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

Clifford Park will take centre stage this weekend with the 1Equine Toowoomba Weetwood Raceday, but it is only one of the many wonderful, fun activities to do in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs this weekend.

At Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood 2023 are (from left) Haylee Shipp, Emma Frasle and Kristy Errington at Clifford Park Racecourse, Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Looking for something fun and exciting to do in Toowoomba this weekend?

It’s the final chance to catch the wonderful displays our gardeners created for the Chronicle Garden Competition, or take in the action trackside for Toowoomba’s premier racing event.

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

1. Let loose at Weetwood

The gates open at the Garden City’s signature race meeting, the 1Equine Toowoomba Weetwood Raceday, at 11am on Saturday.

Dress up in your finest outfits, pluck a fresh fascinator from the wardrobe and come on down to Clifford Park.

There will be live racing all afternoon, a full betting ring and TAB, Fashions on the Field, and plenty of fine food and cocktails. Tickets are available to purchase at the gate, head to cliffordpark.com.au for more details.

2. A moo-ving display

See shearing, penny farthings, early Edwardian vehicles, eat billy tea and damper, sausage sizzle, snow cones and ice-creams at the Highfields Pioneer Village.

The centre will be open on Sunday for anyone wanting to get up close and personal with the venue’s iconic attraction, the Big Cow.

The Fire Engine Museum, Ambulance Museum, Energy Museum, Transport Museum will also be open.

Gates open from 10am-4pm, Sunday at 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields.

Mike Robinson with his 1958 FE Holden at the Aces & Eights Family Fun Day, Blue Mountain Hotel. Picture: Nev Madsen. Sunday, 27th Oct, 2019.

3. Celebrate Holdens

The 38th All Holden Day will be held at Valleys Rugby League Grounds, promising an impressive line-up of old and newer model Holden.

Revel in the iconic Australian-made machines and enjoy music, plenty of food and drink.

Prizes are on offer for the best vehicle, and dogs are strictly prohibited.

Gates open from 6am-12pm Sunday, at Pillar St.

4. Rowes floral light show

Toowoomba’s iconic Rowes Building in historic Russell St will be lit up nightly from 6.15-9.15pm on Monday, and then again from October 4-6.

It will be the 20th year for the event that promises a musical journey in the fun and colourful world of an underwater garden.

There will be gnomes in Gnomeville, flowers the size of houses, giant bees and butterflies, and much more.

The display is best viewed from the footpath outside the National Hotel.

The "Pride of Toowoomba" takes it's first journey from Drayton Station to Wyreema. Saturday May 18th, 2024 Picture: Bev Lacey

5. Historic rail ride

The DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum will run two steam train trips from its Drayton station to Wyreema and back on Saturday, from 10.30am and 2pm.

There will be live music, an all-day sausage sizzle, and plenty of snacks on board.

For tickets visit downssteam.com.

6. Open Gardens

This weekend will be the last chance you will have to wander through the Chronicle Garden Competition gardens.

They will be open to the public all day Saturday and Sunday.

Visit tcof.com.au for more details.

There will be a free screening of Sherlock Gnomes at Peacehaven Park this weekend.

7. Cinema Under the Stars

Shake off your picnic blanket and get your family together for a relaxing movie experience under the country skies at Peacehaven Park in Highfields.

Enjoy the ambience as the sun sets, cosy up with some hot food and drink, and more.

Sherlock Gnomes with screenings from 5.30pm on Saturday. Entry is free.

8. Toowoomba Studio Art Trail

Visit and support local artists in their home studios.

For some creative inspiration or a chance to learn more about different artistic mediums, this self-paced trail is for you.

Whether you’re interested in watercolour, sculpture, oil paintings and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.

The studios are open Saturday and Sunday, for more details visit toowoombaarttrail.com.au.

9. The Woolshed at Jondaryan

For a little bit of history and nostalgia, take a country drive out to Jondaryan and explore the charm of a bygone era.

Take yourself on a self-guided tour and make sure to stop by the Damper Hut for some delicious damper and light refreshments.

Doors open from 9.30am-2.30pm all weekend.

10. Market fun

The Cabarlah Market will be held this Sunday, September 29 at the Cabarlah Sports Ground from 7.30am till 12.30pm. There is plenty of free parking with room for caravans. Owen Ray will entertain and the popular food and coffee outlets will be operating.

Every Saturday Toowoomba Farmers’ Market is as 27 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba (near the windmills at Cobb & Co Museum) from 7am to 12pm, and every Sunday the Toowoomba PCYC Market is at 219 James St from 7am to 12.30pm