Sea of Light
Paint a voyage in light! Embark on a journey of light and imagination in this illuminating interactive installation. With a UV torch as your paintbrush, paint and stencil your own voyage and steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake. Sea of Light weaves together magical light and a gentle soundscape by composer Rob Edwards to create a unique adventure for the whole family.
THU 25, FRI 26 & SAT 27 SEP
Multiple Sessions
Armitage Centre
Dr Hubble's Bubbles
A joyous interactive exploration of everything bubbles can do and the many ways to make them. Dr Hubble is Australia’s favourite bubble man. He travels the country creating miraculous moments of wonder with simple soap bubbles.
THU 25 SEP
11am & 6:30pm
Empire Theatre
School of Magic
Step into a spellbinding world of wonder with our School of Magic workshops, led by a master magician from the renowned Theatre of Magic. In these hands-on, interactive sessions, kids will learn jaw-dropping tricks, grow their confidence, make magical new friends, and take home a goody bag full of illusions to keep the magic alive.
FRI 26 & SAT 27 SEP
12pm
Supper Room
The Hunt For The Empire
Embark on the ultimate adventure tour! Join Jade on her quest to find her lost phone inside the Empire Theatre. Solve puzzles, play dress-up, and be dazzled by an epic light show.
SAT 27 SEP
11am & 1pm
Church Theatre
One Remarkable Reef
Join the Toowoomba Concert Orchestra and count from one to ten with the accompaniment of wonderful music.
SUN 28 SEP
10am & 12:30pm
Armitage Centre
Craft With Tinker
Get crafty with a selection of paid activities for all ages including take-home keepsakes:
- Paint a mini canvas
- Create a sea creature hanger
- Create a keychain
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Lawn
#Free Events
Ocean Life Education’s Interactive Marine Display
Thanks to the support of the Friends of The Empire, you can dive into an unforgettable experience with Ocean Life Education’s Interactive Marine Display—a hands-on encounter featuring live marine animals, fascinating artefacts, and fun ocean facts!
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
10am - 12pm
Church Theatre
C&K Activity Tent
Sensory play, bubbles, puzzles, blocks and more. You'll always find something fun to do at C&K's Activity Tent.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Lawn
Coral Tapestry with Tinker Art
Come add your touch to our growing underwater world! Coral Tapestry is a hands-on community artwork where anyone can stop by and weave colourful threads into a giant coral reef. Bit by bit, the reef comes to life, and as it grows, watch out for sea creatures popping up among the coral, added by the artist along the way. No skills needed, just curiosity and a bit of time. It’s all about creating something beautiful together. Come have a go!
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Lawn
Storytime Under the Magnolia
Join the Toowoomba Libraries First 5 Forever Team and enjoy some interactive story time under the shade of our magnificent magnolia tree.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9:30am - 12pm
Lawn
Thriving Jellyfish Installation
Step into an underwater wonderland and discover our spectacular jellyfish display! More than 800 creative students have contributed to craft a dazzling ‘smack’ of jellyfish, transforming the Church Theatre into a swirling sea of colour, texture, and imagination.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Church Theatre
Face Painting
Choose your favourite design and our talented face painter will get to work.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
10am - 1pm
Lawn
Rainbow Fruits Station
Who can resist a burst of colour and sweetness? Build your own vibrant snack at our Rainbow Fruit Station – a fun (and fruity!) way to treat yourself!
THU 25 & SAT 27 SEP
9:30am - 12pm
Lawn
Fairy Bread Station
Who doesn't love bread, butter, and sprinkles? Create your own delicious treat at our Fairy Bread Station!
FRI 26 & SUN 28 SEP
9:30am - 12pm
Lawn
Surviving and Thriving Trail
Explore some of our most at-risk marine animals and discover ways to help them thrive. Supported and created by Stirling & Truffles, embark on a journey featuring beautifully crafted, sustainably made marine creatures made from reclaimed materials. Collect delightful impressions in your activity book along the way. This hands-on adventure is designed for all ages, igniting a sense of care, curiosity, and commitment to conservation.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Lawn
Interactive Science Displays
Dive into a world of fun and learning as you explore nature hands-on. It's the perfect blend of play and education!
THU 26 - SUN 29 SEP
9am - 2pm
Church Theatre
Lawn Games
Pick a game and play! Giant blocks, giant connect four, dominoes, ring toss and bean bag toss.
THU 25 - SUN 28 SEP
9am - 2pm
Lawn
#Coffee and food options will be available on-site throughout the day, plus roaming entertainment and more!
#All About Thrive
Presented by C&K Childcare and Kindergarten along with The Empire, THRIVE Festival is an annual four-day event celebrating creativity, imagination and play for children aged 0–12 and their families, held during the Spring school holidays during the region’s most vibrant time of year.
In 2025, THRIVE Festival dives under the sea with an ocean-themed program featuring immersive light adventures, magical bubble artistry, live music, movement, storytelling, craft, interactive installations and more. From UV painting and marine life encounters to fairy bread stations, creative trails, and a community coral tapestry, every corner offers something new to explore.
With both free and ticketed experiences across indoor and outdoor spaces, THRIVE Festival is a welcoming space for families to gather, imagine, play—and thrive!
#Special Thanks
C&K (The Creche and Kindergarten Association) has had a long and proud history teaching and playing with the children of Toowoomba. With more than 100 years' in early childhood education and care, C&K is regarded as one of Australia's leading providers of childcare and kindergarten.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
