#Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 September
In 2026 our annual THRIVE Festival launches into space with an out-of-this-world program in a four-day celebration of creativity, imagination and play for children aged 0–12 and their families.
Featuring free and ticketed experiences across indoor and outdoor spaces, THRIVE Festival invites families to gather, imagine, play—and thrive!
#MEET OUR Resident Artists
ARC Circus is an award-winning contemporary circus company based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. ARC create spectacular shows for families with children, world-class performances for general and adult audiences, and unforgettable festival entertainment touring across Australia and internationally. Their artists include talented performers from Cirque du Soleil, Circa, and Circus Oz.
The ARC Circus residency is supported by the Toowoomba Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
#ARC Circus Presents
Into Space
Headlining the 2026 THRIVE Festival is an incredible acrobatic spectacular by ARC Circus. Marvel as our astronauts are launched deep into space and face obstacles that will test their very humanity.
Into Space is a hero's journey, following the adventures of an astronaut during an important space mission. Our astronaut ventures into space with a team and faces a multitude of challenges—an asteroid field, becoming separated from his crew, encountering alien life, and the prospect of being stuck with no way to return home to earth.
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
11AM & 6PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours
A collaboration between ARC Circus and Luther Cora and his team from Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers. This stunning, Indigenous-led, contemporary performance piece fusing traditional First Nations dance, storytelling and contemporary circus is a telling of the traditional Dreamtime story of the same name, which explores themes of belonging and our unique differences.
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
9:30AM & 11:30AM
LAWN
Out Of This World: Circus Workshops
Join ARC Circus for a fun-filled introduction to the world of circus!
Learn the foundations of contemporary circus while developing balance, coordination, creativity, and teamwork in a fun and safe environment. Through movement, games, juggling, acrobatics, and creative play, children will build confidence, coordination, teamwork, and plenty of new skills along the way.
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
9:30AM - CIRCUS ADVENTURE (5-8 YRS)
11AM - CIRCUS SKILLS (9-12 YRS)
EMPIRE THEATRE
#Program Highlights
Cosmodome Planetarium
Supported by the Friends of The Empire, experience the Armitage Centre like never before as it transforms into the Cosmodome Planetarium—an immersive full-dome journey through space with screenings that explore the Solar System, humanity's quest to reach Mars, and the extraordinary story of the Apollo Moon missions.
#Daily: Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 September
The Great Solar System Adventure
From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is.
9:30AM, 10:15AM, 11:45AM & 1:15PM
Capcom Go - The Apollo Story
Just over 50 years ago the first human walked on the Moon. Discover the true story of human endeavour behind this historic achievement, highlighting the risks, challenges and remarkable engineering accomplishments to put humans on the Moon.
11AM
One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars
A depiction of the near-future human exploration of Mars, focusing on the technological, personal, and scientific challenges of such a journey, from the Artemis program’s moon missions to the eventual goal of human footsteps on Mars.
12:30PM
#Featured Events
Craft With Tinker
Get crafty with a selection of fun activities for all ages including some take home keepsakes:
- Interstallar Canvas Art
- Festival Planet Necklaces
- Space Diorama
DAILY
9AM - 2PM
LAWN
$5 PER PROJECT*
*Pay on the day, no bookings required
The Hunt For The Empire Tour
Embark on the ultimate adventure tour! Perfect for 6-12 year olds, this journey transforms young explorers into history detectives, uncovering hidden secrets behind the curtain.
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER &
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
11AM
CHURCH THEATRE
School of Magic Workshops
Step into a spellbinding world of wonder! In these hands-on, interactive sessions, kids aged 8-12 years 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.
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
9:30AM & 12:30PM
SUPPER ROOM
Evening Stargazing
Presented by Starlab Education and supported by Friends of The Empire, view the Moon and Saturn through a telescope!
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
7PM - 9PM
LAWN
*Weather permitting. Cloud cover can limit star gazing capability
My Two Blankets
Share in this heartwarming show by Shake & Stir Theatre Co inspired by the award-winning picture book, by local author Irena Kobald, following the adventures of a young girl who has moved to a new country and is learning to adjust to her new surroundings.
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
10AM & 12:30PM
STUDIO
ALONE featuring TOOWOOMBA CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Experience a theatrical reading of Scott Stuart's ALONE, where captivating storytelling and live orchestral music help young audiences under five join Earth on a heartwarming quest to find friends.
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
10AM & 12:30PM
EMPIRE THEATRE
#FREE DAILY EVENTS
Rainbow Fruit/Fairy Bread Station
Supported by Friends of The Empire, build your own vibrant snack at either our Rainbow Fruit or Fairy Bread Stations, alternating each day, this is a fun (and yummy) way to treat yourself!
9:30AM - 12PM
LAWN
Storytime Under the Magnolia
Join the Toowoomba Libraries First 5 Forever team under the shade of our magnificent magnolia tree for some interactive and engaging story time sessions.
9:30AM - 12PM
LAWN
Face Painting
Supported by Toowoomba Orthodontists, choose your favourite design and our talented face painter will get to work.
10AM - 1PM
LAWN
Space Talk With Jonti Horner & Rebecca Mcelroy
Learn about the latest research straight from the scientists behind it—and maybe even see space in a whole new way.
12:15PM (THU - FRI) &
11:15AM (SAT - SUN)
CHURCH THEATRE
C&K Activity Tent
Explore sensory play, bubbles, puzzles, blocks and more! You'll always find something fun to do at C&K's Activity Tent.
9AM - 2PM
LAWN
Galaxy Painting with Tinker
Create cosmic magic through painting, imagination, colour and community. Join Tinker for a hands-on creative experience where everyone can add their own brushstroke to a collaborative galaxy.
9AM - 2PM
LAWN
Interactive Science Displays
Get hands-on learning with various interactive science displays to engage with from Queensland Museum Cobb+Co.
9AM - 2PM
CHURCH THEATRE
Thriving Galaxy Installation
Supported by People First Bank, drift into outer space as hundreds of students across the region have reached for the stars by contributing to this intergalactic exhibition transforming the Church Theatre into another world.
9AM - 2PM
CHURCH THEATRE
Lawn Games & Scavenger Hunt
Supported by Clifford Gardens, set off on a scavenger hunt to uncover surprises around the precinct supplied by Stirling & Truffles. Otherwise, you can pick a game or activity to challenge your family and friends with to join the fun on the Lawn.
9AM - 2PM
LAWN
#Coffee and food options will be available on-site throughout the day, plus roaming entertainment and more!
#Presenting Partner
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.
#Support Partners
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.
#Creative Partners
