11 weekend events and activities happening on the Darling Downs
When it comes to weekend fun and games, there’s no better place to explore than the Darling Downs. Here’s what everyone’s up to this weekend and how you can join in.
Toowoomba
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1. Visit the InStudio arts trail
The InStudio Arts Trail is celebrating 10 years of open studios during the month of August with 35 artists across 28 locations opening their studios in the picturesque high country region north of Toowoomba.
A selection of studios are open every weekend in August, but this Saturday and Sunday will see all 35 artists throw open their doors, including five exciting new feature artists – Jobella Bennett (wire sculpture), Barbara Somervaille (floral watercolours), Tracie Davies (leathercraft), Robyn Croad (watercolours, eco dying) and Yvonne Ragonesi (mosaics).
More details on locations and how to get involved can be found online at the Crows Nest Community Arts and Crafts website.
The trail also has a Facebook page which is handy to follow in order to keep up to date with happenings.
2. Brush up on your French at Cafe Bla Bla
Dreaming of your next trip to France and longing to hear spoken French?
Come along to cafe Bla Bla this Saturday from 10-11.30am where you can converse with native speakers, teachers, beginners and students of French.
This week will be led by French teacher Clémence who will be choosing topics to ensure the conversation keeps flowing, but don’t worry, there’s a lot of English involved too.
These get-togethers are great for anyone who wants to speak the language in a relaxed and friendly environment, no matter your level of French. Even if your French is limited to ‘bonjour’, you’ll be very welcome and are guaranteed to learn something.
Come along to Kingfishers cafe inside the Springs Garden World and look for the Cafe Bla Bla table in the garden.
The cost is $7 for Alliance Française de Toowoomba members and $10 for non-members, and you can pay on the day or directly to the AF bank account.
Follow this link for all the details.
3. Take on the V2V run for a brew-tiful cause
Volcanic Brewing is inviting the community to take on the second V2V (Volcano to Volcanic) run for beer fun run this Sunday from noon.
The main event is a 10 kilometre run that will start at Picnic Point, ending up at the Volcanic Brewery with a shorter six kilometre option for those wishing to walk or avoid the challenging hills.
This is a family-friendly non-for-profit event with all of the profits donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
All ages are welcome to participate, with all children up to 17 years of age participating for free and our best running friends (dogs) also welcome.
Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online from Toowoomba Tickets.
4. Join the Islamic Society of Toowoomba in support of Afghanistan
The Islamic Society of Toowoomba has organised a public gathering at the Toowoomba Mosque from 3pm on Sunday to express solidarity and support for the people of Afghanistan. This will be an open meeting and everyone is welcome to join it to express their support.
5. Head to the Makers Markets and Saturday Garden Fair
If you’re a garden lover, this Saturday’s Makers Markets in the Mills Precinct is the perfect morning outing for you.
There will be everything to turn your garden into a paradise with plants, planters, pots and garden ornaments, just in time for spring.
The markets are running from 8am-noon at the Mills Precinct on Ruthven Street.
The Makers Markets are also on this Sunday from 9am-1pm in the Mills Precinct.
There will be tasty treats and food vans, face painting, a jumping castle, pony rides, a petting zoo and live music on offer as well as more than 70 market stalls from across the Darling Downs region.
6. Take a step back in time to the 60s at Bar Wunder
Bar Wunder is turning back the clock with a groovy 60s themed birthday party on Saturday from 7pm.
Don your favourite ponchos, moccasins, love beads, medallion necklaces, and polka dot-printed fabrics and bell bottomed jeans for a mellow evening of cake, dancing and 60s fun.
7. Shop up a storm at the Aberfeldy Farm and Barn markets
Relax and unwind from a big weekend with live music from Boyd Ridley on the lawn at one of Toowoomba’s most popular function centres, Aberfeldy Farm and Barn in Westbrook on Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Grab a gift for that special somebody from the market stalls set up inside the barn and make lunchtime easy by ordering from the food and coffee vans onsite.
8. Kick up your heels at an old time dance
Enjoy some good old-fashioned dancing every Saturday night at the MS Hall Dance on Baker Street from 7.30-11.30pm.
Enjoy live music with three different bands on rotation, lucky door prizes, Monte Carlo, lucky spot and raffle game fun to be had as well.
Bring your own supper and thermos for a well deserved dance break between numbers.
9. Get your hips moving at Street Salsa in Queens Park
The popular Street Salsa sessions in the park are back this Saturday from 1-3pm in the Botanic Gardens section of Queens Park.
It features mostly a mix of LA and Cuban Style Salsa with a little Merengue and maybe even some Bachata.
Everyone is welcome to attend, especially beginners – just head along and jump in and the instructors will bring you up to speed with a few moves.
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to keep things going.
10. Catch the game of the year at Clive Berghofer Stadium
Don’t forget to grab your tickets to the biggest game to come to Toowoomba since the Dragons and the Titans clashed on the Downs back in 2018.
This Sunday’s Dragons vs Roosters game will be kicking off at Clive Berghofer Stadium from 2pm.
11. Get your dose of Ekka fever at the Toowoomba SHowgrounds
Ekka 2021 is coming to the Toowoomba Showgroundsall weekend with the Weekend Bites event.
Rides, food outlets, games and, of course, showbags are on offer from 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Book your tickets online via Ticketebo.
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