Key Dates and Insights for 2025

What is Ekka?

• The Ekka, also known as the Royal Queensland Show, is a 9-day annual event held in Brisbane, Queensland.

• The Ekka commences on August 9 and runs until August 17, 2025.

• The public holiday is also known as Ekka People’s Day and Brisbane Show Day.

• The Ekka showcases and celebrates the best of Queensland’s agricultural industry, horticulture, entertainment, food and culture.

• The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is a major cultural event that brings people together and is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds each year.

 

Ekka Holiday and Public Holiday Status

• The Wednesday of Ekka (August 13) is a show holiday and public holiday in the Brisbane area only.

• This public holiday is also known as Ekka's People's Day, the Ekka holiday and Brisbane Show Day.

• People's Day is the most popular day of the Ekka and attracts large crowds around the grounds.

• The much celebrated Grand Parade is steeped in the Royal Queensland Show's history, a true showcase of the state's agricultural industry, is held on the Ekka's People's Day.

• Different regions and shires surrounding Brisbane have a different Show public holiday.

 

Ekka Highlights

• Animals, animals and more animals! From prize winning bulls to dairy cows, baby lambs to pat in the Animal Nursery and show stopping horses jumping on the Main Arena, it's a sight to see.

• Agriculture is at the forefront of the Show, and is on display in all its forms - animals, food, fibre and farmers.

• It's not Ekka without a Dagwood Dog (similar to a corn dog), Strawberry Sundae and other carnival food.

• The Showbag Pavilion and Sideshow Alley are must visit to experience the fun of the fair.

• EkkaNITES offers spectacular nighttime entertainment, agricultural ties, live music and breathtaking fireworks. Take a seat and get ready for the show to commence each night of Show on the Main Arena.

 

 

History of the Royal Queensland Show

• The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) runs the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), Queensland's largest event, on behalf of the community for nine days each year in August.

• The Royal Queensland Show is the largest and most loved annual event in Queensland, attracting -on average 400,000 people to the Brisbane Showgrounds throughout the much loved annual event. It will commence on August 9 and run until August 17, 2025.

• The Ekka is a true celebration of Queensland and showcases the best of the best. From highlighting the state's agricultural and horticultural industries, prized animals, entertainment, food and wine, wood chopping and sawing, trophy winning fruit cakes and a range of other competitions.

• The Ekka remains at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds. The 'Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876', held from August 22-26 proved a great success. A public holiday was declared and an estimated 15,000-17,000 people attended the opening day - a great feat at a time when the total population of Brisbane was just 20,600.

• The first 'Royal' Show was held in 1921, when the Association was granted the prefix under warrant from His Majesty King George V. Since then, the shortened name 'Ekka' has replaced 'Exhibition' in the Queensland vernacular. The Show still remains at the original site in Bowen Hills.

• The Ekka continues to be Queensland's largest and most anticipated yearly event and continues to achieve its aim of connecting Queenslanders of all ages - from the country to the city and from all walks of life.

• The show began in 1876 and has taken place every year since, except for Spanish Flu, war times (World War II), and the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The iconic show is full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories that have been passed down through generations of families.

• This annual agricultural, historical and cultural event, the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), is on par with other well-known international exhibitions.

 

Cultural Significance of Ekka

The Ekka, also known as the Royal Queensland Show, holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders. This beloved annual event, which has been celebrated for nearly 150 years, is a vibrant showcase of Queensland's rich agricultural and horticultural heritage and cultural diversity. Each year, the Ekka brings together people from all walks of life at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills, the Show's original site, to enjoy a unique blend of tradition, food, live performances, prize winning animals, and a variety of competitions and exhibits.

The Royal Queensland Show, just 1.5km from Brisbane City, is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Queensland. It provides a platform for farmers, producers, and artisans to display their products and skills, offering visitors a chance to learn about the state’s agricultural and industrial heritage. From prize-winning livestock and blue ribbon fruit cakes, to intricate handicrafts, Australia's best woodchop & sawing competitors and celebrated showjumpers, the Ekka is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Queensland’s rural communities and regions.

Visitors to the Ekka, whether local or from another shire or region, can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences, from watching thrilling live performances, meeting real farmers, seeing show stopping cats, enjoying educational experiences, to sampling delicious local delicacies, like the iconic jam and cream scones from the Country Women's Association or must-try Dagwood Dog (similar to a corn dog) from around the Show. The Ekka is a true reflection of Queensland’s vibrant culture and strong sense of tradition, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of what Queensland has to offer.

 

Ekka Education

Educating the next generation about agriculture, whether students from local schools or from the regions, is at the forefront of Ekka. Since 1876, millions of school students have savoured an educational smorgasbord rich in tradition offering unique curriculum based learning. With competitions for students to enter, animals to see, learning trail points and many interactive hands-on activities, the Ekka is Queensland's largest classroom. Learn more about the educational opportunities, perfect for school students, at the Ekka's dedicated Education page.

 

Economic Impact of Ekka

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is not only a cultural highlight but also a significant economic driver for Queensland, particularly in the Brisbane region. Attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, the Royal Queensland Show generates millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers. This influx of visitors provides a substantial boost to the local economy, supporting jobs and stimulating growth.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the Ekka plays a crucial role in promoting Queensland’s agricultural and industrial sectors. The event offers a valuable platform for local producers to showcase their products to a wide audience, fostering connections with potential buyers and increasing sales and exports. This exposure helps to elevate the profile of Queensland’s agricultural products on both a national and international stage.

The Ekka also enhances Queensland’s appeal as a tourist destination, drawing visitors from interstate and overseas. The event’s diverse attractions and activities highlight the state’s unique offerings, encouraging tourists to explore more of what Queensland has to offer. The Ekka is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds, only 1.5km from Brisbane City, making it a central location for locals and visitors. It's also a train ride, or 1 hour drive from the Gold Coast. Overall, the Royal Queensland Show is a cornerstone event that significantly contributes to the economic vitality and cultural richness of the state.

 

Book Ekka Tickets

• There are a range of Ekka ticket options including adult and child tickets, family passes, concession tickets, return passes, school groups and more.

• Subscribe to Ekka to receive updates and discounts.

• Little Ekka ticket: FREE (available for children 4 years of age and under).

• Online ticket prices will be available soon.

• Subscribing to the Ekka can get you discounts off entry tickets.

• Buy tickets on the official Ekka website.

 

Queensland Show Holidays

• Ekka People's Day is a public holiday only in Brisbane, the biggest city in Queensland, that falls on the Wednesday of Show.

• Across Queensland, each city/ region/shire, and community observes a public holiday for the Show on different days.

• The Queensland Government provides details on Show Holidays, including dates and information on which regions observe the holiday.

 

Ekka Event Schedule and Activities

 

• The Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as Ekka, takes place from August 9-17 at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills.

• The Royal Queensland Show features a range of activities, including animal exhibits, competitions, live music, entertainment and food stalls.

• Some of the Royal Queensland Show's annual Competitions include agricultural competitions, wood chopping and sawing, cattle (cow) competitions, cake decorating, fine arts, cats, dogs, the state's best fruit cake, competitive eating and more.

• Some highlights include the carnival food of show like dagwood dogs (similar to corn dogs), fairy floss (cotton candy), potato on a stick and the famous Ekka Strawberry Sundae.

• Visitors can explore the Brisbane Exhibition ground, the Brisbane Showgrounds, in Bowen Hills, where the event is held.

• The show is a great way to experience Queensland’s culture and agricultural industry.

 

Tips for Visiting Ekka

• Plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodation early to avoid the crowds.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

• Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

• Consider taking a few extra days off, if you're not a local, to explore Brisbane City, the Gold Coast, and the surrounding areas.

• Take advantage of the food stalls and try some traditional Ekka food, like the jam and cream scones from the Country Women's Association cafe, fairy floss (cotton candy), Strawberry Sundaes and Dagwood Dogs (similar to Corn Dogs).

 

Maximising Your Work Leave

• Due to the Ekka and regions public holidays, it could be an ideal time to take work leave to maximise your week in August.

• Plan your work leave in advance to make the most of the public holiday and other events happening in the same week. The Ekka public holiday, also known as People's Day, is on Wednesday August 13 in Brisbane.

• There is so much to see, do and taste that you may want to return to Ekka in the same week!

• If you're from out of Brisbane, consider taking a few extra days off to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the surrounding areas in August.

 

Getting the Most Out of Your Ekka Experience

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

• Take advantage of the free activities and exhibits, such as the animal exhibits, EkkaNITEs, live music, food stalls and fine arts exhibitions.

• The historic Grand Parade is held on the Ekka public holiday, also known as People's Day or the Ekka holiday.

• There are plenty of educational experiences for school age children.

• The Animal Nursery is a must-see, featuring a range of baby animals like chicks, puppies, kid goats, lambs and more.

• Try some rides in Sideshow Alley and Kids Carnival and don't miss the Showbag Pavilion.

• Explore the Brisbane Exhibition Ground, just 1.5km from Brisbane City, and take in the sights and sounds of the Royal Queensland Show. In August guests will see cows, wood chopping, agricultural exhibits, entertainment

 

Ekka Accommodation and Travel

• Book your accommodation in Brisbane early to get the best price and location.

• Consider staying in Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley or the city to make the most of your Ekka experience.

• Plan your travel in advance, whether it’s by car, train, or bus.

• Take advantage of the public transport options available in Brisbane.

• You can learn more about getting to Ekka here.

 

Final Preparations for Ekka 2025

• Check the Ekka website for the latest information and updates on the event.

• If you prefer less crowds, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are traditionally quieter days.

• Wednesday is also known as Ekka People's Day and is the most popular day of the Royal Queensland Show.

• Plan your itinerary and make a list of the activities and exhibits you want to see.

• Think about the Show holidays in your region/ shire/ city and plan your Ekka visit around that.

• Pack comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as sunscreen and a hat.

• Pack a water bottle to then fill up from the complimentary water stations around the grounds.

• Bring cash and credit cards, as well as a phone and camera to capture memories.

• If you'd like to leave feedback for Ekka you can contact Ekka Guest Services here.