Maraka Festival
Event Details
Ingham’s longest running community festival is back in 2025, with another stellar line up of events suitable for the whole family!
From the ever-popular Wine and Cheese Night, to the sell-out Afternoon Tea, and Mardi Gras – also with the inclusion of the new Fun Family Run-Swim-Run & Aquathon, and an even bigger Kids Big Day Out… You’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
With the 2025 theme of “Music Thru The Ages” – it’s sure to be a party worth dancing to!
Maraka Family Run-Swim-Run & Individual Aquathon
Saturday, 18 October 2025, 6:00am
Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre and Palm Creek, Ingham
Get your team together, or go at it solo, and enjoy a morning of swimming and running at this brand new Maraka event suitable for ages 9 and over.
Maraka Wine & Cheese Night
Saturday, 18 October 2025, 6:30pm
Station Hotel, Ingham
Ticket Price: $35.00 each to be purchased online only
Dress Code: Smart Casual / Semi Formal
With a change of venue in 2025, the Maraka Wine & Cheese Night is set to impress with its glamour and nibbles galore.
With DJ Wayne Newton keeping the music flowing, the crowd will sit in suspense as the 2025 Maraka Queen Entrants are announced to the community.
- Strike a pose at the photo backdrop!
- Dress to impress! Prizes for Best Dressed and Best Couple!
- CASH ONLY event!
- 18+ only (ID may be required)
Maraka Afternoon Tea
Sunday, 19 October 2025, 2:00pm
Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL, Ingham
Ticket Price: $35.00 each (CASH ONLY)
Ticket Sales: Outside Lous Food Emporium
Tuesday 7 October – 8:30am – 1:00pm
Wednesday 8 October –
8:30am – 1:00pm
Another event with a change of venue in 2025, is the ever-popular Maraka Afternoon Tea. This event is a sell-out in the community every year – so get in and buy your tickets now!
A delicious afternoon tea spread, while the crowd is entertained – and the presentation of the 2025 Maraka Queen Entrants once again, as well as the introduction to the 2025 Maraka Princess Entrants.
Maraka Kids Big Day Out
Saturday, 25 October 2025, 9:00am
Ingham Showgrounds, Ingham
What to bring: Your own paint & brushes for Fence Painting.
COMPLETELY FREE EVENT!
A fun morning for the kids, and furry family members! With the Maraka Big Kids Day Out jam-packed with super fun activities – and some new additions for 2025.
- Pet parade
Best Dressed Pet
Most Unusual Pet
Best Behaved Pet
Best Kept Farm Pet
Fastest Eating Dog
- Fence Painting
Calling all young artists between the ages of 1 – 12, grab your brushes and show off your creative flair.
With a special visit from Grimace – so get your cameras ready!
- Laser Tag and Gel Blasting
NEW in 2025!
- Petting Zoo
Get hands-on with adorable farm animals from Carters Farm.
- Face Painting and Loop De Lou Balloon Artist
Our amazing balloon artist and face painter with be twisting up fun and adding colour to little faces all morning!
**All dogs MUST be on a leash!**
Maraka Street Parade
Saturday, 25 October 2025, 5:00pm
Parade Route: Commences at Gedge Street -> Herbert Street -> Palm Terrace -> Herbert Street -> Finishes at Gedge Street
A series of decorated floats that will bring the theme “Music Thru The Ages” to life – from jazz and rock to disco and beyond!
The Maraka Street Parade is a fantastic way for the community to join the festivities. Everyone is welcome – schools, clubs, community groups, businesses, and individuals..
With cash prizes for the best floats, the categories are:
- Best Theme
- Most Outstanding
- Best Secondary School
- Secondary School Runner-Up
- Best Primary School
- Primary School Runner-Up
- Best Business
- Most Humorous
- Best Individual
Registration is essential!
Maraka Mardi Gras
Saturday, 25 October 2025, 5:30pm
Rotary Park, Ingham
The concluding event to an action-packed week of events, is the Maraka Mardi Gras.
Get ready for a night of fun, entertainment and community spirit! With kids rides and amusements, live community entertainment and demonstrations, food and beverage vendors, and special guest country music singer Pete Cullen performing throughout the night.
Supported By:
