11 events and activities to do across the Darling Downs

From songwriting showcases to roller derby crash courses, here are 11 fun and family friendly events happening this weekend.

DERBY DAY: Toowoomba City Rollers are hosting a roller derby come and try day for interested rollers to come and have a crack this weekend. Olivia Lack, Maigen Shaw, Casey Anderson, Courtney Beahan, Mitchell Lorry, Jack Foran and Jasmin Dennis from The Toowoomba City Rollers work on a starting drill following their Australia National Roller Derby Championship title win.

1. BBQ and Beer Roadshow

The highly anticipated Warwick BBQ and Beer Roadshow is coming to the Warwick Showgrounds this weekend for two days of meaty-yeasty glory!

This year’s event boasts a bumper line-up of BBQ food vendors, 20 craft beers, Queensland’s best rockabilly bands, rides, kids activities, BBQ demos, BBQ market stalls, eating competitions and BBQ teams from around Australia competing for $10,000 cash plus trophies.

Pit Master Tim Trott and Q Chick Monique Mattila-Gonda of Craft Q. Beer and BBQ Roadshow. Picture: John Gass

2. Wyreema Summer Tunes

The Summer Tunes program provides free, live music across the Darling Downs during the month of February and this weekend it’s heading to Wyreema’s Obst Park.

A great way to relax with friends and family, this free concert will feature local musicians from a variety of music genres so bring some snacks, a chair or picnic blanket, sunscreen and a hat and settle in for some Summer Tunes!

3. Squealing Pig Festival

It’s time to dust off the boots, throw on the swag and head west to Emu Creek for the annual Squealing Pig summer music festival hosted by Hotel Norville at Squealing Pig Farm about an hour north of Toowoomba.

This year’s live entertainment will include talented Queensland musicians Tee Shiree, Open Season Band, Nash Music and country music heart-throb Mick Lindsay.

Camping is available, tickets and more information can be found on the website.

The iconic Maidenwell Hotel will host their most popular monthly event: pig on a spit night this weekend.

4. Pig on a spit at the pub

The Maidenwell Hotel is hosting its most popular monthly spit roasted pig event this Saturday.

With live entertainment, incredible food and great atmosphere it’s bound to be a great night out for the whole family.

Dinner starts at 6pm and camping is available at the Maidenwell sports ground.

Find your inner yogi with Terri Thornton at Arise yoga studio this weekend.

5. Beginners yoga workshop

The popular beginner’s yoga workshop at the Arise Yoga studio on Mylne St is a great way to gain the confidence and encouragement you may be looking for to begin or revisit your Yoga journey.

This two day workshop is suitable for complete beginners and is structured to guide you through breathing techniques, asanas (aka yoga poses), yogic flows and meditation techniques.

The two hour sessions will be running from 12.30-2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday and the full cost for both sessions is $90 and tickets can be purchased on the Arise Yoga website.

6. Tilly’s cafe cars, bikes and coffee meet up

Tilly’s monthly cars, bikes and coffee meet up is on again all day Sunday from 8am-9pm.

Polish those fanbelts, add some indicator fault, tune up those double overhead sun visors and cruise on out to the picturesque little cafe in Moore on the D’Aguilar Highway.

Mitchell Corry from Toowoomba City Rollers.

7. Toowoomba City Rollers come and try day

Ever wondered what Roller derby was all about? Well now’s your chance to check it out first-hand at the Toowoomba City Rollers come and try day.

Come along and join in with the members for a session of Roller Derby 101 at the Gowrie Junction Progress Association and Community Hall this Sunday from 3pm.

They’ll take you through their fresh-meat program starting with how to skate, how to stop and how to fall safely using your protective equipment.

No previous skating equipment needed, you’ll just need to bring your own pair of quad skates, a helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads, water bottles, a hand towel and a mouthguard is recommended.

The City Rollers also have plenty of non-skating positions to fill including penalty trackers, scorekeepers and timers.

8. Indigenous artisan market

The Engine Room cafe on Railway St will come back to life this Sunday for an Indigenous artisans market.

Enjoy exploring through a range of jewellery and art stalls from 8am-1pm.

There will be refreshments available and activities for the whole family to enjoy so head along and share in the rich culture of all Indigenous people.

Miniature train rides and vintage bus tours will be running at Pioneer Village Highfields this Sunday.

9. Mini train rides at Highfields Pioneer Village

The beloved Highfields Pioneer Village miniature steam loco, Myrtle May and Henry the vintage Model T Ford Bus will be running rides this Sunday.

Rides are $5 for adults and $3 for children and there will also be a sausage sizzle, coffee, billy tea and damper available with all funds raised going back into the running of the village.

10. Songwriter’s showcase

Cafe Guitar on Russell St is hosting a family friendly opportunity for songwriters to showcase their material and network with other artists on Saturday from 3-6pm.

Original material and solo and duo acoustics only. PA system and piano provided, just plug in and play.

11.One big weekend of crafty fun

CraftAlive is taking over the Clive Berghofer Rec Centre for a huge weekend of arts, crafts and hands-on fun.

The show is packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment with both local and interstate craft experts leading interactive classes today and Sunday.

Head to the website to get your tickets.