What’s On: the best events and activities in Ipswich this August

Read on to find out What's On this month in Ipswich...
20 Jul 2026
Ashleigh Howarth, Freelance writer

From the high-octane return of Supercars to the thrills of extreme mountain bike riding, plus professional bull riding, ghost tours, circus shows, gardening expos, virtual reality exhibitions, live theatre and even hot air ballooning, Ipswich is the place to be this August!  

Cheer on your favourite Supercar drivers 

Supercars Championship at Ipswich's Queensland Raceway

Buckle up car lovers – the 2026 Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 is heading back to Queensland Raceway from August 21-23. The famous “Paperclip” circuit will be buzzing all weekend as Round 9 brings nonstop racing action, all building up to the crowning of the Repco Sprint Cup winner. With plenty of entertainment, food, and the chance to meet your favourite drivers, it’s a fun day out for motoring enthusiasts of all ages. 

Drag racing, show cars and more at the Garrett Brisbane Jamboree

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For more racing action, be sure to also add the Garrett Brisbane Jamboree to your calendar, which will run from August 7-9 at Willowbank Raceway. Expect plenty of world-class drag racing, a Show ‘n’ Shine, sound off, trader alley, free rides for the kids, plus more!

Australia’s most popular gravity enduro event returns

Fox Superflow

If you’re a mountain bike rider who loves fast descents, flowing trails and the thrill of racing the clock, don’t miss Australia’s most popular gravity enduro event, Fox Superflow, will returns to Castle Hill Mountain Bike Park on August 15-16. Whether you’re a young daredevil, an ambitious pinner or a seasoned pro, this action-packed weekend is your chance to tackle some of Ipswich’s best trails and put your skills to the test.

Prepare to have your mind blown at this hypnosis show

Have you ever been curious about the power of hypnosis? Experience it for yourself when renowned hypnotist Jaden Boon takes to the stage at Brothers Leagues Club on August 7 for a mind-bending night of entertainment. With plenty of jaw-dropping moments and laughs, his show will have you questioning what the human mind is truly capable of. 

Ekka fun in the heart of Springfield

Experience the magic of the Ekka without travelling into Brisbane at the Ipswich Thriving Seniors Mini Ekka Show at the Springfield Lakes Community Centre on August 10. Free for all seniors to attend, the day will feature games, showbags, entertainment, food plus displays that show off the creativity of locals including paintings, photography, baking and more! It’s free to attend.

Take in a show with your besties

A Taste of Ireland show

From the energy of traditional Irish dancing to the nostalgia of 1970s hits and plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy, Studio 188 and the Ipswich Civic Centre is the place to be for live entertainment this month. Whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends or looking for a fun night out, there’s a fantastic line-up of eight shows ready to take the stage. Discover the full program and find your next night of entertainment here. 

Caravan and outdoor expo to roll into Willowbank

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Whether you’re buying your first RV, upgrading your setup, or planning your next adventure, you will find lots of ideas at the Let’s Go Ipswich Caravan and RV Expo. Held at Willowbank Raceway from August 28-30, this will be your chance to explore the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, tents, slide-ons and outdoor adventure products all in one place.

Experience a powerful virtual reality exhibition at Ipswich Art Gallery

The World Came Flooding In VR Experience

Step inside the Ipswich Art Gallery and discover a powerful new way to experience art and storytelling through the award-winning virtual reality exhibition, The World Came Flooding In. This immersive experience follows the deeply personal journeys of three people as they share stories of loss, resilience and hope in the aftermath of devastating floods. Bringing handcrafted miniature homes to life through virtual reality, the exhibition offers a moving reflection on memory, recovery and the strength of the human spirit. Running until August 30, sessions are available twice daily, with each 30-minute experience limited to just two participants. 

Roar with the Lions at Brighton Homes Arena

Brisbane Lions AFLW team at Ipswich's Brighton Homes Arena.

Don’t miss the excitement of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season as the Brisbane Lions face North Melbourne at Brighton Homes Arena on August 22. With every tackle, mark and goal, the atmosphere is sure to be electric as the Lions look to defend their home turf. 

Roll up, roll up! The circus is back in town!

Ashton's Circus

Step right up and experience the magic of Ashton’s – The Great Australian Circus when it rolls into the Ipswich Showgrounds from August 22-30. From breathtaking aerial performances to incredible hand-balancing acts, there’s fun for the whole family under the big top. Click here to book. 

Don’t miss the Redbank Fun Fair

With plenty of amusement rides, showbags, live entertainment, fireworks, food trucks and more, head on down to the Redbank Fun Fair at 235 Smiths Rd, Redbank. Held over 10 massive days from August 7-16, it’s fun for the whole family! Entry is $2 payable at the gate.

Expo to excite green thumbs

Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo

If you love spending time in the garden or sprucing up your outdoor space, then the Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo is the perfect day out for green thumbs. Whether you’re looking to add colour to your garden or style to your backyard, you’re bound to find plenty of inspiration as you wander through the variety of stalls selling everything from plants to pots, garden ornaments and outdoor décor. There will also be a number of guest speakers sharing their gardening tips and tricks, as well as delicious food vendors. Head on down to the Marburg Showgrounds between 8am-2pm on August 22. 

Get ready for a rowdy night at the Walloon Hotel

Saddle up for one of Ipswich’s wildest nights, with Bulls and Beers returning to the Walloon Hotel on August 22. There will be plenty of non-stop action as the riders take on the bucking bulls in the arena, plus live music and plenty of ice-cold refreshments to quench your thirst. It’s on from 4-8pm, with tickets available here. 

Add some drama to your weekend

Incinerator Theatre, Ipswich homeof the Ipswich Little Theatre Society

If you love the theatre, you won’t want to miss the annual One Act Play Festival at the historic Incinerator Theatre. Held from August 8-9, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the much-loved event, which brings together a range of talented performers who showcase scenes from some of the world’s most iconic plays. To reserve your seat, click here.

Discover, browse and bag a bargain at Ipswich’s many markets

If you love hunting down bargains, unique handmade finds and fresh local produce, Ipswich’s bustling markets are made for you. Across the region a different market comes to life each week, offering something new to discover. Start the month at the Springfield Markets at Robelle Domain Parklands on the first Sunday (8am-1pm), then head to the Orion Shopping Centre on the third Sunday (9am-4pm). The Handmade Expo takes over Tulmur Place on the second Saturday (9am-1pm) with more than 100 stalls of creative goods, while the Ripley Markets bring a relaxed twilight vibe to Providence on the same Saturday (3pm-8pm). To finish the month, the Riverlink Market Zone fills the East Mall on the fourth Sunday (8.30am–3pm). 

Build, learn and explore at the Queensland Model Hobbies Expo

Queensland Model Hobbies Expo

Whether you’re into model trains, airplanes, cars or anything in between, the upcoming Queensland Model Hobbies Expo on August 15-16 is the perfect place to grow your collection or even start a brand new one. With plenty of interactive displays, expert demonstrations and hands-on workshops, this two-day event at the Ipswich Showgrounds will be a haven for hobbyists, collectors and curious newcomers. 

Golden Days to bring romance and nostalgia to the stage

A heartwarming new stage production that follows the story of a couple from their first meeting through to courtship, marriage, family life, and the bittersweet joy of watching the next generation begin their own journey is set to play out at the George Hogg Performance Venue this month. Titled Golden Days and performed by the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale, this production is a celebration of love, laughter and friendship, all played to a soundtrack of epic songs from classic musicals. Four shows will be held between August 7-9, with tickets on sale now.

Feel the burn at the Ipswich Fitness Expo

Get ready to flex, lift, move and learn from some of the best in the industry at the annual Ipswich Fitness Expo, which returns to the Ipswich Showgrounds on August 29-30. The expo will feature professional development seminars led by top coaches, posing workshops, bodybuilding comps, the barbell classic, plus lots of vendors selling all things related to health and fitness. 

Where to stay…

Pocket Retreats

Stay in the heart of town with Urban Getaway, or book a family-friendly farm stay at Pocket Retreats, or Tallavalley Farm B&B.  Stay in Ipswich Central with Quest Ipswich and Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites.  Stay in Springfield at Quest Springfield and the Springfield Lakes Hotel.

For more options see our Accommodation Page.

For more ideas to help you plan your next trip to Ipswich, check out our What’s On page.

Ashleigh Howarth Freelance writer
Ashleigh Howarth is a journalist with more than 12 years experience in the media industry. Her passions include travelling, dessert bars, cocktails and attending music concerts. She aims to inspire others to unlock their own sense of wanderlust to explore this beautiful big world, whether that be on a local or more global scale. You can keep up to date with her stories by following @journo_ash_ on Instagram.

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