What’s on: 10 things to do in the Darling Downs this weekend

Whether you are wanting to show off your competitive side in a board game tournament, spend the weekend outdoors or cheer on Toowoomba’s own professional fighter when he makes his UFC debut, there’s something for everyone this weekend.

Toowoomba is full of fun and exciting events this weekend, with something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Whether you are wanting to show off your competitive side in a board game tournament, spend the weekend outdoors or cheer on Toowoomba’s own professional fighter when he makes his UFC debut, there’s something for everyone this weekend.

Here’s 10 things to do in the Darling Downs and surrounds.

1. Debut party

Cheer on Toowoomba’s own professional fighter Tom ‘Big Train’ Nolan when he makes his official debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

To celebrate the big event, City Golf Club Toowoomba will be hosting a watch party and broadcasting the fight live from Las Vegas on Sunday from 7am.

Doors open at 6.45am.

The City Golf Club is at 254 South St.

2. Super Slot Cars

Start your engine and get ready to race on a state of the art track like no other.

Recommended for kids aged between five and 12 years old, this adrenaline-filled event will allow participants to build a body and race their supercharged slot cars.

The six-opponent races will feel like you are at the Grand Prix, with live commentary and computer scoring too.

Four sessions will be available with options running between 10am and 11am, 11am and 12pm, 12pm and 1pm or 1pm and 2pm.

The two-day event will be held at the Cobb and Co Museum on Lindsay St, in East Toowoomba, on Saturday and Sunday.

Bookings are required and the activity is $10 per child.

Purchase tickets online at museum.qld.gov.au.

3. Community Bike Ride

Hop on your bike for a fun, family-friendly and community-minded activity.

Hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council candidate Andrew Reeson, the father of two said he was hosting the Community Bike Ride event to highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure and community connection.

The initiative will be held on Sunday with the course starting from the top of Queens Park, riding along the East Creek and through to Lake Annand.

Participants are encouraged to meet at the Lindsay St carpark at 8am, with the 2.5km ride starting at 8.15am.

Morning tea and drinks will be served at Lake Annand, with riders welcome to continue in the guided ride back to Queens Park at 9.30am.

All skill levels and ages are welcome.

4. Herb class

Learn all about which herbs and weeds can benefit your health at this garden workshop.

Hosted by Jenni Pemberton from Wren Herbal, this two-hour course will be held in her home garden.

Participants will receive their own home plant samples to take home so they can create their own herb garden.

Starting at 9.30am on Sunday, the class is $60 per person.

To secure your spot, email the host at [e-mail].

5. Stargazing

Look up at the sky and see the beauty of the stars, galaxies, planets and crescent moon.

The University of Southern Queensland and Ournightsky Astronomy will be holding a stargazing session for the public to look through a telescope and into outer space.

Participants can meet the event organisers on the southern side of the main UniSQ drive, off West St in Darling Heights.

A sign will also be displayed near one of the flagpoles to show directions.

Running from 7.15pm to 8.45pm on Saturday, the event is weather dependent and will be cancelled if it becomes too cloudy, rains or storms.

The event is free.

6. Art Exhibition

Embrace the creativity and talent of the region’s artists at the Local Art Prize Exhibition.

Hosted by the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, the event aims to celebrate the diverse and impressive works with a variety of mediums used.

Artists entered in the exhibition must reside within 100km of Stanthorpe, with judges Cheryl Moggs and Dr Karike Ashworth deciding the winners, with $5000 in prizes available.

The gallery at 61 Marsh St, is open on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 1pm, with the exhibition closing on January 21.

Entry is free.

7. Adoption Day

Add another member to the family this weekend when Petstock Toowoomba and the Street Cat Alliance Queensland host its monthly Adoption Day.

Running between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, the fundraiser will be held at the pet store on Anzac Ave, in Harristown.

Kittens will be available to meet, cuddle and adopt, with experts available to discuss volunteering, fostering and donations.

Purchase merchandise or grab a bite to eat from the sausage sizzle on site.

8. Board game tournament

Battle your group of friends in the ultimate board game tournament this weekend at Battlestation Toowoomba.

The gaming venue at 411 Ruthven St, will be running the event on Sunday from midday to 5pm.

From Scrabble and Jenga, to Kingdom Builder and Automobiles, there’s a category for everyone to show their competitive side.

Entry is $3 per person.

9. Markets

Fill your pantry and pick up a treat or two for yourself at the Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets on Saturday.

Running from 7am to noon, the weekly event features stalls selling fresh produce, ethically raised meat, locally made spirits, flowers and artisan products.

Enjoy live music performances and grab a bite to eat from one of the various food trucks.

The markets are held beside the Cobb and Co Museum at 27 Lindsay St.

Free parking is available nearby.

10. Murder Mystery

Work together to find clues and solve the ‘whodunit’ Murder Mystery at the Abbey Boutique Hotel.

The fun and interactive event involves acting out your character and finding clues to ultimately discover who the murderer is.

Hosted by the Warwick venue, the hotel is at 8 Locke St.

Tickets are $130 per person and includes the Murder Mystery activity, canapes, a main meal and dessert, along with a three hour drinks package.

Multiple sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday and can be booked by phoning the hotel on 4661 9777.