What’s on: 10 events happening around the region this weekend

From food festivals to long lunches, there’s something for everyone happening in the Darling Downs this weekend.

(from left) Risque Riley, Kayla Schmidt and Hannah Lucas at the Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine. Picture: Nev Madsen.

From food festivals and a women’s health expo, to koala tree planting and walking tours, there’s something for everyone happening around the Darling Downs this weekend.

Koala tree planting

Make a difference for the region’s wildlife by planting trees to develop a fodder forest for koalas who are in care due to injury, illness or natural disaster.

The event hosted by the Darling Downs Environment Council, will start at 9am on Saturday, at Shorelands Drive in Withcott.

Bring a hat, garden gloves, sunscreen, water and lunch.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

SING along to hits like It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive and I Love the Nightlife, when Priscilla Queen of the Desert hits the Empire Theatre stage.

With just two shows remaining at 1.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, tickets are $50 for adults and can be purchased at empiretheatre.com.au.

Food and Wine Festival

Treat yourself to three mouth-watering days and sample a range of flavours, produce and wine, fresh from the region’s orchards and vineyards, all under one roof.

The Festival of Food and Wine which started on Friday afternoon, will kick off from 10am on Saturday and conclude at 9am on Sunday.

Popular musicians and bands will take to the stage over the weekend at the Upper Queens Park event, with Xavier Rudd and Busby Marou bringing the festival to a close on Sunday.

A single-day ticket will set you back $60, while a three-day pass is $135.

Purchase online at tcof.com.au.

Guided street art tour

Discover Toowoomba’s incredible street art and vibrant laneway life on this guided art tour.

Learn about the art, world-renowned artists behind it and architecture.

Meet at the Bell Street Mall on the corner of Ruthven St on Sunday, before 9.30am.

Tickets are $40 for general admission or $35 for seniors, students and children.

Book online at trybooking.com/BQWEN.

Women’s Health Exhibition

Check out the variety of stallholders and support services available for women to best manage their health at QENDO’s Darling Downs Women’s Health Expo this weekend.

Running from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, the event will connect women with a range of health specialists and alternative therapies.

The expo is at The University of Southern Queensland (USQ)’s Clive Berghofer Recreational Centre on Baker St.

Attendance is free but bookings are essential.

For more information visit qendo.org.au/events.

Ma Ma Creek markets

Spend the day at the Ma Ma Creek community markets when it returns on Saturday from 7am.

Please bring masks, cash and your own carry bags.

The markets will be at the Ma Ma Creek Community Centre.

Miles Back to the Bush Festival

Enjoy quintessential bush celebrations at the Miles Historial Village Museum, when the Back to the Bush Festival returns.

With a varied program of events, head along to the mini beer festival, Dogwood Derby go-karts or antiques and collectables fair and help celebrate living in the bush.

Starting from 7am on Saturday, prices and times vary for each event.

For more information, visit backtothebushfestival.com.au.

The Dark Side Walking Tour

Learn all about Toowoomba’s secrets, from brothels and prisons, to eccentric, funny and unsavoury characters, when local guide Paul takes participants on a fascinating tour on Sunday.

Please wear enclosed footwear as it is a walking tour and arrive 10 minutes before departure at 1.30pm, from Queens Park, near the sign.

Tickets are $40 for general admission or $35 for seniors, students and children.

For more information or to book, phone [phone] or visit trybooking.com/BQVJA.

Street Food Fest

Bring a camping chair and listen to live music at the Toowoomba Street Food Fest at Westbrook Tavern on Saturday.

Kicking off at 1pm, there will be a pop-up bar and plenty of food and sweet treats to enjoy.

Entry is free.

Showgirl Fundraiser

Help raise funds for the Toowoomba Royal Show, which was cancelled just six days prior to last year’s event, due to Covid-19, at a significant financial cost.

Showgirls from Pittsworth Gabriella Moffat and Toowoomba Keely Berther, are hosting a long lunch fundraiser on Saturday, in a bid to bring the shows back to the region this year.

Starting at 11.30am on Saturday at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, the event will include a three-hour drinks package, three-course meal, loud and silent auctions and best dressed prizes.

Tickets are $160 per person at showgirlslonglunch.com.