5 Winter Events to Add to Your Calendar Now
Want to experience a true winter on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, but not sure when exactly to come? Tie in your trip with one of these huge winter events to get the most out of your visit!
1. Opera Queensland’s Are You Lonesome Tonight
Opera meets country music when Opera Queensland heads to the Southern Downs as part of its epic regional tour. With a cast of young Australian singers, Are You Lonesome Tonight features arias and songs by composers such as Puccini, Verdi, Slim Dusty and Dolly Parton, to name just a few. Come in your jeans and boots or your tuxedos and ballgowns – this is opera that is diverse, accessible and exciting.
When: 4 June (Warwick) and 5 June (Stanthorpe)
More information and tickets: Head to the event website
Places to stay: Find accommodation in the Southern Downs
2. Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
The coolest town in Queensland is gearing up to host thousands of visitors on a winter family holiday with a guaranteed chance of throwing snowballs! Grab your beanies, scarves and mittens and head south to Snowflakes in Stanthorpe winter festival, taking place over three winter-themed magical days. The whole family will be kept busy at this biannual event, with snowfields, ice skating and a whole range of snow-themed activities! Indulge in local hearty food at the winter markets and stop by the winery marquee to warm up with a glass of Granite Belt red.
Dates: 2-4 July 2021
Town: Stanthorpe (3 hours from Brisbane, 1 hour 45 mins from Toowoomba)
More info: snowflakesinstanthorpe.com.au
Places to stay: Find accommodation in Stanthorpe
3. Jumpers and Jazz in July
Warwick’s winter festival sees a transformation of the CBD streets into a living gallery, with more than 100 handmade “tree jumpers” that inspire and charm spectators even on the coldest of winter days. Visitors to Warwick are invited to immerse themselves in a program of exhibitions and events that range from a beaut family night around the Fire Drums of Killarney to indulging with a fine local wine to the sounds of elegant jazz at a charming country hotel. Be entertained by live jazz performances by some of South Queensland’s most popular jazz musicians to the backdrop of colourful knitted graffiti or a warm winter fire.
Dates: 15-25 July 2021
Town: Warwick (2 hours from Brisbane, 1 hour from Toowoomba)
More info: Head to the Jumpers and Jazz in July website or Facebook page.
Places to stay: Find accommodation in Warwick
4. Killarney Bonfire Night
This ever growing display of delightfully quirky artistic fire drums, together with a giant bonfire, winter food and live music offers a
great night out in Killarney. Giant dragons, ships, fiery devils, flaming 44 gallon drums – the glowing wonders created by the Killarney community are the draw card for young and old alike at this winter celebration!
Date: 17 July 2021
Town: Killarney (2 hours 15 mins from Brisbane)
More info: Head to the Killarney Bonfire Night Facebook page or website
Places to stay: Find accommodation in Killarney
5. Historic Leyburn Sprints
Rev your engines! The Historic Leyburn Sprints returns to the Southern Downs, with over 200 cars racing around the streets of this quaint country village. Get amongst the action, checking out cars ranging from the 1920s to the modern classics. The Historic Leyburn Sprints commemorates the running of the Australian Grand Prix, held at Leyburn over 50 years ago.
Celebrity drivers, country markets, live music, a show n shine and a vintage caravan competition all add to the entertainment provided by this unique event in a fantastic country setting!
Dates: 21-22 August 2021
Town: Leyburn (2.5 hours from Brisbane, 1 hour from Toowoomba)
More info: leyburnmotorsprints.com.au
Other events in Warwick, Stanthorpe and surrounds
There’s always something on in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Don’t miss a range of events held at cellar doors throughout the year celebrating local wine, food and entertainment. Rev heads should visit the Morgan Park Raceway website for event details – and to check out why it’s one of Australia’s busiest regional raceways! Keep your eye on our events calendar for a full list of what’s on.
While You’re Here
Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:
- National Park lover? Make sure you check out Girraween, Main Range or Sundown National Park for walks and wildlife.
- Heading to Stanthorpe? Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours there.
- Travelling in Spring or Summer? Here’s our top 7 must visit waterholes to check out.
- If you have the kids in tow, make sure you check out these 20 family activities in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
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Vivien Doneley2025-01-14 01:34:382025-01-14 05:44:102025 events you can’t miss in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt
