All the weekend events and activities taking place across the Downs

From cultural food festivals to a multitude of markets brimming with local handmade creations, here are all the great events taking place in our region this weekend.

CULTURAL CELEBRATION: Centenary Heights State High School will come alive for an afternoon of culture and colour as the Toowoomba Punjabi community gathers for Teeyan Da Mela on Saturday from 3-9pm. Amu Kandasamy is pictured with her children Aishwitha (left) and Athesh after Amu performed a classical Indian dance at the 2020 Toowoomba World Environment Day celebrations at Lake Annand Park. Picture: Kevin Farmer

1. Get on down to the Handmade Expo

The second Toowoomba Hand Made Expo Market will be held on Sunday at Harristown State High School from 9am-1pm.

After a brilliant first event back, this weekend’s expo is set to be bigger and better with more stallholders selling locally handmade products from jewellery, to arts and crafts and lovingly made household items.

With free entry, free parking and plenty of activities for the kids, there’s no reason not to head on down and support Darling Downs creators at this weekend’s Handmade Expo.

Ashleigh King of Sleeping Creations at the Handmade Expo Market at Harristown State High School. Picture: Nev Madsen.

2. Enjoy international flavours at the Mosque Open Day

Taste all the incredible flavours at this Saturday’s Garden City Mosque Open Day and Toowoomba International Food Festival.

Celebrating food, fun, faith and friendship in Toowoomba for the past several years, this weekend’s celebrations mark the eighth annual Mosque Open Day for the Islamic community.
Entry is free and the event is running from 10.30am-3.30pm.

The open day will feature plenty of international food, guest speakers, women’s activities and games and fun for the kids.

Head down to the mosque at 217 West Street in Harristown and enjoy a great cultural community event.

Andrew Burke from Hard Korr Campers is ready for an adrenaline-packed weekend at the Toowoomba Showgrounds for the Queensland Outdoor Adventure and Motoring Expo.

3. Explore everything on offer at the Outdoor Adventure and Motoring Expo

The 2021 Queensland Outdoor Adventure and Motoring Expo is getting an adrenaline boost this weekend with the team from Aussie FMX bringing its gravity-defying Freestyle Motocross skills at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

The expo is the region’s largest outdoor adventure expo, featuring more than 120 companies including a massive display of caravans and camper trailers, hybrids, vehicles and accessories, holiday and tourism providers, tools, gadgets, camp gear and more.

There’s plenty to see and do at the event, with great entertainment for the whole family and great prizes to win, and the Aussie FMX team is a crew like no other, with incredible stunts that will have you sitting on the edge of your seats.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online from www.AdventureExpo.com.au.

Aussie FMX will be at the Toowoomba Showgrounds this weekend for the Queensland Outdoor Adventure and Motoring Expo.

4. Feel the warmth at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn open day winter artisan series

Come and explore a 19th-century inn built by an ex-convict and enjoy a range of arts and crafts at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn in Drayton this Sunday from 10am-2pm.

Enjoy scones or soup by the fire in the parlour while three wonderful artisans share their skills with visitors.
Well-known spinner Marilyn Jensen will be demonstrating traditional methods of spinning natural fibres and offering visitors the chance to try it themselves.

Deidre Khan from Pittsworth Historical Village and Lacemakers Club will be in the parlour demonstrating her traditional lace making skills, and Irena Kobald is an artist and author who will also be at the inn to share her unique bio-art process with visitors.

The Royal Bull’s Head Inn is open on the first and third Sunday of each month, and entry is only $7 for adults and $5 for children and concessions.

5. Sing up a storm and see a live music show at Bar Wunder

Evoque Entertainment and Bar Wunder are putting on another fun karaoke night on Saturday from 7.30pm.

Every performer will also get a raffle ticket to win $50 in cash at the end of the night, but if you’re not there, the cash will jackpot to the following month.

Australian singer-songwriters Dan Challis and Stephen Grady are bringing their winter tour to Toowoomba, playing a show at Bar Wunder on Sunday from 5pm.

Folk singers at heart, their individual stories and songs are expressed in the simplest way possible, through guitar and voice.

Wind down your weekend at Bar Wunder for a night of acoustic folk music with two songwriters who care deeply about their craft.

Catherine (left) and Joanne Philippa enjoy a cocktail (or three) at Bar Wunder. Picture: Kevin Farmer

6. Attend markets for a mission

Markets For Mission is taking place on Saturday from 7am-noon at the Middle Ridge Uniting Church on Stenner Street.
The market fundraising event is supporting Bush Chaplains offering ministry in Western Queensland and will feature beautiful craft stalls, home-baked goodies, books, plants, household items, toys and games.

Amu Kandasamy with her children Aishwitha (left) and Athesh after Amu performed classical Indian dance at the 2020 Toowoomba World Environment Day celebrations at Lake Annand Park. Picture: Kevin Farmer

7. Celebrate with the Toowoomba Punjabi community

Centenary Heights State High School will come alive for an afternoon of culture and colour as the Toowoomba Punjabi community gathers for Teeyan Da Mela on Saturday from 3-9pm.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a free family cultural event with delicious Indian snacks, dinner, dancing and music.

To register, head to the Teeyan Da Mela 2021 Toowoomba event on Eventbrite.

8. Rock out at the City Golf Club

The Curve Duo is playing at The City Golf Club on Saturday from 8pm.

Join Billie-lee and Domenic for a night of great music from then to now.

Ashley and Leeann Weekes at the City Golf Club. Picture: Kevin Farmer

9. Take a little day trip to Gatton for the August Village Markets

Head out for a little drive down to Gatton for the monthly village markets this Sunday from 8am to noon.

With more than 60 stalls showcasing an array of makers, growers and creators, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As part of a rescheduled NAIDOC week celebration, there will also be an opportunity for all Australians to come together to enjoy the rich history, diverse cultures, knowledge and skills of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with interactive talks on bush tucker, boomerang throwing and learning all about the didgeridoo.

10. Have all your writing quandaries answered at Canvas Coworking

Do you have a burning question about writing, finding editors and publishers, or promoting your book?

This month Toowoomba Writers will be opening the floor to all your questions and hosting an open discussion forum for everyone looking to learn or share their knowledge in the writing space.

Enjoy an afternoon surrounded by fellow wordsmiths and bring your questions, experiences and a gold coin donation along to Canvas Coworking on Ruthven Street on Saturday from 2-4pm.