It’s carnival time: Every event and activity happening this weekend
From flower crown workshops and cheesy high teas to free music in the parklands and Pimm’s parties at the pub, here’s everything to look forward to in Toowoomba this weekend.
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1. Get colourful with the Toowoomba Embroiderers’ Guild
The Toowoomba Embroiderers’ Guild is hosting its biennial exhibition of embroidery this weekend at St David’s Presbyterian Church Hall at 46 Mary Street, Mt Lofty as part of the first Carnival of Flowers weekend.
The Colourful Threads of Spring exhibition is running from 10am-3pm on Saturday with
many different styles of embroidery on display – including whitework, blackwork, needle painting, goldwork, sashiko, beadwork, crewel and others.
Not only is there a display of fine embroidery but also an embroidery shop where items can be purchased, demonstration of stitchery, second hand rose items, raffles and a coffee van.
Come and talk to members about the various forms of embroidery and what facilities the guild has to offer members.
The cost of entry is $2, there is no EFTPOS available and all visitors must log in using the QR app or sign in upon entry.
2. Challenge dad to a NERF war at Grand Central
Grand Central has everything you need for dad this year including a fun NERF challenge for the family to enjoy.
The NERF zone will be open on Saturday from 1-5pm with the first hour dedicated to under fives.
The free event does not require bookings, simply head to the NERF zone located in the green
space on the corner of Victoria and Margaret Streets for plenty of family fun.
3. Giddy up for a good cause
Kick off the 2021 Spring Racing Carnival with the Toowoomba Hospice Charity Race Day on Saturday at the Clifford Park Racecourse from 3-10pm.
Tickets are $95 and are for sale online via toowoombatickets.com which includes entry to the races, a complimentary drink on arrival, canapés and a delicious two-course plated dinner.
There will be prizes for best-dressed male, female and couple and guests can also dabble in the charity and silent auction as well as the multi-draw raffles.
4. Run with dad for prostate cancer this Father’s Day
Back bigger and better than ever, this year’s Run with Dad Toowoomba is set to take place on Sunday at Toowoomba Grammar School from 7-10am.
This family fundraiser is aimed at raising money and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s health will all proceeds going to the It’s A Bloke Thing Foundation.
This year the Colliers 2.5 kilometre and five kilometre family fun run will also include a family barbecue breakfast.
Tickets are available online via Eventbrite ,and to collect your race bib, you must present your ticket from 6.30am at the event.
5. Soak up the free parkland entertainment in the parks
This weekend marks the first weekend of the 2021 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, and to get the ball rolling there will be plenty of free entertainment happening in Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park.
Sway along with the flowers in time to the melodies of the talented musicians and bands in the Botanic Gardens from 2-5pm on Saturday and 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm on Sunday.
There’s also chalk art in Queens Park from 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday, while the park will also come alive in the evenings all month from 6-8.30pm with an immersive and colourful light installation.
Meanwhile, Laurel Bank Park will be hosting free entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday at 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm both days.
6. Take on a Talking Pubs Tour
Join in on the four-hour Talking Pubs Tour to four character-filled Toowoomba pubs as part of this year’s Carnival of Flowers.
Start with appetisers at Toowoomba’s new brewery The Brewhouse, followed by entrees at the quirky dog-friendly Bar Wunder, enjoy your main course served at the Norville Hotel and finish the evening with a delicious dessert at the rooftop bar and bistro George Banks.
The tour is taking place on Sunday from 11am-3.15pm with tickets available on the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website.
7. Enjoy a high tea with a cheesy twist at Spring Bluff
High Cheese is a high tea with a twist; instead of scones and sandwiches it’s all about cheese, on its own or with a smorgasbord of regional flavours.
If you’re a cheese fiend, this is the event for you.
Celebrity chef Alastair McLeod will host this gourmet style grazing event at historic Spring Bluff Railway Station.
Showcasing spectacular produce from the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba regions, as well as Queensland based beverages, the High Cheese event is a lovely local affair.
Running from 9.30-11.30am and 2-4pm on Saturday at Spring Bluff Railway Station, McCormack Drive, Spring Bluff, the event site features rough terrain and may only be suitable for able-bodied persons.
Tickets are $124 and includes cheese focused grazing platters, a cocktail on arrival and a two hours drink package.
Purchase tickets from the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website.
This event is for adults aged 18 years or over.
8. Celebrate Pimm’s o’clock at Fitzy’s
It’s Pimm’s o’clock every Saturday at Fitzy’s.
Spring has officially sprung and to celebrate Fitzy’s is hosting Pimm’s Spring Saturdays from 2pm.
This September spend your Saturdays soaking up the sun’s rays with DJs on the deck, a refreshing Pimm’s cup and delicious bite-sized nibbles.
9. Paint up a storm at The Southern Hotel
Let out your inner artist with a Pinot and Picasso lead workshop at the Southern Hotel on Saturday from 2.30-5pm.
Put your brush to canvas and paint a Rosé Getaway masterpiece, while indulging in a cocktail or beverage of your choice and scrumptious gourmet canapes.
Save a special spot in your home to hang your artwork and forever remember a day full of laughter and bubbles.
Tickets at $89 and can be purchased online from Toowoomba Tickets.
10. Head to Jilly’s Cafe for a flower crown workshop and high tea
Every queen needs a flower crown.
Gather your besties together for this fun, interactive event making flower crowns while enjoying a magnificent high tea at Jilly’s Cafe on Margaret Street.
This two-hour workshop is taking place from 10am-12pm on Saturday with all crafting skill levels and beginners to floral craft encouraged to attend.
Tickets are $59 and include materials and high tea.
Call Jilly’s cafe on 46393209 to reserve your spot and pay over the phone.
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