What’s on: 10 things to do in Toowoomba this weekend

There’s plenty to do across the region this weekend with major events and festivals kicking off down the range as Toowoomba revels in the Carnival of Flowers’ final weekend of activities.

Samantha Pigozzo and Sarah McVeigh ready for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade. Picture: Nev Madsen

For those looking to get out and about this sunny weekend, the Darling Downs is hosting a range of events.

There’s plenty to do across the region this weekend with major events and festivals kicking off down the range as Toowoomba revels in the Carnival of Flowers’ final weekend of activities.

Whatever you’re after this weekend there’s something for everyone.

1. Last weekend for Carnival of Flowers

Samantha Pigozzo and Sarah McVeigh ready for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade. Picture: Nev Madsen

This is your last chance to get among the festivities of the Carnival of Flowers for 2024, with this weekend’s events running into Monday’s public holiday.

The Talking Pub Tour will kick off at 11am on Sunday, however there are limited spots available.

Parkland Entertainment at Laurel Bank and Queens Park will be on from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday, and 9.30am to 1pm on Monday.

The Carnival Memorabilia Display will run every day from 8.30am to 5.30pm and the Garden Info Stands at Laurel Bank and Queens Park Botanic Gardens will be manned from 8.30am to 4.30pm across the weekend.

2. Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial

The transport and trucking community will line the Warrego Highway from Toowoomba to Ipswich before coming together at Gatton to pay their respects to members who lost their lives on and off the roads.

The convoy will celebrate its 20th year on Saturday, October 5 and will leave from Toowoomba at 9.30am before arriving at the Gatton Showgrounds about 10.30am. Gates at the grounds open from 9am and run to 11pm, with the day to include live music, markets, fireworks, free show rides for children, and more.

Children’s entry is $16.50 and adults $27.50, however there are a range of family packages available too.

The memorial for those lost will be held at Lake Apex Park in Gatton on Sunday at 10am.

Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial event at Gatton in 2023.

3. Australian Camp Oven Festival

Caravans and campers will descend upon Millmerran for the Australian Camp Oven Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day festival includes live entertainment by Simply Bushed, camp oven cooking demonstrations, bush poetry, heritage demonstrations, children’s entertainment, and more.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at the gate or online. For more details visit https://acof.com.au/.

4. Big Skies Festival

The return of the much-anticipated Big Skies Festival at the historic Jimbour House on the Western Downs will feature a weekend of Aussie rock and country music.

The official line-up features more than 10 bands, including The Screaming Jets, Brad Cox, Killing Heidi, Kaylee Bell, Deborah Conway, and Mick Lindsay, supported by Pete Cullen and the Hurt, The Charlie Nolan Band, The 78 Sound, and Faleepo Francisco.

Individual ticket prices for Saturday and Sunday are $125. For more details visit https://bigskies.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/

Big Skies: Running across the October long weekend, the festival is now in its fifth year and will feature live music, dining experiences, regional tours, markets, camping, bonfires and more.

5. Spring Symphony Exhibition

This weekend will be the last chance to check out the Spring Symphony Exhibition at The Toowoomba Galley at 3 Railway St.

It is the first time artists Esmae Barry and Ka Mo have brought their incredible works together in Toowoomba.

The free exhibition showcases florals and landscapes, capturing the magic of spring, and will run until Monday. Opening times are 10am to 3pm.

6. Lockyer Valley farmers markets

Happy Mulgowie farmer Rodney Emerick grows beans and corn. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Head down the range to Mulgowie in the Lockyer Valley for the Real Farmers Market on Saturday from 8am to 11am at the Mulgowie Hall Grounds.

Stroll through the local and artisan stands bursting with fresh local produce from Australia’s Salad Bowl.

Shop for homemade treats, collectibles, arts and crafts, books, and more amongst the magical landscape at the base of the Little Liverpool Range.

7. Theatre Show in Toowoomba

At 7.30pm Saturday at the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre, the curtains will open for the Rumors production directed by Adrian Smith.

Rumors is a brilliant, fast-paced comedy written by America’s leading playwright Neil Simon, set in New York in the late 1980s.

Adult tickets are $25, concession $20, and members $15.

8. Toowoomba Rally for Alcoholics Anonymous

On Saturday at Toowoomba’s Burke and Wills Hotel Al-Anon members are welcome to come together to celebrate their sobriety.

The full weekend of meetings, which includes international speakers, will come to a head on Saturday night with a huge dinner and dance kicking off at 6pm.

Tickets to the two-course meal and DJ dance party are $75.

9. Newtown State School Centenary

Members of the Newtown State School concert band. Picture: Kevin Farmer

On Saturday, the Centenary of Newtown State School will be celebrated at the school grounds on Albert St, Toowoomba.

Registration will start at 10am before the event officially opens at 11.30am.

Attendees can expect historic displays, vintage cars, food stalls, and more.

10. Cabarlah Hall centenary celebration

The centenary of the Cabarlah Hall is being celebrated with an open afternoon and afternoon tea on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1.30pm.

There will be a visual presentation and cutting of the centenary cake as well as reminiscing of activities of the past.

A Cabarlah Sports & Festival Committee Inc spokeswoman said a plate of food to share for afternoon tea would be appreciated.