Toowoomba Living selects the pick of what’s to do this month.
Lifeline Bookfest – Saturday 5-Sunday 6 March
Books as far as the eye can see! If that’s your thing get out to the showgrounds on the weekend to stock up at the Lifeline Bookfest. Entry is free, and it’s on 8-5 Saturday, 8-2pm Sunday. Eftpos available onsite, go to Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD for more.
Toowoomba Hospital Gala Race Day – Saturday 5 March
Get your racing gear on, McConachie Stedman is hosting its third biennial race day to raise funds for child and youth mental health services. From 4pm til late at the Toowoomba Turf Club. Tickets are $95 per person and include a complimentary drink, canapés, dinner, private marquee with access to a private bar (let’s face it, this is the holy grail at the races), live music and some more that you can find out by heading here. Book your ticket by phoning 4632 1966.
Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival – ends Sunday 6 March
Take a drive out to Stanthorpe for the final weekend of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival for food, music, fireworks, a rodeo, street carnival and importantly, wine.
Peak 2 Park 10k and 4k – Sunday 6 March
Energetic people will be getting up early to run from Picnic Point to Lake Annand this Sunday. If you’re in the area be aware of some road closures for that day. Like the event on Facebook to keep up-to-date.
Open Mic at the Fiveways – Sunday 6 March
We’ve heard the Fiveways is family friendly now, and they’re supporting local musicians by offering an open mic night every fortnight. Anyone can come along, it’s on 2pm to 6pm. Check out Toowoomba band’s Change vs Time Facebook event for more info.
Debut: One Table – Friday 11 March
This sold out event will be all about the food trucks in the Mill Precinct from 5pm to 9pm. If you have tickets, take them. If you liked it tell the organisers so they can get this happening regularly.
La Bonne Vie Breast Cancer Luncheon – Friday 11 March
If you missed out on One Table you can still get your long lunch on for a great cause on Friday 11 March at Gips Restaurant. All proceeds go to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation for breast cancer support, there’s French cuisine and champagne on offer as well as a holiday and other prizes to be won. Tickets are $110, the event is on from 1pm to 5pm. Call 4616 6107 to book your spot.
Debut: The Original Mix Emerging Designer’s Market – Saturday 12 March
Making its debut is this boutique market featuring high-end handmade artisan goods. The Emerging Designer Market will include some live music and eats as well. To be held in the civic square outside the library from 8am to 1pm.
Debut: Markets at the Manor – Highfields – Saturday 12 March
If you didn’t get enough market action at the Emerging Designer Market head out to Highfields for the revamped Highfields Market, now known as Markets at the Manor. From 12pm to 5pm at the Jacaranda Manor.
Boho Palooza – Saturday 12 March
Party with purpose at the Boho Palooza event being held at St Anthony’s Primary School from 4pm to 11pm. It’s to raise funds for the Glennie Aquatic Centre team’s planned 2016 ‘Vietnam Swim Mission’, which will provide free swimming lessons to Vietnamese children and train adults as swimming teachers. This 18+ event includes a licensed bar, live music, raffle and food vans. Or bring your own picnic basket and settle in for the evening – just be sure you’re dressed in vintage bohemian. Tickets are $27.12 – find out more on the Facebook event page or call 4688 8845 or email townsends@glennie.qld.edu.
Disney Movie Stars Film Festival – finishing Sunday 13 March
Relive the magic of your Disney favourites at the Disney Movie Stars Film Festival at Grand Central. Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin have come and gone but you can still book for The Lion King and Frozen. Tickets are only $8 and each ticket comes with a Disney activity book. Dress up in your Elsa best and get along to the movies!
Art Exhibition: Horses and Horizons – finishing Sunday 13 March
An exhibition with an equine feel is currently on at Feather and Lawry Gallery. Artist Laura Douglas is fresh from a live painting experience at the Melbourne Cup in Gai Waterhouse’s private box.
iOthello USQ Artsworx – Thursday 17-Sunday 20 March
A modern retelling of the centuries old Shakespeare classic iOthello will examine jealousy, deceit, love, rumours, and friendship. This Shakespeare Festival will also raise money for Lifeline Darling Downs’ domestic violence prevention services. Find performance times and book at artsworx.usq.edu.au
Art vs Science – Friday 18 March
Parlez-vous Francais? If so get your ass down to The Spotted Cow to see Art vs Science. Tickets are only $28.60.
Exhibition: Future Proof at No Comply – Friday 18 March
Brisbane lettering artist Leona Fietz shows off her skills with a pen in her Future Proof exhibit at our No Comply gallery. Opening night will include a cash bar and dumplings for dinner, from 7-9pm.
Debut: Friday Nite Bites – Friday 18 March *updated – postponed*
More foodie goodness with the first Friday Nite Bites, to be held 4pm to 9pm in the civic square outside the library. Over 20 food vans with pizza, burgers, dumplings, doughnuts, and more. Check out the Facebook event for more details.
Toowoomba local election – Saturday 19 March
We’re normally a politics-free zone here at Toowoomba Living but there’s no escaping the ridiculous amount of corflute signage which means an election is imminent. Seriously whoever is making corflute signs in Toowoomba must be making a mint out of the election. Don’t forget to vote guys; the polling booths close at 6pm.
International Read to Me Day – Saturday 19 March
Local author and all-round philanthropic superstar Emma Mactaggart has founded International Read to Me Day to promote literacy and education for kids. On this day every kid should be able to answer the question “who read to me today?”. You don’t have to pay money or raise funds to join in – just read a book to your kid, brother, sister, friend’s kid, niece, nephew or grandchild to get involved. Find out more at readtomeday.com
Kokoda Challenge Toowoomba – Sunday 20 March
Keen beans will be tramping around the parks of Toowoomba for the 15km or 30km Kokoda Challenge this month. Starting at Webb Park at 7am the event will raise funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s program.
Launch: Clique Model Agency – Thursday 24 March
Toowoomba’s newest modeling agency is hosting a fabulous afternoon of fashion at The Office in celebration of their launch. Local boutiques Smoke and Mirrors, Ivy Designer Collections, Bella Fille and Florence and Marabel will be providing autumn/winter styles for the fashion show. From 2pm to 4pm tickets are $50, and you need to RSVP by 14 March. See Clique Model Agency’s Facebook event for details.
Streets and Lanes Festival – Saturday 26 March
Replacing Easterfest the Streets and Lanes Festival is a Christian themed party that’s already locked in a Little Eat Street event and art show. See more at streetslanes.com.au
Easter at the Woolshed – Friday 25-Monday 28 March
The Woolshed at Jondaryn is hosting a fun family weekend with a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Easter egg muster and lots of kids activities like games, animal nursery and colouring in. See their website for all the details.
Regular Markets
Here’s what’s on and when for markets in Toowoomba this month.
My Local Feast Farmers’ Market – Every Thursday 3pm to 7pm at the Empire Theatre
Margaret Street Markets – Sunday 6 March February from 8am to 2pm
Queens Park Markets – Sunday 20 March from 8am to 1pm
Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets – Saturday 26 March from 7am to 12pm
