Halloween Carnival of Screams – Ipswich Showgrounds
Looking for a spooky family activity in Ipswich this Halloween? The Halloween Carnival of Screams is bringing an evening of frights, entertainment and carnival fun to Ipswich Showgrounds on Saturday 31 October 2026.
With a haunted house, spooky disco, trick or treating, carnival rides, market stalls, food trucks and a best-dressed competition, the twilight event offers plenty to keep little monsters and their grown-ups entertained.
Event Overview
The Halloween Carnival of Screams is a Halloween-themed twilight carnival taking over the Ipswich Showgrounds for an evening of family-friendly spooky entertainment.
Visitors can explore the haunted house, enjoy the spooky disco, take part in trick or treating and check out the market stalls featuring handmade goods, artisan products and gourmet treats. There will also be carnival rides and food trucks throughout the evening.
The event is designed with families in mind, with children aged 12 and under receiving free entry. Older visitors can join in the Halloween atmosphere while enjoying the entertainment, food and carnival activities.
Highlights & Schedule
Haunted house: Test your courage with the event’s blood-curdling haunted house, providing one of the evening’s signature spooky attractions.
Spooky disco: Kids can dance the night away at the Halloween-themed disco, adding plenty of music and movement to the carnival atmosphere.
Trick or treating: Little visitors can get into the Halloween spirit with trick or treating as part of the evening’s activities.
Best-dressed competition: Come dressed for the occasion and show off your most creative, spooky or entertaining Halloween outfit during the best-dressed competition.
Carnival rides: Enjoy carnival rides throughout the event, giving families another way to keep the evening entertaining between the other Halloween activities.
Market stalls: Browse stalls offering handmade goods, artisan products, gourmet treats and other items while exploring the carnival.
Food trucks: A selection of food trucks will be available, making it easy to grab something to eat while enjoying the evening’s entertainment.
Licensed bar: A licensed bar will also be operating for adult visitors.
Visitor Information
The Halloween Carnival of Screams takes place on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Ipswich Showgrounds, 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich QLD 4305.
General admission is $8 when purchased online in advance and $10 on the day. Children aged 12 and under enter free. Prepaid tickets are available online until midnight on 30 October 2026.
As this is an outdoor twilight event, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Families attending with younger children may also want to arrive early enough to make the most of the activities before the evening progresses.
With the event running until 9 PM, it can also be a good opportunity for visitors travelling from outside Ipswich to stay overnight and turn Halloween into part of a broader weekend getaway.
Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Event Base
Travelling to Ipswich for Halloween from Brisbane or another part of Queensland? Central Motel Ipswich provides a convenient accommodation base for families and visitors attending the Halloween Carnival of Screams.
Staying locally means you can enjoy the full evening without needing to rush home after the event. Once the haunted house, carnival rides and spooky disco are finished, you can return to the motel and relax.
An overnight stay also gives you the opportunity to explore more of Ipswich before or after the Halloween event, from local cafés and restaurants to heritage attractions, parks and other things to do around the city.
Whether you’re coming for the Halloween Carnival of Screams specifically or planning a Halloween weekend in Ipswich, Central Motel Ipswich can provide a comfortable base for your visit.