Ipswich is celebrating a huge result in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program, with 49 local tourism businesses recognised among the state’s top visitor experiences.Best of Queensland Experiences are tourism businesses recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland for delivering exceptional visitor experiences. For travellers, it’s a handy signpost to operators known for quality, service and memorable moments.This year also introduced new recognition tiers — Gold, Silver and Teal — adding even more prestige to the program. Ipswich didn’t just make the list, it stood out on it, with one Gold winner and four Silver tier winners among the region’s 49 recipients.

Starting in the last week of the school holidays there are many adventures to enjoy with kids during SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival this July… From collaborative chalk art in Chalk Play to the immersive, light-filled wonder of Kaleidoscope Reflections, there’s something for every curious mind.Kids and families can take over the airwaves with Tin Can Radio or get hands-on with workshops in bug-making, felting, pet rocks and botanical illustration. Move and groove with street dance, Tai Chi with live music, illuminated hula hoops and Kids Zumba. With many free and low cost, interactive experiences to join, it’s the perfect winter outing for all ages. For the full list check out the Ipswich Festivals website to view all the family friendly events.

Over 5 days in July the City of Ipswich will be taken over by music, comedy, arts, exhibitions, projection, culture, collaboration and hands-on fun.  SPARK Ipswich Art Festival celebrates the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich from July 8-12.  While there are some ticketed events, there are also a lot of low or no-cost things you can do – so bring the family and get ready to have some fun!Silent disco toursSilent Disco Walking Tours are a hilarious dancing, walking adventure for all ages. Wearing supplied headsets we groove our way through local streets, engaging passers by with our spontaneous flash-mob style dancing and antics. Upbeat music from your favourite decades are played by our vibrant disco hosts, quickly washing away your inhibitions and leaving you smiling from ear to ear.Date and time: 8-12 July with sessions at 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm and 7pm.

This month there’s a packed program full of live entertainment, culture, festivals, mouth-watering food events, bustling markets, hands-on workshops and more…Ipswich to shine as SPARK Arts Festival returns for five spectacular daysGet ready to see Ipswich in a whole new light as the city transforms into a vibrant playground of colour, music, movement and illumination for the hugely popular SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival. Running over five spectacular days from July 8-12, the much-loved festival will deliver an exciting program designed to inspire, entertain and delight visitors of all ages.Highlights include dazzling animated artwork projections, silent disco tours, a bustling artist night market, an enchanting candlelight concert, street theatre, dance workshops and the ever-popular Little Day Out.

The Winter school holidays are a fantastic time to explore farms, take on an adventure and get creative!In Ipswich you can fill the holidays by heading to Spark Ipswich, cuddling some adorable farmyard animals and taking an art class.Here are a few of the top activities that need to be on your family’s holiday checklist from 27 June – 12 July.

This June, kids will be in their element during the Festival of Horsepower! From racing cars to racing ponies, excitement awaits…The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals are back at Willowbank Raceway, and they’re bigger, faster, and more intense than ever! Even those who do not follow racing will marvel at the power and thrill of drag racing as the best drivers battle it out for glory. A four-day family friendly festival (4-7 June), featuring Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars, family activities, entertainment, merchandise, food trucks and the opportunity to meet the racers and teams. Don’t forget those noise cancelling headphones!Queensland Raceway is packed with thrills across the month too. With Cruise the Night on 6 June, an epic evening event at the racetrack that will have the kids beaming at the neon lights and big noises! There will be food trucks, trade stalls and kid-friendly activities. For those little sports car fans bring them out to the Shannons SpeedSeries GT Festival 12-14 June! Kids will love seeing the cars fly around each bend cheering them on as they roar past.