Heritage and hot sauce for the perfect Father's Day in Ipswich
28 August 2025
A spring day spent feasting on mouth-watering smoked meats and marvelling at Queensland’s history sounds like the perfect Father’s Day for any dad.
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops will be the place to be on Sunday, September 7 for Steam & Smoke BBQ – one of the many great events across 10 days in Ipswich as part of Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival’s program of more than 40 events, running from September 5 to 14 caters to a wide range of interests.
“Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage isn’t just for hardcore history lovers. We have events celebrating the amazing lifestyle we enjoy in Queensland’s oldest provincial city,” Mayor Harding said.
“The whole family can come along to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in North Ipswich on Father’s Day to celebrate dad at Steam & Smoke BBQ.
“It is a truly unique event with delicious food to be enjoyed among a backdrop of live music, artisan demonstrations and historical displays including the museum’s showcase of Ipswich and Queensland’s pioneering rail history.
“During the festival, Stony Creek Brewing Company on Limestone Street in the heart of our city will be hosting a series of tours, while the Rubbidy Dubs to Pubs Mystery Bus Tour gives a glimpse into the history of Ipswich watering holes.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said Galvanized kicks off on the evening of Friday, 5 September, with a celebration of 175 years of libraries in Ipswich and an exploration of the history of dance.
“The Limestone Frolic is one of the most loved events each year at Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage,” Cr Augustine said.
“It doesn’t just give a glimpse into our past. It allows attendees to truly experience the rhythm of 1800s Ipswich, where dance wasn’t just entertainment but a vibrant part of community connection.
“While dance brought communities together in motion, quilt-making stitched stories into fabric – an enduring craft that will be celebrated at the St Paul’s Anglican Church Quilt Fair where hundreds of intricately handmade pieces will be on display.
“Among the many other great events and activities through Galvanized are an exploration of White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate at dusk, a presentation delving into the life of German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt and a look back at the past 50 years of Ipswich fashion at Booval Fair.
“These events are included alongside all the building tours, trade workshops and many more experiences paying homage to the remarkable history of Ipswich during Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage.”
Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage program highlights:
Great Places of Ipswich
Explore the remarkable Great Hall at Ipswich Grammar School and discover the people and stories behind this treasured building.
The Baker’s Ball
Dress in your 1940’s best for a progressive dinner dance through historic Marburg.
Character Houses – Living, Loving, Building the Legacy
Hear a range of voices discuss what it means to be a custodian of a character house today and the priorities, passions and pitfalls of preserving heritage at home.
The Queensland Pioneer Luncheon Train
Relax in the airconditioned comfort of restored former Sunlander carriages as you enjoy a three course, Neo-French- inspired menu.
For the full program for Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage 2025, visit the Ipswich Festivals website.
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.