By Ashleigh Howarth

Whether you’re interested in art, theatre, live music, food festivals, car racing, gardening or markets, there’s plenty of excitement happening around Ipswich this month!

Facebook: Watercress Creek Olive and Limes

Treat your tastebuds at this epic foodie festival

For a day full of flavour and fun, head to the annual Watercress Creek Olive Festival in Pine Mountain on April 12. Here, you can get a true taste of the region by purchasing an array of local goodies from the market stalls, take a tour of the farm, throw out the picnic rug to enjoy lunch in the grove, and kick back and relax to some live music.

Bluey and Bingo come to town!

Everyone’s favourite blue heelers, Bluey and Bingo, will be meeting their youngest fans and sharing some of their favourite games when they appear at the Nicholas Street Precinct these school holidays! Get ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more from April 7-10, with multiple interactive experience times: 10.30am-10.50am; 11.30am-11.50am; and 12.30pm-12.50pm. There will also be market stalls, food and more, so head on down between 10am-2pm daily. Entry is free, plus you get three free hours of parking!

Double the laughs at the Racehorse Hotel

Get ready to laugh yourself silly as two of the world’s funniest comedians take the mic at the Racehorse Hotel this month. Arj Barker brings his signature wit and hilarious stories on April 17, followed by Aussie comedian and singer/songwriter Kevin Bloody Wilson on April 28. From sharp jokes to unforgettable anecdotes, these shows promise big laughs, good vibes, and a night you won’t forget.

Dive into nature at the Ipswich WaterFest

If you love the outdoors, get involved in WaterFest - a celebration highlighting Ipswich’s valuable waterways. From now until April 24, you can enjoy a range of activities including waterway restoration projects, planting days, fishing competitions and even canoeing. There are also plenty of nature-based experiences for curious explorers such as Waterbugs activities at Tulmur Place, plus documentaries, craft activities, games and animal experiences at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre.

Raise a glass or two at the Rusty Nail

Love a good drink but struggle to tell the difference between a good whisky from brandy? Step into the underground cellar at The Rusty Nail on April 12 for a dark spirits tasting experience that will delight your palate. Guided by experts, you’ll sample four carefully chosen dark spirits and discover the subtle flavours and differences that make each one unique. A second session is also scheduled for May 2, with tickets to both events now available. In addition, they will also host a classic cocktail class on April 18 where you can learn to make three new drinks to impress your guests at your next party.

Launch into an out-of-this-world adventure

Are you ready for a fun challenge filled with teamwork, mystery, and a little bit of mischief? Step into the role of crew members and imposters at Saboteurs - a live, Among Us-style role playing game happening at Orion Springfield Central, where you will engage in intense discussions, form alliances, and complete tasks during a 30-minute mission. Suitable for kids and adults.

Fuel your need for speed at Queensland Raceway

If you constantly feel the need for speed, Queensland Raceway is the place to be! From April 10-12, don’t miss Frydays #16 - Queensland’s biggest festival of smoke, horsepower and adrenaline featuring cruising, powerskids, drifting, roll racing, and epic burnouts. You also don’t want to miss Gasoline and Caffeine Happy Laps, Moto Ride Day, No Prep Drag Wars, Night Sprints, Time Attack, The Track Festival, V8 Drift Experience, and the all-new Corvette Hot Laps Experience.

Incredible lineup of live entertainment

From authentic Irish dancing to renditions of legendary artists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Ipswich Civic Centre and Studio 188 this month. Be enchanted by the magic of shadow puppetry in The Owl’s Apprentice, and experience the spirit of Ireland with Ireland the Voyage. Music lovers can sing along to iconic hits in The Eagles Greatest Hits and The James Taylor Songbook performed by Darren Coggan, or enjoy beloved classics in Kenny Rogers and Friends. Audiences can also experience a powerful celebration of First Nations artistry and contemporary music with Toni Janke. Plus, don’t miss Clea at Studio 188 as part of the Mixtape Sessions, delivering a truly transportive live music experience.

Indulge in a movie at Limelight

With so many hit movies hitting the big screen, why not treat yourself to a night out at Limelight Cinemas and upgrade to the Gold Lounge with recliners and state-of-the-art laser projection. Some of this month’s must-see films include The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Drama, Michael, and Reminders of Him.

Discover Ipswich’s vibrant art scene

Whether you are creative yourself or like to admire other people’s work, the Ipswich Art Gallery and Community Gallery are full of inspiration and incredible artworks to admire. Experience the spiritual depth of contemporary Aboriginal artist Andrea Fisher’s TOTEM: A Little Piece of Spirit; explore the luminous, captivating works of Ipswich-based painter Leonard Brown in his retrospective Painting the Celestial. For a slower, more mindful experience, join Dhana Merritt in Let’s Take It Slow: Practising Slowness Through Tea and Art, a unique workshop that celebrates rest and contemplation as a form of care. If you have little ones, they will love the dazzling world of LightPlay, where curiosity sparks ideas that really come to life!

Rock out at the ultimate pop-punk throwback night

Relive the biggest hits from two of pop-punk’s all-time legends, Blink-182 and Green Day, at a special tribute show at Brothers Leagues Club on April 4. Sing along to a number of anthems that dominated the airwaves including All the Small Things, What’s My Age Again?, American Idiot, Good Riddance, plus many more! It’s free to attend.

A colourful and creative night out

Looking for a night out in Ipswich with a twist? The Singalong Paint and Sip at General Public is anything but ordinary. With step-by-step guidance, plus planet of hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, it’s the perfect mix of creativity and fun. Hosted by Paint Juicy, the event takes place at General Public on April 23 from 6-9pm.

A blooming day out for green thumbs

Autumn is a great time to get working on your garden, so if you’re a green thumb in need of some new plants or helpful tips and tricks to ensure your garden blooms, don’t miss the annual Ipswich Garden Spectacular at Silkstone State School from April 11-12. Hosted by the Ipswich Orchid Society, there will be plenty of displays and plants for sale plus gardening supplies not often available in regular retail outlets. Entry is $5 for adults, and kids under 18 are free.

Three days of crafty fun at the showgrounds

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, the Queensland Papercraft Show is a must-visit! Held at the Ipswich Showgrounds from April 9-11, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to stock up on supplies, kits and equipment, or try your hand at an interactive class or workshop.

Celebrate the change of seasons at Trevallan

If you’re interested in learning how to make your own tropical garden at home, head down to Trevallan Lifestyle Centre’s Autumn Fair on April 11. Ipswich storytellers Kevin Ahearn and Rob Wilson will be on hand to give you some helpful tips, but you can also wander through the market stalls, treat yourself to homemade pies, pastries and baked goods, and enjoy live entertainment. All the fun will be held between 9am-1pm.

Discover new collectables at this doll fan market

Get ready for a fabulous day of fashion, fun, and all things dolls at the Monster High and Fashion Doll Fan Market, held at Rare and Pretty Dolls on April 26. Whether you're a lifelong collector or just starting your obsession, this will be your opportunity to buy, sell, trade and hunt for rare finds. There will also be plenty of Bratz dolls, as well as Barbie, LOL, OMG, and other collectors for you to chat to.

Treat mum to a special day out in Marburg

Get a head start on buying presents for the special women in your life at the upcoming Mother’s Day Markets at Soul Nook Collective on April 18. There will be plenty of handcrafted gifts, candles, fashion, heartfelt keepsakes and fresh blooms, as well as live music, pampering experiences, raffles, prizes and more. Entry is $2.

Egg-citing fun and bargains at the markets

Clear your Sunday plans and hop to the Ipswich Showgrounds on April 5 for the Southside Collective Easter Market Edition. The kids can join in the Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny while you dig through preloved treasures, vintage gems, plants, handmade goodies, artisan creations and antiques.

Tap along to the blues at Banshees

The blues are coming to Ipswich with Heritage City Jazz set to perform at Banshees Bar and Artspace on April 12. Featuring Elizabeth Close on vocals and Rob Corcoran on saxophone and clarinet, they will be joined by renowned jazz pianist and vocalist Larry Thomson for a night of soulful music.

Let your imagination run wild at Artfight

If you have a creative side, get ready to battle it out against other artists at the second round of Artfight, held at Stony Creek Brewing on April 19. No matter what you draw, you gotta impress the audience who ultimate decides on who wins and goes on to the final round for the chance to win the championship trophy and $1000 art pack. All supplies used to compete are provided by Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies. If you’re interested in competing, email arttimeipswich@gmail.com.

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Hit songs and trivia at an iconic local pub

Think you know a lot about music and pop culture? Put your knowledge to the test at the music bingo night on April 1 and Twilight trivia on April 15, happening at the Hotel Commonwealth. Why not grab a bite and a cold drink beforehand to really get your night started!

Edge-of-your-seat race days at the Turf Club

There will be plenty of fast-paced horse racing action at the Ipswich Turf Club with four big race days planned. A free family-fun day complete with chocolate eggs and live entertainment will be held on Easter Monday (April 6), followed by regular race days on April 16, 23 and 29.

A Friday night jam like no other

It doesn’t matter what instrument you play, all musos are welcome to attend the free Didgeridoo and Acoustic Instruments Jam around the fire pit on the last Friday of the month at the Didgeridoo Festivals HQ in Augustine Heights. Together, the group creates a rich, organic soundscape while sharing stories, rhythms, good vibes and fostering community connection.

A night of drumming, spirit and self-discovery

Step into one of the world’s oldest spiritual practices at a guided Shamanic Journeying session at Revive Yoga and Wellness Centre on April 18. This sacred drum journey helps to part the veils between the seen and unseen worlds so you can meet your guardian spirits and get guidance on any issues that are troubling you. Tickets are $35 per person.

Browse the markets at Summer Land Camels

With more than 100 market stalls to explore plus delicious food trucks, live entertainment, camel rides, farm tours, and vodka and gin tasting, the upcoming Autumn Markets at Summer Land Camels on April 11 is the perfect excuse to jump in the car and experience a taste of the country life.

Unlock the secrets of small-batch spirits

Discover the craft behind your favourite spirits at Imbibis Distillery. Join chief distiller Jason Hannay for a tour and tasting every Friday from 2pm-3pm, where you can learn the secrets of distillation and sample some unique flavours.

Step into farm life for a day

If cuddling baby animals sounds like your perfect day in the country, escape the city and head to Heritage Poultry’s Sunday Farm Day on April 26. Kids can wander through the animal nursery and feed the goats, sheep, chickens and ducks, cuddle super-soft silkies, meet puppies and spend time in the dedicated chick and duckling holding area. There’s even a baby goat playground! The farm will be open from 10am-12.30pm.

Find more gems at these monthly markets

Dive into Ipswich’s bustling markets and discover handcrafted goods, fresh local produce and incredible bargains at the Springfield Markets, Ripley Markets, the Riverlink Market Zone, and the Quibble Market. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bags!

Add a few extra nights….

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 their Accommodation Page.

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

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

April adventures in Ipswich: 28 ways to explore, play and indulge