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
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.
This month, we’re transforming the precinct into a boot-scootin’ good time with country themed activities, live events and plenty of chances to win throughout the month.
When: Wednesday 11 – Wednesday 25 March 2026
What’s to win? Visit any participating NSP store, scan the NSP Goes Country QR code and you’re automatically in the draw to win one of FIVE $200 Ipswich Saddleworld vouchers. Running 11 – 25 March. T&Cs apply.
What’s On
- 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.
Follow us on socials to stay in the loop for all the fun coming up this month.
Make a night of it! Tunes in Tulmur at the Nicholas Street Precinct is our monthly live music concert featuring music by bands and individual artists of various genres for your enjoyment. ENTRY IS FREE!
This month we will feature Sirocco, The Australian Crawl and James Reyne Tribute Show. It will be yet another not-to-be-missed concert. Perhaps you might have something special to celebrate, a birthday, an anniversary, or simply because it is the weekend! So come along with your family and friends and get loud and glow up.
- Live music
- Neon yard games
- Roving glow performers
- Food trucks
- Licensed bar
- Market stalls
That Dumpling Place, Zambrero, Sushi Hyo, and Gelatissimo will also be open.
– Neon games and roving glow performers
– Food trucks
– Licensed bar
Come dressed in your best 80’s outfit to get loud and glow up with a night of neon and live tunes in Tulmur Place. This is a FREE EVENT!!!
- Live music by MI80’S VICE
- Neon games and roving glow performers
- Food trucks
- Licensed bar
Tea leaves, tarot, crystals and curiosities, you’ll find it all at the The Witches Night Market. Free entry.
9:30 am to 2:00 pm – Land Train Rides
9:00 am to 2:00 pm – Mini Markets and arts and crafts
Celebrate Australia Day in the Nicholas Street Precinct as Tulmur Place plays host to a family-friendly day full of activities celebrating all the things we love about our country.
Enjoy a welcome performance by the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company, pavlova making, live music, licenced bar courtesy of Aushotels and cool-down at the zero-depth water play zone.
Entry is free
