Ipswich Civic Centre is the city’s main performing arts venue, at 50 Nicholas Street in the Ipswich CBD. It runs a year-round program of performing arts events, and it also runs Studio 188, a smaller live music room that was once a Baptist church.
This guide covers the venue itself: where it is, what it hosts, how to get there, where to park and where to eat nearby. For what is on, use the centre’s own program.
What Ipswich Civic Centre hosts
The centre describes itself as a combination of entertainment, function and conference centre. Its performance venues host live shows and community events, and it is also set up for functions, conferences and weddings, with catering, rooms and reception packages.
The program mixes live music and comedy, including comedy club nights, and some gigs run in Studio 188. The centre has been marking its 50th anniversary with a dedicated page on its website.
It has a bar, public toilets and an enquiry desk, and the listing describes it as family friendly and non-smoking.
Studio 188
Studio 188 is an intimate live music venue in the Ipswich CBD and part of the Civic Centre. It was a Baptist church before it was converted into a creative space.
It runs regular live music gigs, artist residencies and creative development workshops. Mixtape Sessions are nights curated by independent music labels, performers and producers, and Hatchery 4305 is a creative development program run with the Civic Centre and Fire Station 101. Studio 188 can also be hired, with enquiries through the contact page on the Civic Centre website.
Tickets and accessibility
Tickets are booked online through the Ipswich Civic Centre website. Box office hours are not listed on the main page, so book online or contact the centre.
- Wheelchair access
- An in-house lift
- A hearing loop
- Special tickets for registered carers
Parking at Ipswich Civic Centre
The Civic Centre’s website says there are on-street and off-street parking options but does not give prices or space numbers. The nearest big option is the Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark, with over 1,000 undercover spaces and entry from Bremer Street. Lifts from the car park go directly to Tulmur Place, the civic square.
- Weekdays: up to 3 hours free, and free after 5 pm
- Weekends and public holidays: free all day
- Other times: standard rates apply
- Early bird entry is available before 8.30 am
Metered on-street parking in the CBD applies Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, for stays under 4 hours. See Ipswich City Council’s parking guide for other car parks and current rates.
Getting to Ipswich Civic Centre
By car it is about 40 km and about 45 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic, so allow more for peak hour. By train, Ipswich station is under 1 km from the venue. Check Translink for timetables on show nights.
Eating before or after a show
Stars Dining is the venue’s own restaurant, with meals and snacks that can be ordered up to 30 minutes before show-time on selected shows. Tables can be reserved online, and it is open for selected performances only.
The Nicholas Street Precinct next door has dining and retail tenancies, so there is more choice within a short walk. Opening hours vary, so check before you go.
Tulmur Place, the civic square next door
Tulmur Place is the precinct’s civic square, with over 4,000 square metres of space, a performance stage, a water feature and an LED screen. It also has seating and grassed areas, a zero depth water play area, shelters, public toilets, drinking water and disabled access.
The square hosts markets, expos, fairs, live performances and school holiday activities, and the Ipswich Central Library and Ipswich Children’s Library are in the precinct too. That makes it an easy place to fill the hour before a show, especially with children.
Nearby
- Ipswich Art Gallery – free entry gallery in the same part of the city.
- Old Ipswich Court House – heritage building in the CBD.
- Queens Park Ipswich – playground, nature centre and cafe.
- Nerima Gardens – Japanese garden for a walk before an evening show.
- Workshops Rail Museum – a daytime stop in Ipswich.
- More shows and venues: Theatres and live music and Ipswich.
You might also like
- The Tivoli (Fortitude Valley)
- The Triffid (Newstead)
- Princess Theatre (Woolloongabba)
Quick answers
Where is Ipswich Civic Centre?
At 50 Nicholas Street in the Ipswich CBD, near Limestone Street, about 40 km from the Brisbane CBD.
Where do you park for Ipswich Civic Centre?
The Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark has over 1,000 undercover spaces, entered from Bremer Street. It is free for up to 3 hours on weekdays, free after 5 pm and free all weekend.
What is Studio 188?
Studio 188 is the Civic Centre’s smaller live music venue, in a former Baptist church. It hosts gigs, residencies and workshops.
Is Ipswich Civic Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has wheelchair access, an in-house lift and a hearing loop, and offers special tickets for registered carers.
Can you eat at Ipswich Civic Centre?
Stars Dining serves meals and snacks before selected shows, and there are restaurants in the Nicholas Street Precinct next door.
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