YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE WEEKEND INSIDE
1. Head to streets for parade
THE Grand Central Floral Parade is back.
After Covid forced it to downsize inside Toowoomba’s biggest shopping centre in 2020, the centrepiece of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns to the streets today.
It’s kicking off a little earlier than in previous years, starting near the intersection of Herries and Hume Streets at 10am.
It will then weave its way through Toowoomba’s CBD and finish on the Godsall Street Oval at Queens Park. Make sure you get in early to get a great viewing spot.
2. Check out winning gardens
NOW is your best chance to check out the stunning winners in the annual Chronicle Garden Competition. There are a range of city and rural champions that you have to check out, and this weekend is one of your only opportunities.
They include the Grand Champion at 112 Neil Street, South Toowoomba and the Reserve Grand Champion at 194 Schultzs-Haden Road, Haden.
The winning gardens will be open today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm. For a full list of the winning gardens and entrants, make sure you pick up a copy of The Chronicle Garden Competition Visitor Guide or head to thechronicle.com.au.
3. Pick up a succulent
CHASING some hardy plants to decorate your home with?
You won’t want to miss Succulent Fest tomorrow.
This one-day event is held at the Bunkers Hill State School at Westbrook from 8am-2pm. Entry is $2.
3. Ring in spring at St Luke’s
A POPULAR location during carnival time, St Luke’s Anglican Church will showcase floral displays this weekend. The displays are open from 9am-4pm each day and you can catch musical concerts in the grounds at 12.30pm. There will also be market stalls and delicious treats available.
Entry is a gold coin. 4. See stunning clivia display
A BEAUTIFUL display of clivias will be on show at the TAFE horticultural pavilion this weekend.
It is open from 9am-5pm and the entry fee is $3.
5. Explore the world of bonsai TOOWOOMBA Bonsai Group will showcase bonsai of all shapes and sizes at its annual show today and tomorrow.
Check out these eclectic displays from 9am-4pm on those days for just $3 at the Newtown Park Rose Cottage. Children under the age of 16 can enter for free.
6. Don’t miss orchid showcase ORCHID lovers are in for a treat at the Toowoomba Orchid Society Show. Be inspired by the plants or pick up your own at the event today and tomorrow.
It runs from 8.30am-4pm today and 8.30am-2pm tomorrow.
You can find the display at the St Paul’s Church hall on the corner of James and Phillip Streets. Entry is $4.
7. Bring home some native plants
THE TAFE horticultural pavilion will play host to a display of native plants this weekend.
Gain advice on native plants or pick up some new greenery from 9am-5pm each day. Entry is free.
8. Pick up bromeliads
LOCALLY-GROWN bromeliads, cactuses and succulents will be on show at the Sacred Heart Primary School hall in Wilsonton this weekend. The Toowoomba Bromeliad and Succulent Society show runs 8am-4pm today and tomorrow.
Check out daily demonstrations at 10.30am and 1.30pm.
Entry for adults is $3 while children can enter for free.
9. Spring to orchid show
THE Native Orchid Society of Toowoomba hosts its spring show this weekend and Monday.
Native and exotic orchids will be displayed from 9am-5pm except on Monday when the event runs 9am3pm.
Entry to the St John’s Lutheran Church hall event is $3 for adults.
10. Experience creation in the park
ACCLAIMED artist David Hinchliffe will bring the colours of the Japanese Garden alive this weekend as part of artistry event Creating in the Park. Dr Hinchliffe will lead a small group of artists in capturing the beauty of the grounds.
You can head along to watch tomorrow from 9am.
11. Tour of unique vases
HUNDREDS of vases in different shapes and sizes will be displayed this weekend.
The Queensland Country Women’s Association is hosting a Vase Extravaganza event to coincide with the Carnival of Flowers. Featuring a variety of vessels, the display will showcase antique, modern, preloved or handmade vases – some of which have been sourced from across the globe.
From cowboy boots and tulips to shells and fishes, the display items all vary in shape, size and texture and will fall under 11 different categories.
The event will be at the QCWA branch on Margaret St today and tomorrow 9am and 3pm.
Entry is a gold coin donation.
11. Celebrate club anniversary TOOWOOMBA Golf Club will celebrate 125 years of history at a free family open day tomorrow.
The event kicks off at 1pm and includes kids golf clinics with golf pros, putting competitions and face painting. There will also be a marquee bar for the parents so they can overlook the kids activities.
The club is located at 235-323 Rowbotham Street, Middle Ridge.
12. Take a trip down sideshow alley SIDESHOW alley will set up in Frogs Hollow today and tomorrow.
You can pick up a showbag, dig in to some fairy floss or jump on a thrillseeking ride 9am-10pm today and 10am-9pm tomorrow.
Entry is free, but some rides and activities will require coupons. Fireworks will also light the night sky from 8.30pm tonight, and 7.30pm tomorrow.
13. Explore stunning works of art
THE Downlands Art Show features 850 pieces from across Australia, covering paint, ceramics, metal, stone, pencil, photography and prints.
It will be open from 10am today and tomorrow.
Pieces range from $10 right through to $175,000.
14. Learn new textile techniques
ARTISTS will demonstrate a number of interesting textile and fibre techniques at the downSIZE exhibition this weekend.
Items at the event, which will be held at The Glennie School, will be for sale. The exhibition runs from 10am-4pm and entry is free.
15. Check out craft showcase
MORE than 40 of Toowoomba’s best regional artisans and craftspeople will showcase their wares across the carnival’s biggest weekend.
The event will be held at the Glenvale Room at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, and entry is a gold coin. The event will run from 9am-5pm both today and tomorrow.
16. Soak in tunes at Spring Bluff TAKE in railway history and explore the beautiful gardens at the Spring Bluff train station this weekend.
The Jim Miller Big Band will entertain Spring Bluff visitors tomorrow from 11.30am-3pm.