Hunt for hidden gems at Ipswich Collectormania

Step into a treasure hunter’s paradise at Ipswich Collectormania – Antique, Collectable and Record Fair, with this year’s event set to be the biggest Ipswich fair yet! Held indoors at the Ipswich Showgrounds on July 18, this massive event is a must-visit for collectors, vintage lovers and curious weekend browsers alike. Here you will find aisles packed with unique finds, from antique jewellery, coins and stamps to vintage toys, records, pottery, glassware, retro homewares, military collectables and much more!

Gather your girlfriends for a two-day escape of fun and connection

Girls just wanna have fun – and that’s exactly what’s on offer at the Ultimate Girls Weekend at Ivory’s Rock on July 31 and August 1. Created for women by women, this vibrant two-day festival is all about freedom, connection and unapologetic self-expression in a welcoming, judgement-free space where you can truly let your hair down. Highlights of the festival include dance and fitness classes, sound healing, drumming, PJ parade, 80s dress up night, outdoor cinema, craft workshops, plus much more! 

Get off the couch and enjoy a live show instead at one of Ipswich’s premier venues

From laugh-out-loud comedy to powerhouse live music and feel-good theatre, Ipswich is turning up the volume this month with nine big shows across the Ipswich Civic Centre, Studio 188 and Fire Station 101. The lineup features something for every taste, including Ipswich Has Comic Talent, Flood Fest 2026, Folk and Blues, a lively local production of Footloose, and the iconic sounds of Bohemian Rhapsody, meaning there’s no reason to be sitting at home this month!

And at Racehorse Hotel you can see Busby Marou on 18 July and The Radiators at CSI on 30 July.

Festive cheer returns with Christmas in July celebrations

It’s time to dust off the mistletoe and pull out your best festive sweater because Christmas in July is back in Ipswich! A number of venues across the city will be serving up festive feasts and family-friendly celebrations, bringing a welcome dose of holiday cheer to the region. Highlights include a special Christmas fundraiser luncheon at CSI Ipswich, along with festive-themed dining at Brothers Ipswich and Homage Restaurant, each offering their own take on hearty winter food, warm hospitality and Christmas spirit. 

Three country superstars, one unforgettable night

Country music fans can look forward to a night of hit-packed entertainment when The Ultimate Superstars of Country arrives at The Racehorse Hotel on July 3. Featuring tributes to country music superstars Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton, the show brings together fan favourites like Beer Never Broke My Heart, Whiskey Glasses, Last Night and Tennessee Whiskey. Backed by a world-class band of acclaimed Australian country musicians, this is more than a tribute show – it’s a high-energy celebration of modern country music. 

BBQ bliss awaits at the winter meat feast

Meat lovers, rejoice – an extra juicy food festival will be hitting the Ipswich Showgrounds on July 11 that is sure to have your tongues wagging and tastebuds salivating. Known as the Winter Meat Feast, this foodie celebration pays homage to all things smoky, sizzling and slow-cooked, bringing together a mouth-watering winter feast like no other.

Follow the irresistible aroma of BBQ smoke as you explore a delicious lineup of specialty meat vendors and food trucks serving up hearty dishes fresh off the grill. From juicy cuts and winter warmers to indulgent comfort bites, there’s something to satisfy every craving – with vegetarian and dietary-friendly options also on offer. There will also be plenty of market stalls to browse, carnival rides and activities for the kids. Then, when the sun goes down, make a beeline for the bonfire which will light up the night sky.

Acclaimed artists to light up the stage in special one-off concert

Whether you’re a lover of classical music, musical theatre or melodies that stir your soul, The Heart of Song – Voices that Inspire, Music that Moves promises an afternoon filled with warmth, passion and musical brilliance on July 4. Starring internationally acclaimed pianist Melissa Buchholz alongside celebrated soprano Meg Kiddle and emerging vocalist Ashlea Lavell, this uplifting concert blends beautiful music and heartfelt storytelling in a performance designed to delight audiences of all ages. 

Kick up your heels this Fourth of July at Spicers Hidden Vale

ust off your boots and celebrate America’s Independence Day in true country style with an evening of line dancing at Spicers Hidden Vale on July 4. With a little help from professional line dancers, you too will be having a toe-tapping time while soaking up the atmosphere of the retreat – all with a red, white, and blue twist. There will also be a hearty American-inspired BBQ featuring slow-cooked meats and seasonal salads from The Barn, alongside full bar service at Homage. 

Storyfest West Moreton bring leading authors to town

Storyfest West Moreton is a dynamic celebration of storytelling, literacy and creativity for the West Moreton community. Held at West Moreton Anglican College, the festival brings together leading Australian authors, illustrators and storytellers to engage students, educators and families through an immersive program of talks, workshops and interactive experiences.

Storyfest West Moreton builds on the legacy of the long-running StoryArts Festival Ipswich, continuing a strong tradition of inspiring young readers and supporting literacy development in the region. The festival offers curriculum-aligned student sessions, professional development for educators, and accessible family programming designed to spark imagination, encourage creative thinking and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Storyfest West Moreton will be held from Wednesday 22 July until Friday 24 July, with a Prologue Party on 22 July from 4.30pm-6.30pm and the family program running on Thursday 23 July from 3.30pm-4.30pm. 

Discover, browse and bag a bargain at Ipswich’s many markets

If you love hunting down bargains, unique handmade finds and fresh local produce, Ipswich’s bustling markets are made for you. Across the region a different market comes to life each week, offering something new to discover. Start the month at the Springfield Markets at Robelle Domain Parklands on the first Sunday (8am-1pm), then head to the Orion Shopping Centre on the third Sunday (9am-4pm). The Handmade Expo takes over Tulmur Place on the second Saturday (9am-1pm) with more than 100 stalls of creative goods, while the Ripley Markets bring a relaxed twilight vibe to Providence on the same Saturday (3pm-8pm). To finish the month, the Riverlink Market Zone fills the East Mall on the fourth Sunday (8.30am–3pm). 

Shake It Off and head to Taylor Swift trivia at the Orion Hotel

Swifties, it’s time to test your knowledge – Taylor Swift Trivia is coming to the Orion Hotel for a night of music, memories and friendly competition on July 31. From early country classics to record-breaking pop anthems and surprise album drops, this is your chance to prove just how well you know the eras, lyrics and legendary moments that have defined Taylor Swift’s career. Gather your team, warm up your vocal cords and get ready for questions that will have you singing, guessing and maybe even arguing over the right answers.

Hit the road for a camel-filled country adventure

If you’re after a fun country escape, why not jump in the car and head to nearby Harrisville to discover Summer Land Camels – Australia’s largest camel farm and dairy! Open every day of the school holidays, this will be your opportunity to take a special guided tour of the farm, get to pat and feed the adorable camels up close, and indulge in some of the farm’s award-winning camel milk range, including refreshing camel gelato and smooth camel milk vodka.