May 17 and 18: 10 things to do this weekend in the Darling Downs

From an alpaca open day to a classic car show and food festival, there really is something for everyone this weekend.

Brad and Cherryl McKeiver at the Hampton food festival. Sunday, June 26, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Celebrate food, wine, music, and art in Queensland’s high country this weekend.

Celebrate food, wine, music, and art in Queensland’s high country this weekend.

The Hampton Festival features art immersion experiences, diverse food vendors, music entertainment, and plenty of family friendly activities.

The festival runs on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased online at
hamptonfestival.com/tickets/.

You can get a single day or two-day pass, and tickets start at $25.76.

Phill Burchell aka Kustom with his custom 1952 Chev ute at the David Hack Classic, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Flickerfest

The Empire Theatre is hosting one night of Australia’s only Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival.

In the international short film festival’s 34th year it has travelled throughout Australia and is running until September.

This is the country’s largest Australian and international short film competition.

Come along for the chance to watch talented Toowoomba producer Charlotte Chimes’ short film Locked In.

Tickets can be bought at tickets.empiretheatre.com.au starting at $15.

International short films start at 5.30pm and Australian short films start at 8pm.

Alpaca open day

Double H Alpacas at Yalangar will hold and open day as part of a National Alpaca Week.

Visitors can pat baby alpacas, browse displays and pick up something soft and special at the gift shop.

The farm will be open from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Margaret Hassall with twin Alpacas born at Double H Alpaca Stud. Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle

Super Saturday

Take a train ride back in time, or from Drayton to Wyreema, on the Wyreema Wanderer.

Hop aboard the old steam engine and enjoy the views across the beautiful Darling Downs.

Two trains depart from Drayton at 10am and 1pm on Saturday.

Buy at downssteam.com.

Normie Rowe concert

Normie Rowe is making his first return to Toowoomba in 60 years, in a ‘60s themed night. He will be performing his notable hits and will be joined on stage by several supporting acts.

All proceeds of the event go to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s Regional Cancer Centre.

It will be hosted at Rumours International and doors open at 5pm. The show starts at 6pm.

Rarity and Bizarre Expo

Explore an eclectic mix of vendors offering oddities, rare collectibles, quirky art, and mystical treasures at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast of the unusual, or just looking for something unique, this event has something for everyone.

The event is 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Horse races

Put some money on the ponies this weekend at Clifford Park Racecourse.

The betting ring and main bar will be open from 10am and live racing from 12.30pm on Saturday May 17.

Walk and talk

Join Walk and Talk for a great way to meet new people and learn a bit about the incredible nature around us. The event is organised by Flora 4 Fauna starts at 10am on Sunday at Peacehaven Botanic Park.

It is free to attend.

Make sure to bring along an umbrella, water bottle, insect repellent, wear closed in shoes, and bring some cash in case you want to bring home some beautiful plants.

Escape Room

Grab your friends or family and put your detective skills to the test in an escape room.

You can dive into the life of a secret agent trying to find a piece of confidential information in Room 204, or see what it is like to live through a horror movie at Tick Tock Escape Room.

Find more information at ticktockescaperoom.com.au.