10 events happening around the Darling Downs this weekend

From salsa dancing to fun workshops, there’s something for everyone happening around the Toowoomba region this weekend.

Jenny Rains (left) and Barbara Bingham at the Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair 2018. Esk is the latest town to feel the yarn bombing craze. The Fair joined in after seeing CWA's colourful street tree additions in the main street.

1. Mums and Bubs Expo

SPEND the day browsing handmade baby products, meet the makers and learn about businesses that can offer support during the journey of becoming a parent at the Mums and Bubs Expo.

The Makers Market is hosting the free event at the Mills Precinct on Sunday from 9am to 1pm.

Entry is free and will showcase products for pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Kelly Prentice, with her daughter Sophia, is hosting the Mums and Bubs Expo at The Mills Precinct. Picture: Kevin Farmer

2. Street Salsa

DANCE like nobody is watching at a street salsa session in Queens Park.

Starting at 11am on Saturday, the first hour will be a lesson dedicated to beginners followed by social dancing for those who are more confident on the dance floor and looking for pointers.

All skill levels are welcome to attend the two sessions which run for an hour each.

While entry is free, donations are appreciated.

3. Drafting and sewing workshop

TRAVEL back in time to the era of Gatsby and flappers – the 1920s.

Heritage corsetry artisan Lorraine White will guide participants through a two-day workshop where they will learn to create their own authentic 1920s costume slip.

Hosted by Toowoomba Arts Footprint, the event will take place at Cobb and Co Museum on Saturday and Sunday and run from 9am to 4pm.

Basic knowledge of machine sewing is recommend and light maths will also be involved.

Please bring sharp sewing scissors, paper cutting scissors, head pins, a measuring tape, calculator, black or red fineliner and a 2B pencil.

All other materials, morning tea and lunch will be provided.

The class costs $220 and can be booked by phoning [phone].

4. Queens Park markets

TREAT yourself to some of the food stall offerings at the Queens Park markets this Sunday.

The popular market event which has been running for the past three decades will also have a jumping castle, pony rides, face painting, trike rides and an animal farm on the day.

Funds raised through site fees and the sausage sizzle will be donated to WhatsUp In Disability – a not-for-profit arm of Big Dog Support Services.

The markets run from 8am to 1pm at Frogs Hollow on Hume St.

Margie Nagy with her grandchildren Kade and Zahra Butt in Queens Park.

5. Toowoomba Live Streamers

RIDE a miniature steam locomotive this Sunday when the Toowoomba Live Streamers hosts a public run day at its railway from 11am to 4pm.

Riders are asked to wear enclosed footwear.

Pricing is $2 per person per ride and runs for eight to 10 minutes.

Passes are also available to purchase.

Eftpos facilities are not on-site.

6. Winter Solstice Celebration

SOAK up the sunshine and socialise with like-minded green thumbs at a social get together this weekend.

Toowoomba Community Organic Gardens Association (TCOGA) is hosting the gathering at 22A Goggs St, on Sunday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Plant seedlings will be available to purchase before the group fires up the pizza oven.

Attendees are asked to bring a pre-prepared pizza, potatoes and toppings of choice.

The general public is welcome to attend the free event.

7. Fundraiser and mini-adoption day

MEET your new furry best friend at the upcoming mini-adoption day and fundraiser.

Hosted by Off the Chain K9 Rescue Queensland, the event will take place at the markets in Queens Park on Sunday from 8am.

More than $800 worth of pet prizes will be available to win.

8. Crows Nest Country Music Festival

SIT back, relax and listen to some great country tunes as Crows Nest welcomes back its music festival.

Running until Sunday, the event’s main shows will hit the Crows Nest Showground stage from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and from 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday.

Artists include Clarrie Weller, Amanda Faulkner, Kiara Rodrigues, Jim Strohfeld and Rob Walters.

Day passes start from $25 per person.

Camping and weekend passes are also available for an additional cost.

To book, phone [phone].

Part of the crowd at the Crows Nest Country Music Festival. Picture: Peter Kelly

9. Blacksmithing basics workshop

LEARN the basics of blacksmithing and create your own set of tools at a workshop with experienced blacksmith Terry Drennan.

Participants are asked to wear closed-in shoes, long sleeved shirts and trousers.

The course runs from 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at Cobb and Co Museum on Lindsay St.

It costs $410 and includes materials and meals.

10. Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair

ENJOY more than 150 stalls of plants, garden art and features at the Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair.

Food, entertainment, guest speakers and demonstrations will also feature.

The fair runs from 8am to 3pm on Saturday at the Esk Railway Station in Pipeliner Park on Esk-Hampton Rd.

Entry is a gold coin donation.