Passion for the past shared at Ipswich's Galvanized heritage festival

Published on 21 August 2026

Whether it’s restoring a 140-year-old home, recreating medieval battles or passing on millennia-old stories, Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage will celebrate the past.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival on from 4 to 13 September celebrates the heritage of Queensland’s oldest provincial city and much more with a city-wide program of more than 30 unique events.

“Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage is a celebration of the way things were – and how we got to where we are today – delving into the history of character buildings, rural towns, pre-industrial societies, First Nations culture and much more,” Mayor Harding said.

“The festival is an opportunity for residents and visitors of all ages to step back into bygone eras and connect with people passionate about preserving our past. It’s an invitation to share in the joy of their journeys.

“The Great Places of Ipswich tour returns on 12 September, giving access to historically significant places including to two of Ipswich’s most treasured heritage homes: The Chestnuts and Rhossilli.

“Both built in the 1880s, these buildings have remarkable histories as places of care before being lovingly transformed into private residences, preserved as pillars of Ipswich colonial architecture.

“Queens Park Pavilion will host a series of sessions on restoring, styling and renovating heritage homes, with Ipswich City Architect Mark Tendys and historian Marianne Taylor, AKA the House Detective, among those sharing their expertise over 12 and 13 September.

“The pavilion is also the meeting spot for the immersive Queens Park Walking Tours, guided by talented performers from Ipswich Little Theatre.”

Mayor Harding said Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage offers something for anyone passionate about history.

“Ipswich goes medieval with History Alive: A Journey Through Time, as knights in shining armour meet Viking warriors, Roman soldiers and other ancient characters at Ipswich Showgrounds on 12-13 September,” Mayor Harding said.

“We explore the world’s oldest living culture with local Indigenous artist Anne Leon’s Storyline Art and Yarning workshop on 5 and 13 September, while Wirrinyah Gurrnung Aboriginal Corporation presents an Introduction to Dulmur History and Yuggera Djarra at Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place on 12 September.

“Our historic towns also come into focus with the Marburg Meander and Rosewood Ramble on Saturday, 5 September making for a fantastic day out in the country.

“Now in its sixth year, Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage is our link to the past in Queensland’s oldest provincial city, where residents young and old can celebrate the rich history which underpins our growing and vibrant communities.”

Other events in the broader festival program include the Back to Limestone: Ipswich Historical Society and Royal Historical Society of Queensland Conference, the Limestone Frolic, Soldiers Memorial Hall Tours, Ipswich CBD and Cemetery Ghost Tours and St Paul’s Quilt and Craft Display.

To view the full 2026 Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage program, visit the Ipswich Festivals website.