10 events happening around the Darling Downs this weekend
From food fests to classic old Ford collections, there’s a little something for everyone happening in and around Toowoomba this weekend...
Toowoomba
Don't miss out on the headlines from Toowoomba. Followed categories will be added to My News.
1. Experience some High Country at the Hampton Festival
If you consider yourself something of a foodie, this weekend’s Hampton Festival is the perfect outing for you.
Celebrating fresh local produce, art and music the festival aims to highlight the incredible selection of high country food on offer across the Darling Downs region.
The main part of the festival is taking place on Sunday from 9.30am-4pm at Chapman Park in Hampton.
The food and cultural extravaganza has an extensive events program giving you a unique, authentic High Country experience and highlights the autumn season and natural beauty of the Hampton region, including cooking demonstrations and art workshops – with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
Tickets are available online via the Hampton Festival website.
2. Polish up your French at Cafe Bla Bla
Come and brush up on your French at the Alliance Française de Toowoomba’s conversational French session at Kingfisher’s Cafe on Spring St this Saturday from 10-11.30am.
Cafe Bla Bla is a great chance for French speakers to practice and perfect their craft together in a friendly, encouraging environment.
All are welcome, cost is $7 for members and $10 for non members harmony of AFT.
For more information visit www.frenchtoowoomba.com or email info@frenchtoowoomba.com.
3. Enjoy a local trek with the Bushwalkers Club
The Toowoomba Bushwalkers Club are giving back to the community and offering a free community bushwalking program suitable for beginners or anyone who is new to bushwalking and wants to experience some great walking tracks within the region, learn some great tips and share stories with experienced club members.
This Sunday the group are taking walkers on an adventure on the Fantail and Firetail Trails at Picnic Point.
Participants are requested to allow a total of two hours for each bushwalk including sign-on and pre-walk briefing, the walk which runs at a beginner friendly pace, rest breaks, possibly morning tea, and sign-off time at the end.
This Sunday’s bushwalks will start at 8.30am from Rowbotham Street in Rangeville with the exact time and meet up location will be provided upon registration for each walk.
For safety reasons numbers are limited and bookings are required.
To find out more and to register contact council by phone on 131 872 or email the Bushwalking Club at change@toowoomba.bwq.org.au.
4. Have a gander at Toowoomba’s longest running craft show
The Doll Bear and Winter craft show is Toowoomba’s longest running craft show and is an excellent day of all things bears, dolls and cuddly warm winter uniqueness.
With plenty of interesting collectables, new wonderful knitting and crochet creations and must haves doll appraisals, this year’s craft show is a must see.
Head on down to St Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall on the corner of James and Phillip Streets from 9am-3pm on Saturday, entry for adults is $5 while children are free.
Hot coffee and soup will be available and there will be a public choice competition for the best bear or doll, dolls clothes, knitting, felting fudge and chocolate – so don’t forget to vote!
5. Soak up some jazz and shiraz at Preston Peak
Join the beautiful Preston Peak Winery for their Jazz and Shiraz event for an afternoon of great music, amazing food and beautiful wine, and of course, spectacular views.
Two bands will entertain audiences between 12-4pm, with the Stephen Henry Quartet playing in the garden and Black Velvet Jazz Quartet on the Pavilion Green.
From 4pm until 8pm, Andrzej Fenner and Fenny and the Mets will have everyone grooving into the night.
For booking options and more details head to the Preston Peak winery website.
6. Check out an incredible early Ford V8 display
Sideshow Alley and the Founders Pavilion at the Toowoomba Showgrounds is set to come alive this Saturday with a collection of early model V8 Fords from the Side valve era of the 1930s-50s.
This display is part of a “National Rally” which occurs once every eight years in Queensland and this year it’s opened up to the public.
Do you have a Ford? Why not bring it along?
There is no age limit. Bring your hot rod, your GT, your mustang – everyone is welcome.
Entry is free but gold coin donation is appreciated.
Those wishing to display their vehicles must be on site by 8am and spectators are welcome from 8.30am.
7. Dance the night away at the Wylahra Hall
Head down to the Wylahra Grove Progress Recreation Hall on Primrose Drive this Saturday night from 7pm and enjoy the tunes from Minor Complication, a band of seven musicians who are sure to have you dancing into the night with a set list of songs from classic oldies to more recent hits.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy and entry is only a gold coin donation so throw on your best frock and head out to Millmerran Downs for a great night out.
Bookings are required for group attendances of more than eight persons.
Contact the Wylahra Grove Progress Association Inc. on 0417 782 810 to book.
8. Get revved up at the David Hack Classic Meet
A great day for vehicle and aircraft enthusiasts, the 22nd David Hack Classic is bound to be a great day out for anyone who loves anything shiny that goes fast.
There will be free parking, food, drinks and kids activities available on the day with exhibitors of all types showing cars, bikes, aircraft with stalls and displays running Sunday from 8am-2.30pm at the Toowoomba City Aerodrome on Mutse Street.
The meet is the Rotary Club of Toowoomba North’s major fundraiser for charities including the Leukaemia Foundation and Blue Care as well as donations to other local charities so get on down to the aerodrome and support a great community event.
Entry is $15 for adults or $40 for a family with under 12s free.
9. Explore Toowoomba’s architectural style and stories on a guided tour
Present day Toowoomba is built onto the bones of a gracious Victorian era city.
Join local Heritage Architect Stephanie Keays from Toowoomba Trails, on this walk through the CBD with a fascinating glimpse into Toowoomba’s architecture and history.
Starting at the Art Deco style Empire Theatre on Sunday at 2pm, visitors will be guided by through Toowoomba’s rich architectural legacy, exploring a range of building styles and the design details that make them unique to our town with a mix of history, street art, cafes, shops and stories along the way.
Cost is $35 with tickets available online at Toowoomba Tickets.
10. Enjoy dinner with some soothing live music at Walton Stores
Humble and talented, Toowoomba musician James Ryle will soothe your soul with his talented sound while you enjoy the wide range of food on offer at the Walton Stores dining precinct.
Gather up your family and friends and enjoy a night out at Walton Stores on Saturday from 6pm as James plays a wide array of classic favourites from across the decades.
Originally published as 10 events happening around the Darling Downs this weekend
Revealed: Why council won’t clamp down on city’s abandoned trolleys
As residents float solutions to the city’s abandoned trolley problem, it can be revealed why the council didn’t pursue new local laws around it.
‘All on the table’: New council CEO ready to make tough calls
The Toowoomba council’s new chief executive Sal Petroccitto has declared everything is “on the table” in pursuit of a major transformation for both the organisation to help unleash the region’s future growth. Our exclusive interview here: