New Year, new adventures: 27 fun things to do in Ipswich this January
By Ashleigh Howarth
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, creative inspiration, or a little thrill, Ipswich has everything you need to kick off the New Year in style.
This January, the city is buzzing with events to keep everyone entertained - from colourful kite festivals and high-energy tribute shows to inspiring art exhibitions, drift sessions, ghost tours, farm experiences, and so much more.
Soar high at the Greater Springfield Kite Festival
Get ready for a day of family fun, colour, and excitement at the Greater Springfield Kite Festival at Woodcrest State College on January 17. There will be plenty of kites in all different shapes and sizes to admire plus food trucks, dessert stalls, interactive activities, live music, and more. The fun kicks off at 11am and runs until 6pm. Entry is free.
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 this month at Orion Springfield Central, where you will engage in intense discussions, form alliances, and complete tasks during a 30-minute mission. Suitable for kids (7 plus) and adults.
Rock the night away with AC/DC’s biggest hits
Experience the electrifying energy of one of the world’s greatest rock bands like never before at The Very Best of AC/DC – Whole Lotta Hits: The Definitive Collection tribute show at Brothers Leagues Club on January 10. Featuring a lineup of talented musicians, you will rock out to legendary hits like Back in Black, Highway to Hell, Thunderstruck, and You Shook Me All Night Long. Entry is free and no reservations are required.
Sing along to the hits that defined a generation
Relive iconic anthems by artists such as Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Men at Work, The Models, and many more icons of the ‘80s Australian pub rock scene at The Best Years of Our Lives show, happening at the Racehorse Hotel on January 25. This isn’t just any concert - it’s a full-on celebration of thumping riffs, summery strums, and classic hits that helped define Aussie rock at home and around the world! Click here to secure your ticket.
Make, taste, and learn at Imbibis Craft Distillery
There’s plenty happening at Imbibis Craft Distillery this month beyond just enjoying their amazing spirits. Kick off the month with a Soap ‘n’ Sip event on January 17, where you can learn the art of making natural soaps while sipping on your favourite drink. On January 24, get hands-on in the Cupcake and Cocktails decorating class - a 90-minute workshop where you’ll create sweet treats that look as good as they taste. Then, on January 25, dive into the world of gin with the Gin & Tonic Masterclass, an interactive tasting experience where you’ll explore different gins, mixers, and techniques for crafting the perfect G&T.
Test your imagination at the Ipswich Art Gallery
Get ready to jump, build, fly, and play at Move It! - the super-fun, hands-on exhibition on now at the Ipswich Art Gallery! Kids (and grown-ups too!) can zoom into action by building their own speedy LEGO car, test their flying skills in the giant wind tubes to see how high their recycled-material creations can soar, and create the wildest and loopiest ball run ever. It’s free to attend and runs until February 15.
Admire more masterpieces on display at the gallery
While you’re visiting the Ipswich Art Gallery, be sure to check out two incredible exhibitions currently on display. Lost in Palm Springs is a must-see for anyone fascinated by mid-century modern design, architecture, and its cultural influence. This national touring exhibition brings together 14 internationally recognised artists, photographers, and thinkers from the USA and Australia, capturing the magic of Palm Springs’ landscape and iconic architecture. For something completely different, Machine, Man delves into the fragility of digital memory and the inevitability of technological obsolescence. Using a combination of obsolete media, interactive digital works, and sculptural forms, this exhibition invites visitors to step into the body of a cyborg and explore the fascinating intersection of humanity and technology.
Join the action with free sports and games this summer
From thrilling FIBA 3x3 basketball games to friendly soccer matches, lively pickleball rallies, and popular E-Games, Take it to the Streets is a fun summer program your kids won’t want to miss! Held every Thursday from January 8-29 at Silver Jubilee Park, each session is packed with fast-paced fun led by professional coaches and players. There will also be free food, prize giveaways, and Jibbitz to collect. It’s free to attend and open to kids aged 13-18.
Strap yourself in and feel the power of a V8 race car
Experience the thrill of a lifetime by driving a V8 race car around Queensland Raceway! Drivers can choose between a Ford Mustang GT or Chevrolet Camaro – two powerful cars that really deliver the grunt! Your next opportunity to tick this off your bucket list will be on January 25. Bookings are essential.
Hands-on pizza making for little master chefs
Got a budding chef at home? Let them master the art of pizza-making at one of Vapiano’s Pizza Masterclasses these school holidays! For just $25, kids will get hands-on guidance from Vapiano’s pizza pros, learning everything from kneading the dough to garnishing their creations with fresh ingredients. Multiple classes will be held at the Nicholas St Precinct and Orion Springfield Central restaurants. Spaces are limited.
Markets, munchies, and must-have finds
Keen for a day of browsing, snacking, and discovering hidden gems? Ipswich’s markets are packed with everything from handcrafted candles, soaps, jewellery, pottery, homewares, artwork, fresh produce, honey, baked treats, and tasty bites from food trucks! Grab your reusable bags and bring your appetite as you explore market favourites like the Springfield Markets, Ripley Markets, the Riverlink Market Zone, the Handmade Expo Market, and the Ipswich Farmers and Collective Indoor Markets.
Hit the track and master your drifting skills
Whether you want to sharpen your car control skills with guidance from an on-site instructor or simply drift for fun with friends, set your GPS for Queensland Raceway! Open Drift Day kicks off on January 11 offering tandems, no noise limits, and challenging track layouts. Spend the day shredding tyres, tackling exciting obstacles, and feeling the adrenaline rush that only the track can deliver.
Pick up a sledgehammer at Rage Cage Smash Rooms
Whether you looking to de-stress or experience the thrill of smashing household items to smithereens with a sledgehammer, head to Rage Cage Smash Rooms. Here you can smash plates, mugs, televisions, microwaves, laptops, guitars and even a car, and you don’t even have to clean up afterwards!
Unleash your inner Viking at Rampage Axe Throwing
Ipswich’s first indoor axe throwing venue, Rampage Axe Throwing, is conveniently located behind the smash rooms, so why not head there after you have finished breaking stuff. There are eight self-contained lanes with targets, and expert coaches are on hand to help show you how it’s done fun and safely.
Haunting history awaits at the Goodna Cemetery
Step into the shadows of Goodna Cemetery, one of Australia’s oldest and most haunted burial grounds this month with renowned historian Jack Sim. Steeped in history and legend, this eerie cemetery has plenty of stories, with some of those buried there being patients of the Goodna Asylum. If you’re brave enough to uncover its secrets, join a two-hour guided tour after sunset on January 17 and 31.
Give cane toads the boot
Hop into action and help protect the environment by taking part in the upcoming Community Toad Bust, happening on January 30 to February 8 at 62 High St, Brassall. Ipswich City Council has teamed up with the not-for-profit group Watergum to humanely and effectively manage this pesky invader. Bring along your own toad busting kit, or borrow one on the evening! Spaces are limited so register your attendance here.
Watch thrilling thoroughbred racing at the Ipswich Turf Club
Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or new to the track, the Ipswich Turf Club offers a classic day out full of tradition, the sound of pounding hooves, the cheers of the crowd, and the thrill of seeing the winning horse and jockey cross the finish line. Race days will be held on January 3, 10, 15, 21, and 31.
Enjoy a day at the Marburg trots
Treat the kids to a movie at Limelight
With an array of new and old movies currently screening, there are sure to be plenty of movies the whole family can enjoy at Limelight Cinemas. Grab the popcorn and your top choc ice cream before heading in to watch Zootopia 2, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Wicked: For Good, plus many more!
Level up your family game night
From classic arcade favourites to ten-pin bowling, iPlay Ipswich delivers hours of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re entertaining little ones or challenging the big kids at heart, there’s a game for everyone. Head to Riverlink Shopping Centre and get playing.
Gigs galore to dance along to
Banshees Bar and Art Space has planned a massive start to 2026 with a number of big artists visiting this month. Catch Dedway, punk legends Kathleen Turner Overdrive, and Adelaide’s rising stars Chop on January 9, followed by OUT of ABINGDON and David Flower on January 16, and The Humbuckin' Pickups and Julian James and Beci Kate on January 24.
Take a walk through the Ipswich Nature Centre
Home to a number of adorable native animals, the Ipswich Nature Centre is one of Ipswich’s most popular destinations. Located inside Queens Park, the nature centre is like a free zoo you can walk around to see dingoes, kangaroos, bilbies, spotted quolls and more up close. It’s free to enter, meaning you can visit as often as you like.
Treat yourself to a camel ride at Summer Land Farm
Open every day, Summer Land Camels is a great day trip for families looking to soak up the country atmosphere. Here you can meet and feed the friendly camels, get something to eat at the cafe, try the famous camel milk gelato, and browse the farm shop for locally made goods. For an unforgettable experience, book a camel ride, or a tour, taste and camel encounter.
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ipswich’s beautiful scenery with a gentle hot air balloon float with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights. As the sun rises, you will enjoy majestic 360-degree views of Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside – talk about a great way to start your day!
Dive into fun at your local pool or water park
Summer is in full swing and temperatures are rising in Ipswich, so if you’re looking to cool off, splash around, or work on your tan, there are plenty of spots where you can cool off! Take a dip at Orion Lagoon in Springfield, or enjoy the public pool facilities at Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre, Goodna Aquatic Centre, and Rosewood Aquatic Centre. There are also plenty of splash parks to help you beat the heat including Robelle Domain, Bob Gamble Park, Ripley Splash ‘n’ Play, Tulmur Place, and White Rock Splash Pad. Click here to find out more.
Squeal with excitement at Falvey’s Australia Day Pig Races
Kick off Australia Day the true-blue Aussie way at Falvey’s 5th Annual Pig Races - a much-loved event that also raises money for Variety Queensland! The first race starts at midday at Falvey’s Hotel Yamanto, and with five races scheduled, the excitement never stops. There will also be face painting, a petting zoo, jumping castle, raffles, auctions, and more!
Three big days of true-blue Aussie shenanigans at Brothers
From a thong-throwing competition and Tim Tam balancing race to stubby holder stacking, a backyard game zone filled with bean bag toss, ring toss, bowling, and giant Jenga, plus live music, promotional draws and all-day dining, families are in for a fun-packed Australia Day at Brothers Leagues Club. And because Australia Day falls on a Monday this year, Brothers is kicking off the celebrations on Saturday so you can party all weekend long!