11 Fun-Filled Days at the Ipswich Festival

Photo credit: Indulge Magazine

Get ready for the Ipswich Festival happening on 12-22 April. It’s going to be a jam-packed 11 days filled with entertainment and fun.

Catch some of the major events happening at the festival.


11 April – Michael Jackson: The Legacy Tour

Catch The Legacy Tour of Michael Jackson at the Ipswich Civic Centre starting at 8:00 p.m.

Get your tickets here.

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12 April – Fire On The River

Catch Fire On The River at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverlink Shopping Centre and watch fireworks light up the night sky synchronised to music. This marks the beginning of the festivities ahead.

Watch Jet Man and his friend propel above the Bremer River and fly into the sky as fireworks explode.

The shopping centre will also have exciting activities starting at 12:00 p.m. leading to the fireworks show.

Smile for the photo booth in the food court and get a chance to win VIP passes to a great dining experience. Catch Dr Hubble Bubble Show and Despicable 3 with your kids as well. At 6:15 p.m., there will be a Joel Fenton’s Comedy Circus Stun Show.

12-22 April – Artworks & Unmasked

See artworks from artists throughout South East Queensland at the St Paul’s Anglican Church from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be over 200 work entries on display.

The school will also showcase their talents throughout festival dates called “Unmasked.” A giant 1.5 mask will be painted by Ipswich Schools following this year’s theme: Waterways and the fate of the Sea.

12-21 April – Festival Gala

Looking for something sophisticated to do during the festival? Come to the Festival Gala and let the Ipswich City Symphony serenade you at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Get a chance to watch Silvie Paladino sing for the first time with the Ipswich City Orchestra. Tim McCallum and David Hubbard will be there as well.

Book here.


13 April – Mayor’s Festival Ball

Join the Mayor’s Festival Ball from 6:30 p.m. at the Ipswich Civic Centre that will transport you the 80’s. Dance the night away.

Call (07) 3812 2974 for bookings.


14 April – Creative Kidz

From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at various locations from Brisbane to Ipswich Central, take your kids with you and take part in interactive workshops, robotics, tech-fun, music, and craft design.

View all the Creative Kidz’s activities here.

14 April – Festival of Lights

Watch your favourite storybook character come to life at the Festival of Lights on Brisbane Street, Ipswich Central. You can come dressed as your favourite storybook character, too!

14 April – Heritage Street Bank Party

Join the Heritage Street Bank Party starting at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be great performances at d’Arcy Doyle Place, Food Lane Stage and at the DJ Stage. Make sure you get your dancing shoes on because you will be doing a lot of dancing!

14 April – Honk!

If you’re not up for some dancing, why don’t you check out vintage and classic vehicles at the Honk! event starting at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Brisbane Street.


15 April – Ipswich Hospital Foundation Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Bike Ride

Join the fundraising bike ride by the Ipswich Hospital Foundation starting at 8:00 a.m. at Fernvale Futures Centre.

Available trails:

  • 14 km
  • 44 km

Get more details here.

15 April – Gala Doll Fair

Do you love dolls? Come to the Gala Doll Fair at the Ipswich Civic Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ticket prices here.


18 April – Cabaret Five Foot Two

Join Melissa Western for Cabaret Five Foot Two starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Her performance is a tribute to the “vertically challenged” artists such as Kylie Minogue, Dolly Parton, and many more.

Book here.

18 April – Ride to Work

Ditch your vehicle and Ride to Work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. presented by Shine Lawyers. This event encourages the local community to ride to work and celebrate the benefits of riding to work. There will be a post-celebration breakfast at d’Arcy Doyle Place.


19 April – 60’s Music

Watch a live musical from the 60’s at the Ipswich Civic Centre by The Beach Boyz. Tickets are at $35 each.


20 April – Fiesta, Food, Fun & Flavours

From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Queens Park, enjoy delicious food at Street Eats whilst your kids enjoy free children’s workshops. There will also be giant games and activities. Of course, it’s not going to be a first without the main stage entertainment by exotic Belly Dancers, Bollywood Dancers, and the traditional South Pacific Islander Fire Dance.


21 April – Jazz, Wine & Blues

At Queens Park from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., get ready for same jazz and blues as Ipswich City Big Band, Elly Hoyt, Asa Bromhall, River City Aces, Aaron West and the Custodians, Devil’s Kiosk, and Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows will give you the kind of entertainment that you seek.

21 April – It’s All Gone Mad

Dress as one of the characters from Alice in Wonderland at The Tivoli Drive In Theatre. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. oink the maddest tea parties with the Mad Hatter, there will also be a croquet court with the Red Queen. Make sure that you look for Cheshire Cat whilst you’re there!

Catch two flicks, Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass starting at 6:30 p.m.

21 April – Ipswich Festival Criterium

Catch the return of the Ipswich Festival Criterium from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Queensland Penny Farthing and Historical Cycle Club have joined together to display ride of penny farthings and other historical bicycles.

Make sure you bring your own blankets and enjoy live music and food.


22 April – Ipswich 100 Bike Ride

Get active on the last day of the festival starting at 6:00 a.n. at the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus.

Available trails:

  • 100 km
  • 50 km
  • 25 km
  • 5 km

Register here.


To know more about the events, click here.