Ingham Prepares For Maraka Festival Finale

Thuringowa Brass Band on the Maraka Stage in 2025. Photo supplied

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With the 2026 Maraka Festival entering its grand finale, Ingham is preparing for a colourful weekend of family activities, community spirit, street celebrations and a spectacular Mardi Gras on Saturday 31st October.  

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From little artists and animal lovers to parade participants and music fans, the remaining program offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, support local businesses and enjoy the festivities.

The celebrations will kick off on Saturday morning with the Maraka Kids Big Day Out at the Ingham Showgrounds, running from 9am to noon. The free event promises three hours of activities for children and families, including fence painting, a pet parade, a petting zoo, balloon art and face painting.  

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Young artists aged one to 12 and beyond can bring their own paint and brushes to take part in fence painting, while the pet parade will welcome furry and feathered friends across several categories, including best dressed pet, most unusual pet, best behaved pet, best kept farm pet and fastest eating dog. Remember to keep your dog on a leash!

Children can also meet farm animals from Carters Farm, enjoy balloon creations from Loop de Lou Balloon Artist and add a splash of colour with face painting. The event is supported by sponsors including Guido's Panel and Paint, Tropical Vets and McDonald's, with the Lower Herbert/Halifax Lions Club helping run the morning.  

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As afternoon approaches on Saturday, the streets of Ingham will come alive with the 2026 Maraka Street Parade, taking inspiration from the vibrant colours and energy of Rio Carnival.  

Schools, sporting clubs, community organisations, businesses and individuals are invited to take part, with organisers encouraging colourful costumes, spectacular floats, lively music, drums and plenty of dancing. Participants will assemble in Gedge Street from 4pm, ahead of the parade's 5pm start. The route will travel along Herbert Street and Palm Terrace before returning to Gedge Street.  

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Cash prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, including best theme, most outstanding, best secondary school, best primary school, best business, most humorous and best individual categories.  

The parade is proudly sponsored by Marb Civil and Concreting and Ergon Energy Network.  

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The celebrations will continue at Rotary Park from 5:30pm, with the Maraka Mardi Gras bringing the festival to its grand finale. The evening will feature live entertainment, food vendors, a festival bar, show rides, and the crowning of the 2026 Maraka royalty.  

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The Thuringowa Brass Band will return to the stage after leading the Street Parade, joining local entertainers and Rick Romeo to keep the music going throughout the evening. The celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display, proudly supported by Ingham Real Estate.

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The Maraka Stage is sponsored by North Queensland Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, with the big screen sponsored by Felix Reitano Real Estate. The Princess Quest is supported by BK Bartolini Concreting and Earthworks, while Rachel Cauchi Optometrists sponsors the Maraka Queen.

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Hosted by Wayde Chiesa MP and Carley Whittington, the evening promises a fitting end to the festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and settle in for the entertainment.

For further details and event updates, visit the Maraka Festival Facebook page.  

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