Ekka After Dark
Think the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is only a daytime event? Think again! As the sun sets on the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Main Arena and B105 Sideshow Alley start to light up. Some of the Ekka's most exciting experiences happen at Ekka after dark.
For the ultimate Ekka night activities you can't miss the impressive EkkaNITES entertainment program, along with the fireworks spectacular. Taste your way around the evening food offerings like the culinary creations on Gourmet Plaza, or food trucks around the grounds serving the best Show treats. Guests can also boot scoot their way through all the country classics at XXXX Stockman's Bar & Grill or enjoy some of the nation's best steak, lamb and produce at the Royal Queensland Steakhouse presented by Kilcoy Global Foods - The Ekka's own fine dining restaurant.
Main Arena Night Show
The Ekka is known for its must-see entertainment and one of the highlights each year of Show is the action packed EkkaNITES, which kicks off on the Main Arena from 6:30pm each night.
This night show delivers high-energy entertainment featuring heart-pounding performances, live music, thrilling horse action, motorbike riders, breathtaking stunts, pyrotechnics and a show-stopping fireworks display from 7:45pm that has become a crowd favourite.
The sky high fireworks serve as a grand finale to a jam-packed day at the Ekka, pulling huge crowds year after year, night after night.
No matter where you are in the Showgrounds you'll get a glimpse of the famous fireworks but the best spots to view these are from the grandstands around the Main Arena.
Get ready to experience edge-of-your-seat excitement and live entertainment like no other!
Keep up to date on the Ekka website for the night show program and full entertainment guide.
Fireworks at the Ekka night
The spectacular Ekka fireworks will stop you in your tracks each night of show, no matter where you are in the showgrounds... just look up!
The best places to see the fireworks are from the grandstands around the Main Arena, so arrive before the night show kicks off at 6:30pm and settle in. Grab a seat in the John MacDonald Stand to enjoy the show, or watch on from Machinery Hill for an elevated vantage point.
If you can get a patch of grass on Heritage Hill it's a great view, while enjoying the country atmosphere of the Show and some tasty bites from around the grounds.
Or if you're busy enjoying dinner and a drink at XXXX Stockmen's Bar & Grill, it also offers a great vantage point for the spectacular fireworks.
Food and Drink After Dark
If you're settling in at Ekka after dark, you'll be spoiled for choice with the food on offer.
The Ekka features a range of food and drink options and dining experiences, including gourmet food stalls, sit down restaurants, food pavilions and traditional show treats like Dagwood Dogs, Strawberry Sundaes, Fairy Floss and Potato on a Stick.
Visitors can enjoy a range of cuisines including American, Italian, Asian, and European inspired, as well as gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
For a true fine dining experience don't miss the Royal Queensland Steakhouse. This restaurant not only offers great food, with some of the produce sourced from the Royal Queensland Awards, but a relaxing setting to sit back and take a moment.
For a mid range price point, XXXX Stockman's Bar & Grill offers a pub style classic food menu and snacks all in a fun and friendly setting. It's the perfect setting to sit at a table and enjoy good food, a beer and live country music.
For those on a budget, Ekka go-ers are permitted to bring their own food.
Atmosphere and General Vibe
Whether you're settling in for the EkkaNITES night show, trying out the extreme rides at sunset in B105 Sideshow Alley or roaming the aisles in the Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion picking out this year's must haves with the little ones, Ekka after dark is fun for all.
Only 1.5km from Brisbane City, the Brisbane Showgrounds come alive during Ekka for a true sense of what the Royal Queensland Show is all about - no matter what time of the day.
The carnival atmosphere, bright lights, live entertainment and show food promises all the fun of the fair and a great experience.
Planning Tips for After-Dark Visitors
Ekka after dark offers an awesome Ekka experience, filled with rides, entertainment, food and the spectacular EkkaNITES show.
The EkkaNITES program has a 6:30pm start time, followed by the picture perfect fireworks spectacular. It's a creative mix of entertainment, extreme sports, live music and the wow factor.
For those wanting to head to the show after dark, there are a range of Ekka ticket options including adult and child tickets, family passes, concession tickets, the twilight ticket and more. Ekka ticket prices are yet to be released. Subscribe to Ekka to receive the latest ticket updates and discounts.
