Our weekly pick of events in Ipswich – June 01 2026

Discover What’s On in Ipswich: Your Weekly Events Guide

Whether you are a lifelong resident of our historic Suffolk town or planning a pleasant visit from further afield, there is always something interesting to fill your diary in Ipswich. The upcoming week is packed with a wonderful variety of events that highlight the rich community spirit, active lifestyles, and diverse hobbies that make this area so special to live in and visit.

From lively community festivals and brain-teasing chess meetups to high-energy workouts and creative arts sessions, we have put together a handpicked list of fantastic things to do. Take a look at some of the highlights happening over the next seven days and start planning your perfect week in Ipswich!

Community Festival at Northgate High School

Get ready for a fantastic day of local togetherness at the Northgate High School fields, where the annual Community Festival is set to bring together people of all ages. Hosted by the Colchester Road Baptist Church, this lively event features activities, games, and entertainment for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Running from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, it is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate local spirit, meet your neighbours, and enjoy some great food. It is completely free to attend, making it a perfect weekend outing for families and friends alike.

Cider Tasting at Hopsters

If you appreciate a crisp, beautifully crafted pint, you won’t want to miss the Cider Tasting evening taking place at Hopsters. This popular local independent shop is renowned for its incredible range of craft beverages, and this dedicated tasting night is the perfect chance to sample some of the finest ciders around. Running from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the event offers a relaxed and informative atmosphere where you can learn about traditional cider-making methods and discover new favourite flavours. Grab your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot!

Gaming Night: Smashsense at CHIp Community Hub Ipswich CIC

Gamers, unite! The weekly Gaming Night: Smashsense is back at the CHIp Community Hub Ipswich CIC. Perfect for both competitive players and casual fans, this event is a fantastic way to wind down and test your skills in a friendly, welcoming environment. Whether you are a master of Super Smash Bros or just looking to enjoy a social evening with like-minded local gaming enthusiasts, you will find a warm welcome here. Sessions run from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, making it a great start to your weekend plans.

AR Trail: Ipswich Journey of Words at Christchurch Mansion

Combine technology, history, and a lovely outdoor stroll with the fascinating AR Trail: Ipswich Journey of Words. Starting at the historic Christchurch Mansion, this interactive augmented reality trail allows you to explore Ipswich’s rich literary heritage in a completely new way. Using the Go Jauntly app on your smartphone, you can follow the trail at your own pace, uncovering hidden stories and historical facts as you wander. It is an ideal, free activity for families, history buffs, or anyone wanting a fresh perspective on our town’s beautiful public spaces.

Ipswich Parkrun at Christchurch Park

Lace up your trainers and get active this weekend with the Ipswich Parkrun, held in the stunning surroundings of Christchurch Park. Whether you are aiming for a personal best, enjoying a jog with friends, or walking at a leisurely pace to enjoy the morning air, this weekly 5k event welcomes everyone. Starting at 9:00 am every Saturday, it is completely free to take part. All you need to do is register online beforehand to get your barcode. It is a wonderfully supportive community event that will leave you feeling energised for the rest of the weekend.

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Ipswich Junior Chess Club at Ipswich County Library

For young strategic minds, the Ipswich Junior Chess Club at Ipswich County Library is a fantastic weekly meetup. Running on Sundays during term time from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, this club provides a supportive and friendly environment for children to learn the game, practice their tactics, and play against peers. Whether your child is a complete beginner learning the basic moves or an experienced junior player looking for a challenge, the club’s coaches are on hand to help guide them.

Let’s Play! at The New Wolsey Theatre

Parents and carers looking for a creative, sensory-rich morning for their little ones should head down to The New Wolsey Theatre for Let’s Play!. This weekly session is specially designed for babies and toddlers, encouraging early socialisation, movement, and imaginative play in a safe and inspiring theatrical setting. Running on Monday mornings from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, it is a lovely way to meet other local parents while your children enjoy a host of fun, interactive activities.

Collage Club at AMPP Studio

Unleash your inner artist and enjoy a relaxed, creative evening at the Collage Club, hosted at the wonderful AMPP Studio. This event is all about experimenting with paper, textures, and images without any pressure or expectations. Taking place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, it is a brilliant way to spend an evening chatting with fellow craft lovers and creating something completely unique. All materials are provided, so you can just turn up, grab a pair of scissors, and start cutting and pasting!

Improve Your Chess Mini-series at Ipswich Institute

If you are looking to take your chess game to the next level, the Improve Your Chess Mini-series is a fantastic opportunity. Hosted at the historic Ipswich Institute, these specialized Saturday morning workshops run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Designed to help intermediate players sharpen their opening strategies, master endgame tactics, and think more analytically, each session is led by experienced players ready to share their insights. It is a highly rewarding way to develop your hobby in a grand local setting.

Clubbercise at Inspire

Who says working out has to be a chore? Get ready to dance, glow, and sweat at the weekly Clubbercise class held at Inspire. This high-energy dance fitness class takes place in a darkened room with disco lights and glow sticks, set to a soundtrack of classic club anthems from the 90s to today. Running on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, it feels more like a night out than a workout, making fitness incredibly fun and accessible for all abilities.

Tuesday Volunteering at Chantry Walled Garden

For those who love being outdoors and want to give something back to the community, the opportunity to Volunteer at Chantry Walled Garden is a truly rewarding experience. Located in the beautiful Chantry Walled Garden, these sessions run every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Whether you are an experienced gardener or have never held a trowel before, the friendly team at ActivLives will welcome you with open arms. It is a wonderful way to learn new horticultural skills, enjoy some fresh air, and support a vital community therapeutic garden.

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