Queensland’s quirkiest winter festival — Jumpers and Jazz in July — is returning to the Southern Downs region in 2025, bringing art, music and more to beat the winter blues.
Located only a short drive inland from Brisbane and many of Queensland’s other coastal attractions, the Southern Downs region offers an idyllic escape into a lush natural environment filled with welcoming local communities, heritage attractions and some very unique annual events.
The Southern Downs has a lot to offer no matter the season, and one of the biggest events on its calendar is the iconic Jumpers and Jazz in July winter festival, which will be taking place during 17–27 July 2025.
This 10-day annual festival is a celebration of the region’s artistic culture, with the town of Warwick coming to life with creative knitted designs, pop-up textile or yarn installations, jazz music and so much more. And with two weekends jam-packed with events and many weekday activities on offer for those after an extended getaway, not to mention the many attractions in this beautiful region, there’s something for everyone in the Southern Downs in July.
Don’t be daunted by the cooler weather — winter is a fabulous time to visit this part of Queensland, and the bit of chill in the air really gets everyone into the cosy feel of the festival.
Jazz musicians performing in 2024
What's on at Jumpers and Jazz 2025
The Jumpers and Jazz festival is in its 21st year, and the 2025 event is shaping up to be another fantastic showcase of the Southern Downs’ vibrant art scene, country charm and distinctive winter beauty.
The lovely regional town of Warwick is an easy two-hour drive southwest of Brisbane along the Cunningham Highway, and the Jumpers and Jazz festival is bursting at the seams with textile art creations, music, historic backdrops and activities for all ages.
The Jumpers and Jazz festival started out as a way to celebrate winter with creativity, and over the past 20 years it has grown into a signature event in the Southern Downs, drawing thousands of visitors from all over Australia every year to experience its unique mix of yarn art, jazz and winter festivities while enjoying the region’s many attractions.
As a winter event all visitors should be prepared for cool days and chilly evenings. But what better festival than this for rugging up in your winter woollies to enjoy the outdoor jazz events and everything else on offer? Just be sure to bring your comfortable walking shoes as well so that you can explore the many art installations that weave their way through Warwick.
Whether you come for a weekend (or two) filled with colourful yarn art, live jazz and great food or stay for the full 10 days for a cosy winter getaway with some quieter weekday events, the Jumpers and Jazz festival promises an experience like no other.
A great festival atmosphere at the Jumpers and Jazz in July 2024 event
Festival highlights
This family-friendly festival features more than 160 events held throughout Warwick in various local venues, historic country halls, parks and other locations. Visitors and festivalgoers alike can enjoy live performances, workshops and community gatherings that display not only the best knitted creations and jazz music but also the region’s rich cultural background and warm and welcoming community.
With the event taking over the tree-lined streets of Warwick, much of the festival is free. But there are some ticketed activities and experiences on offer. For a full program of 2025 events and ticket information, go to the festival website.
The first big weekend
The festival’s first weekend kicks off on Friday night (18 July) with the Jumping Jazz Laneway Party that invites everyone to immerse themselves in the festival’s musical spirit. This is followed by the Grand Auto Display on Sunday, which is a must-see for all car and bike enthusiasts.
Car exhibitors and dancers at the Grand Auto display in 2024
Art and jazz
Over each weekend and during the weekdays, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in art and jazz. Wander through Warwick to see the festival’s iconic yarn-bombed trees and art installations. These colourful knitted designs created by talented artists and community groups turn Warwick’s streets and bare winter trees into an outdoor gallery you can explore at your own pace.
Yarn-bombed trees can be seen throughout Warwick during the festival
And to set the scene, there’s jazz weaving its way through every aspect of the festival, with live performances by local and touring musicians on both weekends and midweek events that bring everyone together for a soulful and inviting atmosphere.
Culinary delights
The Long Lunch is the culinary highlight of the festival, inviting visitors to savour southern Queensland’s bounty of local produce, wine, culinary talent and country hospitality. This event will take place on Saturday 26 July. Tickets are required and can be booked online — but get in early as they sell quickly.
The 2024 Long Lunch with Bluebird Barbecue
And if one celebration of the area’s local food and wine isn’t enough, then during the week indulge yourself in one (or more) of the curated food trails and wine tours that will take you to the nearby Granite Belt region. This scenic area is a smorgasbord of boutique wineries and local producers and is a great sidetrack for your caravanning and tasting adventure through the Southern Downs.
Family-friendly activities
If you’re travelling with the kids in tow, then don’t miss the Jazzy Kids in the Park event, on the final Saturday of the festival (26 July). This space is dedicated to children and offers free entertainment, activities, games and live shows just for them.
For all-ages activities, head to the Warwick Art Gallery and other diverse venues where you’ll find hands-on workshops suitable for children and adults alike. These workshops bring a great interactive creative element to the festival, inviting you to make your own art and learn about different styles of crafts.
Interactive art installation at the Warwick Art Gallery in 2024
The grand finale
The final weekend ends the festival in style, with a jam-packed program of live jazz music, local produce food stalls and artisan markets to explore. A must-attend event is the amazing Twilight Jazz n Blues concert (under the stars) in Leslie Park on Saturday 26 July, so keep an eye on the festival website for the latest information. Tickets are required, and it’s a great evening filled with vibrant music by acclaimed artists, local food vendors and a great festival vibe.
Where to stay with your caravan
If you want to enjoy easy access to all the festival locations and events, then Warwick is the best place to be. There are plenty of accommodation options in town, for both caravanners and those who don’t tow, including:
- BIG4 Warwick Holiday Park
- DJ’s Caravan Park
- Lake Leslie Tourist Park
- Rose City Caravan Park
- Warwick Showgrounds.
Basic camping options
If a more basic campground is up your alley, then check out:
- Washpool Reserve Camping Area at Leslie Dam
- Connolly Dam Camping Ground,
Both of these campgrounds are just under 20-minute drives from the heart of Warwick, or Warrego Farm Stay which is a 10-minute drive east of Warwick.
Luxury camping or holiday stay near Warwick
For a more luxurious winter escape, then Braeside Homestead, a working cattle farm with a 4.8-hectare garden, heritage homestead, cottage and residence is a great place to consider — and it’s only a 20-minute drive south of Warwick.
Alternate accommodation options
If you want to keep the adventure going and explore more of the Southern Downs, there’s no shortage of places to stay with or without your van in the region’s many towns, state forests and national parks. Stanthorpe and Allora are two standout locations to visit during your trip; both towns have their own unique attractions to experience, various accommodation options for all styles and budgets and cosy retreats.
Trombone Kellie Gang posing for a photo at the 2024 Jumpers and Jazz festival
What to do while you’re in the area
One of the best things about a 10-day festival is that you’ve got plenty of flexibility with how you plan your visit; come for a weekend or two for a colourful immersion into the region’s culture or stay for the full 10 days for a thorough exploration of not only the festival but the region as a whole.
For those who love history, culture and local creations, there are heritage trails, art galleries, local markets and charming boutiques to explore all year round. Wine lovers should add Stanthorpe to their road trip itinerary to enjoy its many wineries and fabulous cellar doors.
If you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, then bring your walking shoes, bikes, kayaks and so on and visit the nearby national parks, state forests and dams. Main Range National Park is a must-visit, spanning more than 30,170 hectares and featuring breathtaking panoramic views, caravan-friendly camping, hiking and much more; the Goomburra Section is particularly good. Girraween National Park and Gordon Country are some other great options for nature lovers.
Queen Mary Falls in Killarney is only a short drive from Warwick and is a crowd favourite when visiting the region — follow the Falls Drive to experience the best scenic views of the rolling countryside.
For water sports, fishing and more camping opportunities, head to Leslie Dam. And 4WD enthusiasts will find plenty of ways to get the adrenaline pumping at the Springs 4x4 Camping and Adventure Park.
There are plenty of activities and attractions to see before, during or after the festival. Explore the heritage trails, art galleries, local markets and charming boutiques.
Some hidden gems recommended by locals include exploring secluded picnic areas that can be found along the Settler’s Route through a number of small villages. From charming microbreweries and inviting country pubs to wholesome local cafes, Warwick’s CBD and surrounding streets offer a true taste of Southern Downs hospitality.
To find out more about the annual Jumpers and Jazz in July festival and the beautiful Southern Downs region, head to the festival website.
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