Goodna Jacaranda Festival 2026
Looking for things to do in Ipswich this October? The Goodna Jacaranda Festival 2026 is bringing two days of colour, music, entertainment, food and family fun to Evan Marginson Park on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
One of the region’s much-loved community celebrations, the Goodna Jacaranda Festival combines live entertainment with carnival rides, market stalls, food trucks and activities for visitors of all ages. The 2026 program includes the popular Quest for Talent and the return of Battle of the Bands, while a spectacular fireworks display will provide a memorable finale.
For families, music fans and visitors looking for a lively weekend event near Ipswich, the festival offers plenty of reasons to spend a day — or the whole weekend — in the area.
Event Overview
The Goodna Jacaranda Festival is a two-day community festival held at Evan Marginson Park in Goodna, celebrating the local community with entertainment, food, markets and family activities.
The 2026 festival runs from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, giving visitors two very different opportunities to experience the event. Friday opens the festival from 4 PM, while Saturday begins from 8 AM and continues through to 10 PM.
The festival program features a strong focus on local talent and community participation. School bands and choirs are part of the program, while the Quest for Talent competition gives performers an opportunity to take the stage. The Battle of the Bands also returns in 2026, with local independent bands competing for the festival title.
Away from the stage, visitors can explore Sideshow Alley, browse market stalls, grab something from the food trucks and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the region’s established community festivals.
Highlights & Schedule
Sideshow Alley: Carnival rides provide plenty of excitement throughout the festival, with Sideshow Alley offering a classic carnival experience for visitors looking for a little extra adrenaline.
Quest for Talent: One of the festival’s returning favourites, Quest for Talent puts the spotlight on performers and emerging local talent. It is a chance to see singers, performers and other talented participants compete in front of a live festival audience.
Battle of the Bands: Music fans can look forward to the return of Battle of the Bands in 2026. Local independent bands will compete for the title, adding a strong live-music component to the weekend program.
School bands and choirs: The festival also celebrates young performers, with school bands and choirs forming part of the 2026 entertainment program. Their performances add a distinctly community-focused element to the event.
Live stage entertainment: Across the festival weekend, the main stage provides more than 20 hours of live programming, helping keep the entertainment going throughout the two-day celebration.
Market stalls: Take some time away from the rides and stage performances to explore the market stalls and discover products, community initiatives and local offerings.
Food trucks: A selection of food trucks will be available throughout the festival, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to grab food and refreshments without leaving the event precinct.
Fireworks finale: One of the biggest attractions of the festival is the fireworks display. Unlike previous years, there is no separate designated viewing area in 2026. Fireworks will be visible from throughout the festival precinct, although visitors should follow all safety directions from event staff.
Friday at the Goodna Jacaranda Festival
The festival gets underway on Friday 23 October from 4 PM, giving visitors the chance to arrive after school or work and enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Friday is a good option for visitors who want to experience the festival atmosphere without waiting until Saturday morning. You can explore the rides and stalls, grab dinner from the food trucks and enjoy the evening entertainment before the festival closes at 10 PM.
For visitors staying overnight in the Ipswich area, Friday also provides an opportunity to make the festival the starting point for a full weekend exploring Goodna and greater Ipswich.
Saturday at the Goodna Jacaranda Festival
Saturday is the festival’s biggest full-day experience, with gates opening from 8 AM and activities continuing until 10 PM.
An early arrival gives families plenty of time to explore the festival precinct, check out the market stalls and enjoy the daytime entertainment before the evening program gets underway.
As the day progresses, visitors can enjoy the carnival rides, food trucks and stage entertainment, with the festival building towards its evening celebrations and fireworks finale.
With so much taking place across the day, Saturday is particularly suited to visitors who want to make the most of the festival rather than simply dropping in for an hour or two.
Visitor Information
The Goodna Jacaranda Festival 2026 takes place on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026 at Evan Marginson Park, Woogaroo Street, Goodna QLD 4300.
Festival gates open at 4 PM on Friday, with the festival operating until 10 PM. On Saturday, gates open at 8 AM, with the event again continuing until 10 PM.
Ticket prices: Adults can purchase a two-day pass for $10, seniors for $7, and children aged 13–17 for $5. Children aged 12 and under can attend free. The listed passes are valid for both Friday and Saturday.
Getting there: Public entry is through the main gates accessible from Woogaroo Street. Visitors should follow event signage and directions from festival staff when arriving.
Accessibility: The festival precinct is designed to be accessible, with ramps and directional signs throughout the site. Visitors who require assistance can contact the festival volunteers or visit the event control centre.
Pets: Dogs and other pets are welcome at the festival, but they must remain on a leash at all times for the safety of other visitors.
What to bring: The organisers recommend bringing sun protection and being prepared for spending time outdoors. Visitors should not bring glass or cans, fireworks, sparklers, laser lights, water pistols, open flames, sound systems or other prohibited or potentially dangerous items.
Weather: As much of the festival takes place outdoors, weather can affect the program. If severe or persistent wet weather, lightning or high winds create safety concerns, the organising committee may cancel the event. Any cancellation decision is communicated through local radio, the festival’s website and official social media channels.
Planning Your Goodna Jacaranda Festival Visit
With the festival operating across two days, visitors can choose the experience that best suits their plans.
Families with younger children may prefer arriving earlier on Saturday so they can enjoy the daytime activities, rides and entertainment before the evening crowds and fireworks.
Those looking for an evening outing can arrive after 4 PM on Friday or later on Saturday, when the festival atmosphere really comes alive with entertainment, food and carnival attractions.
If you’re travelling from outside the Ipswich area, staying overnight can also make the festival considerably easier to enjoy. Rather than worrying about a late drive home after the Saturday night fireworks, you can stay locally and explore more of the Ipswich region during your visit.
Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Festival Base
Travelling to the Goodna Jacaranda Festival from Brisbane or another part of Queensland? Central Motel Ipswich provides a convenient accommodation base for visitors planning to enjoy the festival and explore more of the region.
With the festival continuing until 10 PM on both Friday and Saturday, an overnight stay can give visitors more flexibility. You can enjoy the evening entertainment and fireworks without having to rush off for a longer drive home.
Staying in Ipswich also gives you the opportunity to turn the festival into part of a wider weekend itinerary. Explore Ipswich’s heritage attractions, discover local cafés and restaurants, visit parks and outdoor spaces, or check out other events happening around the region.
For families, couples and groups of friends, the Goodna Jacaranda Festival offers plenty to see and do across its two-day program. Make a weekend of it and enjoy the festival at your own pace before returning to the comfort of Central Motel Ipswich.
Whether you’re coming for the jacaranda-themed community atmosphere, live music, carnival rides, markets, food or fireworks, the Goodna Jacaranda Festival 2026 is a major October event worth adding to your Ipswich itinerary.