IPSWICH’S live music scene is entering a new chapter this Saturday night with the opening of The Burrow, a venue designed to spotlight local talent while building on the city’s cultural roots.
Ipswich will welcome the space with a free afternoon launch event with a lineup featuring a mix of Aussie rock, original music and acoustic performances, headlined by local act Mizzie Maxx.
The new venue is housed within the historic Prince of Wales Hotel at 243 Brisbane St, a building that has been part of the city’s social fabric for more than a century.
Established during Ipswich’s rise as a bustling river port in the 19th century, the hotel has long served as a meeting place for workers, travellers and residents.
Its evolution from a modest timber structure to a more decorative and enduring facade mirrors the city’s own growth and changing identity.
Now, that legacy continues with The Burrow, a dedicated live music space aimed at supporting Ipswich’s grassroots artists.
For Mizzie Maxx, opening the venue is a meaningful milestone.
“Opening The Burrow feels like being part of something being born,” the band said.
“There’s a different energy when a venue is brand new, like the walls haven’t heard music yet and you get to be one of the first to shake them awake.”
Known for blending glam rock with emotional pop, the band promises a high-energy set.
“It’s big energy, big hooks, but with real feeling underneath … like glitter and heartbreak in the same breath.”
The event will also feature The Get Nots and Ambrose & Mark, showcasing both local and regional talent.
“We want it to feel like a moment,” Mizzie Maxx said. “Something people remember when they think back to the first nights here.
“The local scene is everything – it helps you grow and connect.”
With free entry and a focus on community, the launch is expected to draw a cross-section of Ipswich residents, from long-time pub regulars to younger audiences eager for more live music options close to home.
As Ipswich continues to evolve, venues like The Burrow represent both continuity and change: a new stage set within old walls, ready to amplify the next generation of local voices.
