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THE COUNTRY COMEBACK CONTINUES: LAIDLEY SPRING FESTIVAL BLOOMS INTO QUEENSLAND'S ULTIMATE HAYCATION

Laidley Spring Festival

Emmet, David and Felicite Cootes ready for the 2026 Ipswich Spring Festival
Emmet, David and Felicite Cootes ready for the 2026 Ipswich Spring Festival
Key Facts:

LAIDLEY SPRING FESTIVAL

When: 11-13 September 2026

Where: Laidley 11-12 September and Forest Hill 13 September, Lockyer Valley, Queensland

For more information visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com


THE COUNTRY COMEBACK CONTINUES: LAIDLEY SPRING FESTIVAL BLOOMS INTO QUEENSLAND'S ULTIMATE HAYCATION

 

One hour from Brisbane and Toowoomba, this authentic country festival is about to have a big moment!

Beautiful imagery HERE

 

Dust off the boots, pack the family and point the car towards Laidley because one of Queensland's most charming country celebrations is preparing to burst into bloom once again, and there to celebrate will be The Wet Whistles and the Bluey Live Interactive Experience!

 

The Laidley Spring Festival returns to the heart of the Lockyer Valley just outside Brisbane from 11-12 September in Laidey and 13 September in Forest Hill, transforming into a colourful celebration of community, country hospitality, live entertainment, local produce and springtime traditions.

 

Just an hour from Brisbane and Toowoomba, the much-loved festival that’s also dog-friendly, invites visitors to slow down, breathe in the country air and experience the simple pleasures of regional Queensland at its very best.

Across three spectacular days, Laidley and Forest Hill will come alive with vibrant street parades, twilight festivities under festoon lights, live music, markets, exhibitions, a massive Show 'n' Shine, a dedicated Spring Gardening Fair, family entertainment and authentic country experiences around every corner.

 

For generations of locals, the festival is a treasured tradition. For visitors, it's a chance to discover one of Queensland's most welcoming country towns and experience the warmth, character and community spirit that makes the Lockyer Valley so special. From country pubs and farm-fresh produce to boutique accommodation, glamping experiences, campgrounds and scenic country drives, the festival offers the perfect excuse for a weekend away.

 

Festival organisers say the event continues to grow as more Queenslanders seek authentic regional experiences close to home. "The Laidley Spring Festival is about celebrating everything people love about country Queensland – community, connection, local talent, great food and good old-fashioned hospitality," Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan said. "As more Australians seek authentic regional experiences, slower travel and connections with local communities, events such as the Laidley Spring Festival are becoming increasingly attractive weekend escapes. Whether you're coming for the day or making a weekend of it, you'll find something to love. It's colourful, welcoming, incredibly photogenic and packed with genuine country charm."

 

Hot rods, blooms, country tunes and WACKADOO…. The Bluey Live Interactive Experience!!

  • Friday night festivities kick off with performances from Rheanna Leschke Band, Maddi and the Dreamers and crowd-favourite party act ANTHEMS! Live Band, delivering a huge night of singalong hits beneath the spring sky.
  • Saturday's entertainment program brings Bluey and Bingo in real life in the Bluey Live Interactive Experience, before acclaimed Queensland country-pop outfit The Wet Whistles headline the afternoon celebrations. Joining them on the Saturday line-up are rising country-rock star Kaitlyn Thomas and crowd favourites Chloe Marks and The Mayhem. Families can enjoy a packed program of children's entertainment, interactive activities, markets and community displays, while gardening enthusiasts can browse the popular Spring Gardening Fair and motoring fans admire hundreds of classic and custom vehicles at the festival's iconic Show 'n' Shine.
  • Sunday 13 September is the Bee Happy Day in nearby Forest Hill, adding another vibrant community event to an already packed festival weekend.

 

LAIDLEY SPRING FESTIVAL

When: 11-13 September 2026

Where: Laidley 11-12 September and Forest Hill 13 September, Lockyer Valley, Queensland

For more information visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com

 

Friday 11 September

Twilight Feast & Fest, 5pm to 9pm at Laidley Recreational Reserve

  • 5pm-6.30pm – Rheanna Leschke Band
  • 6.35pm-7.35pm – Maddi and the Dreamers
  • 7.40pm-9pm – ANTHEMS! Live Band
  • Plus roving entertainment, food and treasure stalls.

 

Under 5’s Day from 9am to 12noon at Laidley Recreational Reserve, Edward St, Laidley

Hosted by the Laidley Community Centre, this much-loved event is dedicated to children aged five and under, creating a welcoming space filled with hands-on activities, interactive play and engaging entertainment designed especially for young imaginations.

 

Spring Orchid Show from 8am to 3pm at Laidley Sports Complex, Anzac Park

Step into a world of floral wonder, this is a true highlight of the festival program for green thumbs, garden lovers and anyone who simply adores the beauty of blooms.

*Also Floral Displays by the Lutheran Church from 8am to 3pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Laidley, 21 Patrick Street

 

Quilt and Craft Show from 9am to 3pm at Laidley Uniting Church

Celebrate lost crafts at this much-loved experience that showcases all things handmade, heartfelt, and beautifully crafted - quilts, crochet creations, decorative sewing, and textile art, plus handmade jewellery, woodwork, cardmaking, lacework, floral arrangements, dolls, children’s wear, and of course, the sweet scent of homemade cakes, lollies and biscuits.

 

Spring Art Exhibition from 9am to 3pm at 7 MacGregor Street, Laidley

Bursting with colour, creativity and local talent, the Marburg & District Art Society's Spring Artists' Exhibition will feature more than 20 artists showcasing everything from delicate watercolours to striking acrylics and detailed pencil sketches.

 

Das Neumann Haus from 8am to 1.30pm, William Street, Laidley

This German Settlement Museum and Coffee Shoppe was hand-built by German immigrant Hermann Neumann in 1893 and now stands as one of Laidley’s must-visit experiences. Try apple strudels, German sausages, Devonshire teas and coffee, and more.

 

Saturday 12 September

Laidley Recreational Reserve 8am to 3pm

  • 11am-11.20am – Bluey Live Interactive Experience!
  • 11.30am-12.30pm – The Wet Whistles
  • 12.40pm-1.40pm – Kaitlyn Thomas
  • 1.45pm-3pm – Chloe Marks and The Mayhem.

 

Spring Show ‘n’ Shine at Ferrari Park Laidley from 9am to 1pm

Start your engines, polish that chrome and get ready to rev things up, it’s Show 'n' Shine time! From beautifully restored classics and vintage treasures to tough muscle cars, custom builds, hot rods and gleaming motorcycles, this year's Show 'n' Shine will deliver plenty of horsepower and nostalgia. Whether you're a diehard motoring enthusiast or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted machine, you'll find plenty to admire as some of South East Queensland's finest vehicles roll into town.

 

The Producer’s Patch 11am to 1.30pm Laidley Recreational Reserve

Settle in with a bean bag, roll out a picnic rug or grab a shady seat and enjoy live cooking demonstrations celebrating the very best local ingredients. The guest chef will be announced soon, and will transform Valley produce into drool-worthy dishes with signature flair, sharing stories, tips and plenty of laughs.

 

Grand Street Parade 10am

Join thousands of festival-goers lining the streets for the legendary Street Parade featuring country-inspired floats, classic heritage trucks, vintage vehicles, community groups, and marching bands, celebrating this year’s theme - Country Harvest.

 

Spring Orchid Show from 8am to 3pm at Laidley Sports Complex, Anzac Park – day 2

 

Quilt and Craft Show from 9am to 3pm at Laidley Uniting Church – day 2

 

Spring Art Exhibition from 9am to 3pm at 7 MacGregor Street – day 2

 

Das Neumann Haus from 8am to 1.30pm William Street – day 2

 

Sunday 13 September

 

Bee Happy Day, Forest Hill School of Arts from 9am to 1pm

 

Festival Sunday is for the kids! Bring the family for a program filled with arts and craft workshops, face painting, dancing, scrumptious food, and a local artisan market.

 

The Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

 

For media information, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]


Contact details:

Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]

Images

LAIDLEY SPRING FESTIVAL READY_Emmett Cootes_6 years_with David Cootes_10 years_ and mum Felicite Cootes (2) (002).jpg

Emmet, David and Felicite Cootes ready for the 2026 Ipswich Spring Festival
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