By Ashleigh Howarth

Spring has sprung and it’s bringing plenty of reasons to get out and explore Ipswich, with Father’s Day celebrations, live music, theatre shows, bustling markets, delicious food and drink experiences, family-friendly adventures and major events like Galvanized and Powercruise all part of this month’s lineup.

Step back in time to a bygone era at Galvanized

‍If you love history, consider yourself a curious explorer, or simply enjoy the traditions of a bygone era, you won’t want to miss one of Ipswich’s biggest events: Galvanized - A Festival of Heritage. Held over 10 big days from September 4-13, Galvanized invites visitors to step back in time and experience Ipswich’s rich heritage in fun and unexpected ways. Visit rarely opened historic sites as part of Great Places of Ipswich, uncover spooky legends on a haunted ghost tour, and come face-to-face with Roman legions, Viking warriors, medieval knights and 20th-century soldiers at History Alive: A Journey Through Time. The fun continues with historic music and dancing at the Limestone Frolic, a glamorous outdoor garden party at the Rosewood Ramble, and the St Paul’s Annual Quilt and Craft Show, featuring quilts, woodwork, weaving, spinning and cross-stitch. Add guided tours of Queens Park, the Ipswich Lapidary Club Gem Show, and an atmospheric after-dark visit to the 19th-century Cooneana homestead, and there’s plenty to discover. To see the full program, click here.

Get ready for a wild adventure in the city

‍Calling all little explorers! Get ready to roar, stomp and swing into adventure when Safari in the City takes over Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct from September 21 to October 4 for the school holidays! Families can get up close to amazing animatronic animals, discover fun facts about some of the world’s most fascinating creatures and snap a few safari photos along the way! There will also be a live Dora the Explorer show and plenty of market stalls to explore.

‍A variety of shows and entertainment for all

‍September is bringing plenty of live entertainment to Ipswich with a fun mix of circus, comedy, music, cabaret and much-loved musicals hitting the stage at the Ipswich Civic Centre and Studio 188. Laugh along with Growing Old Ungracefully, enjoy the timeless sounds of The Frankie Valli Experience, or get swept up in the magic of Grease and Frozen Jr. For something a little different, check out the colourful Post Modern Cabaret, get involved with the Rainbow Choir Tulmur Edition for MELT Festival, or marvel at the bubbles of The Bubble Spectacular starring Dr Hubble’s Bubbles! And for those who love a little adrenaline, Circus Ipswich - Wet Paint brings circus thrills, spills and plenty of high-flying fun.

‍Get ready for seven days of racing action

Get ready for loud engines, screeching tyres and non-stop action at Queensland Raceway this September, as Powercruise #100 rolls into town from September 7-13. Get up close to hundreds of Australia’s toughest street machines and enjoy cruise sessions, powerskids, off-street racing, burnouts, dyno competitions, trade stalls and more. Whether you’re a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for an action-packed day out, there’s something to get your motor running.

Make Father’s Day one to remember

Whether dad loves good food, live music, a cold beer or a long, lazy lunch, there are plenty of ways to celebrate him and the other special men in your life across Ipswich. Enjoy a relaxed day in the country at Groovin’ in the Grove, set among the olive trees and lime orchards at Watercress Creek Olives and Limes. For something livelier, head to the Orion Hotel for great food, cold beers and the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Start the day with a Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast at Club Services Ipswich, or settle in for a leisurely afternoon at The Barn or Homage Restaurant in Grandchester.

Brunch worth getting up early for

Forget the Sunday morning sleep-in and set your alarm for Ipswich’s newest and tastiest club – The Rusty Nail Brunch Club! Kickstart your day with a delicious brunch and unlimited cocktails created exclusively for the occasion. Add relaxed vibes and great music, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a seriously good morning – all for just $65 per person. The next meetings will be held on September 12 and 27 from 11am-midday. Tickets are limited, so don’t sleep on this one.

Saddle up for school holiday fun

Swap the city for the farm these school holidays with a visit to Summer Land Camels where you can meet and feed the friendly camels, enjoy a bite at the café, try the famous camel milk gelato and browse the shop for locally made goodies. For an extra-special experience, you can also book a camel ride or a Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter. The much-loved Little Farmer Humpty Day will also be returning to the farm on September 30 (fees apply) where the kids can discover what life on the farm is all about through a range of hands-on experiences.

Go market-hopping around Ipswich

‍From handmade treasures and local goodies to fresh produce, fashion and plenty of tasty treats, there’s always something worth stopping for at the region’s markets. Kick things off at the Springfield Markets at Robelle Domain Parklands on the first Sunday of the month (8am-1pm), followed by their second markets of the month at the Orion Shopping Centre on the third Sunday (9am-4pm). Browse the stalls at The Handmade Expo at Tulmur Place on the second Saturday (9am-1pm). Later that day, head to Ripley Markets at Providence for an afternoon and evening of shopping, food and relaxed vibes (3pm-8pm), followed by the Riverlink Market Zone on the fourth Sunday (8.30am-3pm).

Paint a canvas while also painting the town red

‍Fancy a night of painting, partying and belting out Aussie classics? Head to the Orion Hotel on September 26 for Paint Juicy’s Homegrown Hits Singalong Paint and Sip. Grab a paintbrush, pour yourself a drink and follow the artist-led session to create your own masterpiece, all while singing along to a playlist packed with party bangers. No experience is necessary, and all painting materials are included.

Press start on your next gaming adventure

‍Whether you’re into competitive gaming or just love playing with your mates, there are plenty of ways to level up at the Ipswich Esports Cup! This brand-new celebration of gaming, esports and digital creativity is coming to the Ipswich Civic Centre on September 26, where you can expect epic esports battles, live gaming tournaments, indie game showcases, stage entertainment and interactive activities, plus a chance to discover where your gaming skills could take you with insights into careers and opportunities across the industry.

Double the footy, double the fun

Footy fans are in for a treat this month with the Brisbane Lions roaring into action for two big home games at Brighton Arena as part of the NAB AFLW Season. Expect big hits, big plays and plenty of electric game-day atmosphere as the Lions battle it out on home turf against the GWS Giants on September 5, before going head-to-head with the Adelaide Crows on September 20.

A fun and puzzling way to spend a day

Are you a jigsaw fanatic who loves the thrill of finding that final piece? Then get ready to put your puzzling skills to the test at the SEQ Puzzle Race - Spring Edition at the Jacaranda Function Centre in Goodna on September 12. Race solo, pair up with a puzzling partner or bring your crew for a team challenge as you battle the clock with speed, strategy and teamwork. But it’s not all about winning! The event is also a great chance to meet fellow puzzle lovers, have a laugh and enjoy a day of puzzling.

‍Sing it loud at the ultimate country showdown

‍Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a night of country hits at the Luke Combs vs Morgan Wallen – The Ultimate Country Showdown happening at Brothers Leagues Club on September 19. Expect plenty of singalong moments, toe-tapping tunes and a whole lot of country energy with a one-hour set packed with Luke Combs hits, followed by another hour celebrating songs from his famous friends including Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton and many more. No bookings or reservations are necessary – just get there early to secure a great spot.

‍Good spirits are waiting at Imbibis

‍Fancy a tipple with a side of behind-the-scenes distilling? Award-winning distiller Jason Hannay from Imbibis Craft Distillery is inviting spirit lovers to sip, sample and discover the art of small-batch distilling when he throws open the cellar doors on September 18 and 25. This is your opportunity to see how local ingredients are transformed into handcrafted gin, rum, vodka and liqueurs, as well as hear the stories behind the spirits and taste your way through a selection of delicious drops, including limited releases and cellar-door exclusives.

‍Turn up the volume and rock out at Banshees

‍Music fans are in for a triple dose of live sounds at Banshees Bar and Art Space this September, with three very different acts bringing their own flavour to the stage for fans to rock out to. British jazz guitarist and composer Lee Jones returns on September 18 with a powerhouse Brisbane quintet, blending jazz, rock, blues, fusion and improvisation into an energetic night of live music. Afterwards, you won’t want to miss Brisbane-based guitarist, composer, educator and community builder Joseph Rabjohns. Then on September 27, get ready to groove with Formidable Vegetable, fresh from Glastonbury and an international tour. For years they have been cultivating dancefloors worldwide with seeds of climate resilience, community sufficiency and active hope for a sound future.

For more ideas to help you plan your next trip to Ipswich, log onto www.visitipswich.com.au

‍This blog was written for Visit Ipswich, with images courtesy of Discover Ipswich, local businesses, tourism operators.

Add a little spring to your step with an adventure in Ipswich this September