10 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
1. Take a Hike
WHEN: Tomorrow
WHERE: Queens Park
THE AEIOU Foundation is calling on the Toowoomba community to unite and Take a Hike in support of families receiving vital therapy and care.
The event is open to walkers, hikers and racers with all funds raised directly supporting AEIOU’s early intervention program for children with autism.
There are three distance options of 21km, 10.5km and 5km.
Registrations open from 6.30am at Queens Park, on the corner of Margaret and Hume Sts. To register go to takeahike.org.au.
2. Fashion parade
WHEN: Today
WHERE: St John’s Lutheran Church Hall
ST ANDREW’S Hospital Auxiliary is hosting a fashion show fundraising event for the hospital.
A professional stylist will present the latest autumn collection from Postie Fashions.
The afternoon will include a lucky-door prize, craft and cake stalls and raffles. Afternoon tea is included in the entrance ticket, which is $15.
3. Dalby Picnic Races
WHEN: Today
WHERE: Bunya Park Racecourse
THE iconic Dalby Picnic Races will kick off the inaugural Big Skies Festival in the Western Downs.
Gates to the 106th Picnic Races open at 11am in preparation for the seven-race program. Enjoy the day with your own picnic lunch.
There will also be a bar, fashions on the field, food stalls and live music after the last race.
Go to dalbypicnicraces.org.au.
4. The Nutcracker
WHEN: Today
WHERE: Empire Theatre
THE Moscow Ballet La Classique will perform The Nutcracker at the Empire Theatre.
La Classique was founded in 1990 by its current director Elik Melikov.
It features artistic ballet mastery, lavish costumes and sets and will take the audience on a journey back in time to the frost-covered, gas lit world of Clara, her beloved nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer.
It will be held at the Empire Theatre at 7.30pm. For tickets go to empiretheatre.com.au.
5. Damien Leith
WHEN: Today
WHERE: Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre
ENJOY an Evening with Damien Leith at the Empire Theatre.
It has been 11 years since Damien caught the nation’s attention performing on Australian Idol. Since then he has released eight albums, two novels and toured extensively.
Audiences will hear Irish classics like Crying, Hallelujah and Night of my Life.
He will perform at 8pm. For tickets go to empiretheatre.com.au.
6. My Local Feast Farmers’ Markets
WHEN: Today
WHERE: Cobb and Co Museum
HEAD down to the grounds next to Cobb and Co Museum to by direct from farmers and local food artisans.
It is a great opportunity to get your hands on seasonal produce, local meats, hand-made bread, pasta, jams, honey and more.
The markets run from 7am to noon.
7. Man Date Festival
WHEN: Today
WHERE: The Mills Precinct
GET your mates together for Toowoomba’s annual Man Date Festival.
It will bring together the country’s best in bevies, barbecue, bands, beards, barbers and “bonza times”.
It will also feature a beard and ’stache competition. The event runs from 10am to 8pm.
For more information and tickets go to beardboutique.com.au/ man-date-festival/.
8. Laidley Heritage Weekend
WHEN: Today and tomorrow WHERE: Laidley
RESIDENTS and visitors are encouraged to celebrate the heritage of Laidley at the Laidley Heritage Village.
Events will be held at Das Neumann Haus both days from 9am to 3pm. There will be market stalls, music, horse and carriage rides (today only) as well as children’s activities and a Clydesdale horse display.
Activities will also be held at the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum from 8am to 3pm both days. It will include displays and entertainment.
Go to lvrc.qld.gov.au.
9. Oztag Tag-a-Buddy day
WHEN: Tomorrow
WHERE: Brothers Rugby League ground
TOOWOOMBA Oztag wants to share the excitement of the sport with more people.
It will host its first Tag-a-Buddy day tomorrow, designed to introduce people to the family-friendly sport.
There is no cost and players should wear joggers or football boots.
It is similar to touch football and players wear a special belt two velcro tags. It will run from 2pm to 3.30pm.
10. Bird auction
WHEN: Today
WHERE: Centenary Heights State High School
THE Downs Bird Breeders Association will host its annual auction today.
Viewing for the birds runs from 9am to 9.50am and the auction will run from 10am to 3pm. Food and refreshments will be available and there will be a sales table. Admission is $2.