Festival of Horsepower 2026
Rev up for a full month of high-octane excitement as the Festival of Horsepower 2026 takes over Ipswich this June. This signature regional event delivers a city-wide celebration of motorsport, horse racing and adrenaline-fuelled entertainment, bringing together some of Australia’s most iconic racing events into one unforgettable program.
Event details: The festival runs from Monday 1 June to Tuesday 30 June 2026, across multiple venues throughout Ipswich, including Queensland Raceway, Willowbank Raceway and Ipswich Turf Club.
Event Overview
The Festival of Horsepower is a month-long showcase of speed, power and tradition, combining world-class drag racing, circuit racing and thoroughbred horse racing into a single, action-packed program. From the glamour of race days to the thunder of engines, this is Ipswich at its most exciting.
Festival Highlights & Schedule
Winternationals Warm Up (31 May – 1 June): Kick off the festival early with pre-event action leading into one of Australia’s biggest drag racing spectacles.
Gulf Western Oil Winternationals: A headline event of the festival, delivering multiple days of elite drag racing action with Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Cars and more roaring down the strip at Willowbank Raceway.
Cruise the Night (14 June): A laid-back evening event for car enthusiasts, bringing together impressive vehicles, cruising culture and a social night atmosphere.
All GM Day (15 June): A must for General Motors fans, showcasing classic and modern GM vehicles in a dedicated enthusiast gathering.
From Horses to Horsepower Family Fun Day (15 June): A family-friendly event blending Ipswich’s racing heritage with modern motorsport, offering activities and entertainment for all ages.
TAB Ipswich Cup Calcutta (19 June): Build excitement ahead of race day with this lively social event, combining entertainment, hospitality and racing anticipation.
Superbike Ride Experience (20 June): Feel the thrill of two wheels on track with this immersive riding experience designed for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Speed Demons Showdown Saturday (21 June): High-speed action takes centre stage with competitive motorsport showcasing power, performance and precision.
V8 Race Experience (22 June): Get behind the wheel or ride along in a V8 race car and experience the track like a professional driver.
Western Star Family Race Day (22 June): A relaxed and enjoyable race day experience perfect for families, combining racing action with a welcoming atmosphere.
Open Sprint Round 3 (22 June): Watch or participate as drivers test speed and skill in a competitive sprint racing format at Queensland Raceway.
TAB Ipswich Cup: One of Queensland’s premier horse racing events, delivering fashion, social atmosphere and thrilling races at Ipswich Turf Club.
Visitor Information
With events spread throughout June, you can plan your visit around key highlights or return across multiple weekends to experience different aspects of the festival. Major events attract large crowds, so arriving early is recommended—especially for headline attractions like the Winternationals and Ipswich Cup. Each venue offers food, amenities and viewing areas to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Event Base
Planning to experience the Festival of Horsepower? Central Motel Ipswich is the perfect base for the month-long celebration. Conveniently located within easy reach of Ipswich’s major event venues, the motel offers comfortable accommodation, free parking and a relaxing place to unwind after a day of high-speed action. Whether you’re attending one event or planning a full festival itinerary, Central Motel Ipswich keeps you close to the excitement while providing a quiet and comfortable stay.