle for the kids.
Party hard at Brothers Leagues Club
Brothers Leagues Club is turning 50 and they’re throwing the ultimate birthday bash to celebrate! You’re invited to a full day of fun including a special appearance by everyone’s favourite heelers Bluey and Bingo, as well as the hit Australian band The Rogue Traders. There will also be rides, fireworks, live bands, food trucks and more! All the fun will begin at 1pm on September 21.
Spend a day patting and feeding llamas
There’s no doubt llamas are pretty cute, so if you have a child who absolutely loves them, head on down to the Llama Farm at Pine Mountain on September 20 for the ultimate farm experience. As part of the Little Llama Farmers experience, your little one can feed, pat, and learn more about these wonderful animals, and even take home some recently shorn fleece as a souvenir. Suitable for children aged 5-16, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are essential. To reserve your child’s spot, click here.
Get crafty at the Mt Crosby Bowls Club
If you’re looking to unleash your creative side, head on down to the Mt Crosby Bowls Club on September 7 where two craft workshops will be held. Hosted by Sip n Dip, choose between making your own hand painted rainbow and resin wave board, or container candle and tealights.
Bargains galore at the markets
If you’re the type of person who loves to shop till they drop, you will find plenty of bargains and amazing finds at one of the many markets across Ipswich. Be sure to check out the Springfield Markets; Ripley Markets; Riverlink Market Zone; Handmade Expo Markets; Quibble Market.
Become a master mixer at The Rusty Nail
If you have ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect cocktail, take part in an introduction cocktail making course at The Rusty Nail. During this hands-on experience, you will be guided by an experienced mixologist who will help teach you the tips and tricks to making three signature cocktails. The next event will be held on September 8.
Enjoy a movie at the Tivoli Drive-in
If you’re wanting to kick back and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbuster, pack up the car and head down to the Tivoli Drive-In, where a double feature is shown every Saturday night. This month you can watch Twisters, starring Glenn Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, as well as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, just to name a few.
Immerse yourself in arts and culture
Ipswich boasts a vibrant art scene, so whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the many local independent collections, a visit to the Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Community Art Gallery is a must.
This month visitors can peruse a number of exhibits including Kylie Hill: Jardibirri Nungarima Bukanyi from 10 August – 27 October and I, Object from 17 August – 13 October. There’s also a kids exhibition called Walking Together starting on 3 August and running until 3 November.
Cheer on the piggies at the Peak Pub
They might not be able to fly, but lots of cute piggies will show you how fast they can run when the annual pig races return to The Peak Pub in Peak Crossing on September 21. This fun family event promises lots of racing action, plus lots of food, drinks, live entertainment and more!
Australia’s hottest hunks to strip on stage
Ladies of Ipswich, prepare to squeal and cheer as some of Sydney’s hottest men seductively take their clothes off when they appear at the Ipswich Sports Club on September 21. The Sydney Hotshots are back with an all-new show, featuring two hours of non-stop action-packed entertainment which is sure to make you blush!
Learn more about Australia’s first motorcycles
Celebrate the birth of the Australian motorcycle by checking out The Spencer Project, currently on display at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. The exhibition pays tribute to David Spencer, an Ipswich local credited with developing Australia’s first motorcycles, and features a rare and beautiful Spencer machine that was brought back to life with original parts from the museum collection. There will also be plenty of other displays including old photographs, tools, and more for motorcycle enthusiasts to admire.
Treat your tastebuds at Street Feast
Whether you’re craving a burger, woodfired pizza, loaded fries, chicken wings, gozlemes, tacos, teppanyaki noodles, paella, or something sweet like crepes, poffertjes, donuts or rolled ice cream, there will be plenty of cuisines and dishes for you to try at Street Feast – Queensland’s largest travelling gourmet food market. Head on down to the Ipswich Turf Club on September 5 between 4-9pm.
Discover what life was like in the olden days
If you have ever been curious about how people used to live before the internet, Netflix and gaming consoles were invited, head on down to the Family Fun Day at Cooneana Heritage Centre on September 22. Here you can see experienced blacksmiths in action, goggle at the range of classic cars on display, learn an old-time dance, ride the trackless train, and even research your own family history if you would like to know more about your ancestry.
New exhibition to open at Arttime Gallery
Art lovers are in for a real treat this month, with a new skate art exhibition set to open at Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies. Titled Decked Out, this exhibition features close to 100 artists who have submitted their favourite works in what is being called a clash of cultures – street smarts versus fine arts. Head on down between September 1-22, and don’t forget to vote for who you think should win the People’s Choice Award.
For more ideas to help you plan your next trip to Ipswich, check out our What’s On page.
