Jumpers and Jazz in July 2026
Starts in two days. If you haven’t booked your trip to Warwick yet, now is the moment — because Jumpers and Jazz in July 2026 kicks off this Thursday 16 July and accommodation in the Southern Downs fills fast.
Queensland’s quirkiest winter festival is back for its 22nd year, bringing warmth, creativity, and community spirit to Warwick and the Southern Downs. Across ten vibrant days, the streets come alive with colour, music, and art against the crisp backdrop of a country winter.
Whether you’re driving down from Brisbane or the Gold Coast for a weekend escape or planning to soak up the full ten days, this guide has everything you need to make the most of it.
Quick Reference: Jumpers and Jazz in July 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | 16–26 July 2026 |
| Location | Warwick CBD, Palmerin, Grafton & Fitzroy Streets, Southern Downs QLD |
| Festival Age | 22nd year (Est. 2004) |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Cost | Mostly free (ticketed events extra) |
| Getting There | ~2.5 hrs drive from Brisbane via Cunningham Hwy |
| Visitor Info | 07 4661 3122 / visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au |
| Website | jumpersandjazz.com.au |
What Is Jumpers and Jazz in July?
First launched in 2004 by the Warwick Art Gallery, the festival began as a positive response to a CBD streetscape upgrade and has since grown into one of Queensland’s most unique cultural events.
The original idea was simple and utterly charming — wrap the bare winter trees of Warwick’s main streets in handcrafted textile art and see what happens. What happened was magic.
Today it attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond, far exceeding the town’s population. Accommodation books out quickly, so early planning is recommended.
Combining vibrant yarn art, live jazz, local food and wine, community celebrations and family-friendly fun, the much-loved festival transforms Warwick and eight surrounding communities into a creative winter wonderland.
There is genuinely nothing else like it in Queensland.
The Yarnbombing: Where Fibre Art Meets the Street
The visual heart of the festival is extraordinary.
The festival’s heart lies in its spectacular tree jumpers — around 90 trees wrapped in extraordinary textile artworks designed by artists from across Australia and around the world. These imaginative creations transform Warwick’s CBD into a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery.
A highlight of the festival is its famous yarnbombed trees, with talented fibre artists turning streetscapes into spectacular works of art.
Crochet, knitting, felting, weaving — every technique finds its place on a trunk or branch along Palmerin, Grafton and Fitzroy Streets.
2026 Themes: JAM and Submerged
This year brings two showstopping artistic concepts to life.
The Yarn-Bombed Tree Exhibition, coordinated by Warwick Art Gallery, is running with the theme of JAM —
sweet, sticky, musical, nostalgic and colourful — an interpretation left entirely open to each artist’s imagination.
Meanwhile, the Yarntopians’ large-scale installation takes the festival into an entirely different world.
Excitement is already building around the Yarntopians’ highly anticipated installation, Submerged — a magical under-the-sea exhibition brought to life through intricate yarn creations, vibrant colours and plenty of imagination.
This large-scale indoor installation will once again take over its dedicated festival space, immersing visitors in a handcrafted world built entirely from yarn.
The Jazz: Live Music Across 10 Days
The music is just as much a draw as the yarn.
At night, jazz pours from laneways, pubs, and performance spaces, with everything from smooth classics to bold, modern renditions.
Jazz performances span more than 30 venues, alongside exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and wine and dining throughout the festival.
Music lovers can enjoy a packed program of jazz performances, including two signature ticketed concert events that pair live music with gourmet eats, cocktails and Granite Belt wines.
Fabulous incoming jazz talent has been confirmed for Jumpers and Jazz 2026 — check the full musician lineup at jumpersandjazz.com.au/info/musicians/ as more acts continue to be announced.
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The Full Festival Experience: What to Do Across 10 Days
Across the 10 days of celebrations, fans can find a mix of everyday events — like the yarn-bombed tree exhibition and the Yarntopian large-scale installation — a program of top-notch performers, as well as extra-special events taking hold of the festival on the two big weekends bookending it.
With over 220 event experiences across the region throughout the festival, there’s something for everyone.
Weekend One: Opening Weekend (16–19 July)
The festival launches in style on Thursday 16 July.
Kick off with the Jumpin Jazz Laneway Party and the Grand Auto Display, then enjoy the Local Flavours Long Lunch and Saturday Stroll n Swing in the Park, which this year will feature the exclusive Jazz Arena.
Nestled within a licensed and fenced area of Leslie Park, the Jazz Arena promises a laid-back alfresco vibe with a line-up of incredible live jazz acts, boutique food vendors, and a curated drinks offering featuring Granite Belt wines, craft beers, and local gins.
The Grand Automobile Display on Sunday 19 July is a firm crowd favourite.
Car enthusiasts can admire an impressive collection of classic and collectible vehicles at the Grand Automobile Display.
Midweek: Workshops, Markets & Community Events
The midweek program is where the festival’s community soul really shines.
Visitors can dive into a packed program of workshops, exhibitions, and pop-up artisan markets, alongside beloved favourites like the Grand Automobile Display, hearty country breakfasts, and swing dance sessions.
Think textile workshops, art gallery exhibitions, country breakfasts with locals, and jazz drifting out of heritage pubs.
The town itself is a heritage-listed dreamscape of beautiful historic buildings and century-old pubs — the perfect backdrop for wandering between venues.
Weekend Two: Closing Weekend (24–26 July)
The closing weekend is the biggest of the festival.
The Suitcase Rummage market takes over Leslie Park, Palmerin St on Saturday 25 July — a quirky buy-and-sell event where everything must fit inside a suitcase.
Rupert’s Bar & Grill is bringing back one of its most popular festival experiences — a special 4-course dinner and live show featuring Electro Swiggety, priced at $130 per person.
The last Sunday in July features the Potters’ Craft Market & Picnic in Leslie Park, bringing the festival to a close with music, great food and a wide variety of arts and craft stalls.
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Jumpers and Jazz for Families
Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the festival, from the Jazzy Kids Zone and suitcase rummage to live entertainment and community activities.
Across ten winter days, Warwick comes alive with yarn-bombed trees, textile art installations, live jazz performances, artisan markets, workshops, swing dancing, vintage car displays and delightfully offbeat events, including dachshund walks.
Yes — dachshund walks. This festival does not take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely why families love it.
The yarn art itself is a hit with kids — the sheer scale and colour of the decorated trees is genuinely jaw-dropping. And the welcoming, walkable nature of Warwick’s CBD means little ones can roam freely while you sip a flat white and take it all in.
Beyond Warwick: Southern Downs Winter Escapes
The festival doesn’t stop at the Warwick CBD.
The much-loved festival transforms Warwick and eight surrounding communities into a creative winter wonderland.
Pair your festival trip with a Southern Downs winter weekend:
- Stanthorpe & the Granite Belt — wineries, apple orchards and some of the coldest, crispest winter air in Queensland. The Granite Belt wine country is just 80km south.
- Killarney & Queen Mary Falls — a spectacular 40-minute drive east through the Scenic Rim. The waterfall views in winter are stunning.
- Allora — a sleepy heritage village 30 minutes north of Warwick, worth a slow morning drive.
The amazing landscape, wineries and historic sandstone buildings of the Southern Downs Granite Belt region are worth staying to explore.
Browse Queensland tours to find guided day trips and experiences across the Southern Downs and wider Queensland.
Getting There
By Car: Warwick is approximately 2.5 hours from Brisbane via the Cunningham Highway (A2). It’s a straightforward, scenic drive through the Scenic Rim and up onto the Southern Downs plateau — dress warmly; it genuinely gets cold up there in July.
By Bus: Greyhound and Crisps Coaches operate services from Brisbane to Warwick. Check current timetables before you travel.
Tip: If you’re based on the Gold Coast, the drive to Warwick via Nerang and Rathdowney is just over 2 hours and arguably more scenic.
Where to Stay
Accommodation books out quickly, so early planning is recommended.
Here’s a quick overview of your options:
In Warwick:
- Motels and guesthouses along the New England Highway — central and convenient for walking the festival precinct
- Heritage B&Bs for a characterful stay in one of Warwick’s historic properties
- The Warwick Showgrounds on Kingsford St offers powered camping sites at $33 per site per night, with power and water included – a great budget option for self-contained travellers
Surrounding Region:
- Stanthorpe wineries and farm stays offer stunning rural retreats within an hour’s drive
- If you’re looking for a true experience, bringing the caravan out or booking a motorhome to explore the region is a fantastic option
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Insider Tips for Jumpers and Jazz 2026
- Wear layers. Warwick winters are legitimately cold — morning temperatures regularly drop below 5°C. A warm coat is not optional.
- Park and walk. The festival is centred on Warwick’s CBD, which is very walkable. Park once and explore on foot.
- Book weekends early.
Visitors who book accommodation and dining early usually enjoy a smoother, more relaxed festival experience.
- Check the full program.
With over 220 event experiences across the region throughout the festival
, it pays to plan ahead. Download the program from jumpersandjazz.com.au.
- Don’t skip the Yarntopians. The Submerged installation is an indoor experience — a brilliant escape on a cold afternoon and truly unlike anything else.
- Stay for the long lunch. The Local Flavours Long Lunch events pair regional produce with live music — book early as these sell out fast.
- Midweek is quieter. If you want a more relaxed experience without the weekend crowds, Tuesday to Thursday is golden.
Plan Your Southern Downs Weekend
Whether you’re heading down from Brisbane for a quick overnight or making it a full Southern Downs road trip, Jumpers and Jazz in July 2026 is one of those Queensland winter events that genuinely rewards showing up.
With more than two decades of history, the festival continues to grow as a celebration of creativity, connection, and community in the heart of regional Queensland.
For more Queensland winter events and experiences, explore our Queensland travel guides and discover what else is happening across the state this July.
