SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival returns from 8 to 12 July 2026 with a program packed full of arts, music, theatre and vibrant experiences across the City of Ipswich.
Discover a bursting program of art and performance every day and night of the festival.
During the day, Nicholas Street Precinct comes alive with creative play, mind-blowing street theatre and live music, offering plenty of family-friendly fun as well as experiences for adults. As the sun sets, the Creative Hub transforms, lighting up with activities stretching from Tulmur Place to d’Arcy Doyle Place and spilling into local venues. Explore music, performance, interactive installations, workshops, projections, markets and more.
When: Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July
Time: Morning: 10:00am – 2:00pm | Night: 5:00pm – 8:30pm daily
Except for Saturday 11 July: 9:00am – 1:00pm
What’s On
- Live music and performances on the stage
- Hands-on experiences and workshops
- Free school holiday fun including mind-blowing street theatre
- Nightly projections and animated artworks
- Musical Mind by Amigo & Amigo – an immersive interactive installation that turns sound and light into a playground of creativity
Get ready for a high‑flying celebration of Planes, Trains & Automobiles at Nicholas Street. Your May long weekend plans are officially cleared for take‑off with a full day of free, family‑friendly fun.
✈️ Morning to Early Afternoon | 10am – 2pm
- Mini Go‑Karts: Little drivers aged 3–12 can take the wheel and zoom around safely at speeds of 8–10 km/h.
- Solar Race Car Workshop: Get creative with this hands‑on activity build and race your very own solar‑powered car.
- Classic Car Display | 12pm – 4pm: Step back in time and admire beautifully restored HR Holdens along the main street.
- Face Painting: Bright, fun designs to delight children of all ages.
🛩️ Afternoon to Evening | 4pm – 7pm | Upper Level near HOYTS
- Build & Fly Your Own Aeroplane: Decorate, assemble and test‑fly a miniature timber aeroplane.
- Balloon Artist: Watch incredible balloon creations come to life throughout the evening.
🎭 Roving Entertainment | 12pm – 4pm and 5pm – 7pm.
Keep an eye out for our roving characters throughout the precinct.
All activities are free. No bookings required.
Unsure on how to get to the Nicholas Street Precinct? Find out helpful visitor information here.
Join us on Saturday 6 June, 9am–1pm for a free, feel-good community event celebrating plants, creativity, and sustainable living.
Whether you’re building a backyard jungle, styling a balcony oasis, or simply looking for a relaxed day out, this family and dog-friendly fair has something for everyone.
What’s on
Explore a wide range of stalls featuring:
- Indoor and outdoor plants
- Pots, garden furniture, and features
- Plant-inspired art and homewares
- Local makers and lifestyle products
Enjoy delicious food vans, free entry, and free undercover parking.
Bring the family, bring your dog, and enjoy a laid-back morning discovering, shopping, and getting inspired!
Pop on your Bunny Easters and bring your family and friends for a selfie photo opportunity at our beautiful Easter photo set.
Our Selfie Photo Station will be ready for your visit from:-
Date: Saturday 28th April 2026 – Monday 6th April 2026
Time: 8am – 8pm
Location: Upper level near Hoyts
No Bookings required. Walk in, Smile & Snap your photo
This Easter school holidays, let your child’s creativity blossom at Scentorium!
A hands-on workshop series where kids get to mix, craft and take home their very own scented creations, from fruity to floral and everything in between.
When: 13 – 17 April | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Upper Level near Hoyts
Entry: No bookings required (limited to 100 kids per day)
A new creation every day:
- Body Mist Spray
- Body Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Bath Salts
- Potpourri Bags
Every session is packed with colour, scent and hands-on fun.
Perfect for curious kids who love to make and explore!
No bookings required, but limited to 100 kids per day*
Your chance to win the Ultimate School Holiday Play Pack!
This easter, we’re giving away an amazing prize bundle guaranteed to keep the kids entertained all holiday long!
Inside the Ultimate Play Pack:
🎬 4 x HOYTS Movie Tickets
🎳 $100 gift card to General Public (bowling, arcade and more fun!)
🍔 $100 Food Voucher to enjoy at our Nicholas Street food retailers
That’s your movies, activities, and lunch completely sorted!
How to enter:
- Scan the QR code
- Register your details
- And you’re in the draw!
Dates: 26 March to 6 April 2026
Limit: One entry per person
Winner drawn: Tuesday 7 April 2026
Good luck!
Easter has arrived at Nicholas Street Precinct and we are kicking it off in the sweetest way possible.
Come down and celebrate with the whole family as our Roving Easter Bunny makes his way through the Precinct, spreading Easter cheer and handing out free mini chocolate eggs to kids of all ages.
When: Saturday, 4 April | 11:00am – 2:00pm
On the day:
- Meet the Roving Easter Bunny
- Free mini chocolate eggs for the kids
No bookings, no fuss. Just good vibes, chocolate and a whole lot of Easter magic. See you there!
Join us across the long weekend as entertainment pods pop up throughout the Precinct, packed with kid-friendly activities.
When: 7 – 10 April
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Roving Entertainment Wander through the Precinct and discover something new around every corner. Kids can enjoy:
- Face Painting
- Glitter Tattoos
- Funky Hair Station
- Balloon Twisting
Free NSP Showbags* Keep an eye out for our Bluey-inspired cart near Nautical Bowls and grab a free NSP bag while stocks last. Inside you will find:
- NSP Beach Ball
- NSP Bubble Wand
- NSP Frisbee
- Special meal deals from participating retailers
*Limited numbers available. While stocks last.
What’s On
Free Family Activities: Saturday 21 March, 10am – 2pm. Near Zambrero’s, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich CBD. No bookings required.
Wild West Style Station: Decorate your own bandana or bling up a cowboy hat with sequins, gems and more. Only 150 spots per activity each day so don’t miss out.
Country Characters: Spot our country characters roaming the precinct. Strike a pose with our photo frames, get your face painted or grab a balloon twist to take home.
Take a selfie at our Selfie Station located near General Public.
Follow us on socials to stay in the loop for all the fun coming up this month.
Free Family Activities: Thursday 19 March, 4pm – 7pm & Saturday 21 March, 10am – 2pm. Near Zambrero’s, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich CBD. No bookings required.
Wild West Style Station: Decorate your own bandana or bling up a cowboy hat with sequins, gems and more. Only 150 spots per activity each day so don’t miss out.
Country Characters: Spot our country characters roaming the precinct. Strike a pose with our photo frames, get your face painted or grab a balloon twist to take home.
Take a selfie at our Selfie Station located near General Public.
Follow us on socials to stay in the loop for all the fun coming up this month.
