All the hip and happening events taking place this weekend

With a tonne of live music from Aussie legends like John Williamson and The Rubens this weekend, it looks like Toowoomba is in for a stellar few days.

ROCKING WEEKEND: Alternative rock band The Rubens are just one of the Aussie music legends heading to Toowoomba this weekend. Picture: Cybele Malinowski

1. Take in all the tunes at the choral society’s first concert back

Toowoomba Choral Society in collaboration with the newly formed handbell choir, Toowoombells will be presenting an exquisite selection of contemporary classical music to delight and inspire this Saturday night at the Toowoomba Anglican School in the Millennium Centre on Dudley Street on from 7pm.

This concert will feature some of the most beautiful works from living composers written in the last 25 years.

The concert is being held at a COVID-safe venue but audience members will be required to wear masks.

Tickets can be found here.

The Toowoomba Choral Society Choir is performing their first concert after COVID-19 this Saturday at the Toowoomba Anglican School's Millennium Centre. alongside special guests, newly formed handbell choir Toowoombells.

2. Peruse the new exhibition at Alexandra Lawson Gallery

Love Lies Bleeding is as a result of a shared love of gardening, reading, collecting and wandering. Taking a photographer’s sense of framing a situation, and a collector’s sense of presenting a series of objects, Toowoomba-based artists Dr Sarah Ryan and Dr Tiffany Shafran observe moments within everyday life, exploring essences of beauty, wonder and aesthetics.

With the official opening night taking place on Friday night from 6pm and a wine pairing and artist talk happening on Sunday, April 18 from 5pm ($40 a head) the exhibition is running until May 5.

3. Catch the Rubens live with Alice Ivy at the Powerhouse

One of Australia’s hottest alternative rock banks is coming to Toowoomba as part of their biggest Australian tour to date.

Joining The Rubens on the ‘Live In Life’ tour is Alice Ivy, fresh from her latest performance on triple j’s Like a Version.

The artist’s eclectic signature sound spans sample-influenced soul, hip-hop and electronic pop that she brings to life live as a multi-instrumentalist.

Catch these talented Aussie musicians Saturday night at the Powerhouse from 8pm.

Tickets are still available via Oztix.

Australian band The Rubens. Picture: Cybele Malinowski

4. Kick back with a Sunday Sesh at The Met with Mick Lindsay

A powerhouse of Australian country rock and a former carpenter from Toowoomba, Lindsay now crafts unique fusions of country, rock, soul, funk and pop and you can catch him down at The Met Hotel on Sunday from 3pm.

5. Wind back the years with John Williamson at the Empire Theatre

Join Australian music icon John Williamson as he celebrates his 51st anniversary in the entertainment industry and closes the book on his touring chapter.

Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly capturing Australia in song, encapsulating the beauty, wonder and, sometimes, heartbreak of life Down Under.

Take a stroll down memory lane with John at the Empire Theatre on Sunday at 7pm.

Tickets are still available via the Empire Theatre’s website.

6. Take a beginner’s soap making course

Demolay House are holding another soap making workshop for beginners to the craft this Saturday.

Learn from an experienced soap maker and instructor how to make the best natural soaps.

The workshop price includes a mould, all ingredients, recipe and hands on session and participants will need to bring a couple of utensils from home.

The workshop is taking place at Demolay House at 90 Margaret Street from 11am – 1pm.

Tickets are still available to purchase via the Demolay House Facebook page.

7. Gather as a community to celebrate Vaisakhi

Toowoomba’s Hindu and Sikh community are gathering at Centenary Heights State High School Hall this Saturday from 2-7pm to celebrate Vaisakhi, the beginning of Hindu solar New year and raise funds for Khalsa Aid, a charity providing humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world.

This colourful cultural event will include performances from a range of community groups with tickets still available for purchase online via Ticketebo.

For more information and a link to purchase tickets, head to the Toowoomba Vaisakhi 2021 Facebook event.

Japji Kaur and Eknoor Kaur. Sikh festival of Vaisakhi a celebration of Sikh tradition and heritage at Withcott back in April 2019.

8. Rock out at the Phat Garage sessions

Since 2009 Phat Burgers have supported local musicians and bands and have seen hundreds of local artists play in their iconic venues Phat Garage and inside Phat Burgers itself.

Now they are bringing it all back with Phat Garage Sessions – every second Sunday.

This Sunday’s session is hosted by V Miiler Music with Damian Black playing their own original music.

Head on down to Toowoomba’s favourite burger join this Sunday from 4.30pm and support local original music.

Richard May-Steers and Vanessa Miiller welcome the return of Phat Garage at Phat Burgers this weekend. Picture: Nev Madsen.

9. Kick-off the season with Coolaroo AFC

Join Coolaroo AFC at Rockville Park on Saturday at 12pm to kick start the 2021 AFL season.

There will be a jumping castle, a snow cone machine, activities for the kids and a BBQ while the seniors play their final practice match before the 2021 season gets underway.

It is sure to be a cracking afternoon, so get down to Rockville and let’s celebrate the start of the season in style.

10. Meet the artist at Rosalie Gallery

Take the time to meet local glass and paint artist, Sue Metcalfe at her free meet the artist day at Rosalie Gallery in Mocatta St Goombungee at 10.30am on Saturday.

Sue’s new-found love of acrylic painting beautifully complements her amazing skill in leadlight glass work and her In the Moment exhibition is a stunning sight not to be missed.