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

From local punk concert to a night at the ballet these are ten things you can do in Toowoomba this weekend.

Serving ice-cold slush puppies at the Goondir Health Services Big Buddy stall are (from left) Peppa Collins, Annabell Washington, Sherilee Laine, Veronica Holland, Dionne Connolly and Firebrace Wharton at the Warriors Reconciliation Carnival women's games at Jack Martin Centre with the men’s round set to kick off this Saturday, January 25. Picture: Kevin Farmer

This weekend is a great time to be in the Darling Downs with an all-out rugby league face-off and punk rock music festival sure to bring the house down.

Check out what’s on this weekend.

1. Support local music

Toowoomba musos rejoice! The Invasive Species Festival: Undercover Bandits is coming to Mouse Proof Brewery this Saturday.

Only in its second year, the Invasive Species Festival will bring local music to the forefront with ten grassroots punk bands ready to set the stage alight.

Featuring artists like Plan Zed, Coco Barker, and the 7ft Sooks, enjoy great music while you stroll through Indigenous market stalls, bush food demonstrations, Indigenous Art and Craft classes, and more.

Buy your tickets online or at the door with entry from 12pm, Saturday January 25.

2. Toowoomba Ballet

Wanting an elegant night out? Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre is hosting the region’s premiere ballet company for one day only, showcasing the wonderful world of Don Quixote.

The timeless ballet classic takes you on a journey of imagination with its breathtaking visuals, vibrant costumes and stunning choreography.

Fun for all ages, book your tickets to the 3pm matinee or 7pm performance before it’s too late!

3. Warriors Reconciliation Carnival

Get ready for a day of fierce competition and cracking action at the men’s round of the Toowoomba Warriors Reconciliation Carnival this Saturday.

Watch the best of the best fight it out on the field for the coveted Cec Docherty Memorial Trophy, all while enjoying a delicious treat from the canteen.

Keep an eye out for our players to watch Ash Taylor, Chris Woodbridge, Tony Clevin and Blake Mara as they show us what Toowoomba rugby league is truly made of.

Head to the Jack Martin Centre bright and early with gates opening from 7am and $10 entry.

4. Plant to Plate

Discover another side to Australia’s great countryside at the Plant to Plate guided walking tour this Sunday.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of Gumbi Gumbi Gardens in Darling Heights and learn how Australia’s native plants can be used to make delicious dishes or how they can keep us and the environment healthy and happy.

Don’t forget to bring sun protection, water and insect repellent to ensure you have a great day.

Entry is free to all ages from 9am-11am on Sunday January 26.

5. Fitzy’s Green and Gold

Don the green and gold at Fitzy’s Australia Day party this Sunday. Join the Fitzy’s crew for an afternoon of great music, cocktails, Aussie tucker and good times.

Festivities kick off from 2pm and will go into the night.

The best bit – you can sleep in on Monday.

6. Jurassic Creatures

Step into the past at the Jurassic Creatures exhibit in Queens Park before it disappears. Featuring lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and fossil adventures, it’s the perfect day out for every little palaeontologist in training.

Open all weekend with showings at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Buy your tickets here.

7. Jondaryan Woolsheds

A true blue Aussie experience, head to the Historic Jondaryan Woolshed this Australia Day for a jam-packed jamboree. With a water play park, shearing demonstrations, dog trials, treasure hunt and whip cracking there’s plenty of country fun to be had.

Gates open from 9am to 3pm with entry from $6 for children and $11 for adults.

8. Markets

Stock up on fresh produce and homemade goodies for your long weekend celebrations at one of Toowoomba’s quality markets.

The Yarraman Markets on the Corner of D’Aguilar and New England Highway will kick off from 7am to 12pm on Saturday while the Cabarlah Market will be held this Sunday, January 26 at the Cabarlah Sports Ground from 7.30am till 12.30pm.

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.

9. DownSteam celebrates Australia Day

Take a stunning journey through the Darling Downs on the DownSteam Tourist Railway this Australia Day. Watch the special flag raising ceremony or enjoy a classic sausage sandwich while you listen to the sweet tones of the Toowoomba Municipal Band. Trains depart from DownSteam Drayton location at 10am and 1pm.

10. Australia Day event near you

Across the region, residents will celebrate Australia Day with dozens of civic ceremonies honouring our finest citizens.

Enjoy billy boiling, truck pulling, dunny racing, thong throwing and wheelie bin racing at Oakey Australia Day celebrations in Arthur Shooter Park or a brilliant fireworks display at City Golf Club at 8pm.

Congratulate our Australia Day awardees at Picnic Point from 8am or head to the Toowoomba RSL from 11.30am for a delicious barbecue lunch.

For our full list of regional Australia Day events head here.