SPARK Ipswich 2026
Ipswich’s signature celebration of people, places, arts, and culture returns with an electrifying new program set to ignite the city with creativity, community and colour. Over multiple weeks this winter, SPARK transforms Ipswich with a packed program of immersive experiences, live performances, light installations, exhibitions, and music.
SPARK Ipswich will return from 8 to 12 July, bringing another vibrant program of events, entertainment and activities to the City of Ipswich. Further details will be updated as they are announced. In the meantime, last year’s program offers a helpful preview of what to expect.
2025 program
Families are in for a treat with plenty of kid-friendly events, including a children’s festival and a dazzling light show. Don’t miss out on favourites like Little Day Out a fun-filled festival focusing on music, arts, and sustainability just for kids. Plus there is a Teddy Bear’s Picnic the whole family will love, Lantern Workshops and Proudfoot & Friends stage show spectacular.
SPARK After Dark
As the sun sets, Ipswich central comes alive. Wander from Tulmur Place to the Civic Centre precinct and soak up the sights and sounds of SPARK After Dark. Follow the glowing trail of light projections, interactive installations and live music under the stars. Highlights include deLIGHT, a collection of animated artworks and artist talks, and Close Encounters, a sci-fi-inspired gallery experience filled with glowing, nostalgic forms.
Street Art Jam
Back for its second year, Street Art Jam transforms blank walls into vivid canvases with live mural painting, creative demonstrations and workshops celebrating street art, music and dance.
Carpark Party
To mark its 50th anniversary, the Civic Centre car park will host six nights of unforgettable live entertainment featuring local Tulmur and Meanjin performers, roving acts, workshops and plenty of food and drink options. Expect a fresh fusion of music, performance and community celebration.
Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours
Let loose on a hilarious, all-ages dance adventure through the streets with Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours. Don a headset, follow the funky moves of your disco host, and groove your way through spontaneous flash mobs, classic hits and feel-good fun.
WOMI – World of Music Ipswich
WOMI returns to Springfield with a joyful explosion of global sounds, food, crafts and dance. Celebrating Ipswich’s diverse communities, this one-day world music festival is bursting with life, colour and culture, featuring performances, hands-on workshops, and delicious eats from around the world.
HEXADECA
Part art installation, part playground, HEXADECA invites audiences to sit, spin and create music. Designed for all ages and abilities, this interactive soundscape experience from acclaimed studio Pulsing Heart is powered by the movement of participants and music by a diverse lineup of Australian artists, including beatbox legend Tom Thum.
The Bubble Canteen
Get swept up in the magic of The Bubble Canteen, an enchanting pop-up bursting with joy and 20,000 bubbles per minute. From dainty bubbles to massive floating orbs, this family-friendly installation creates moments of laughter, wonder and connection for all ages.
SPARK Ipswich 2025 is a family-friendly celebration of creativity and culture for everyone to enjoy. Keep an eye on official updates as more events and locations are announced.
SPARK Ipswich
When: 8th – 12th July 2026
Where: Various Ipswich locations
Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events
More information: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/sparkipswich/
