Does Logan get the EKKA public holiday?
Public holidays for agricultural shows across Queensland vary from region to region. The most well-known Show holiday is for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka's) People's Day. This is a holiday to celebrate the annual royal agricultural show - Ekka. This year the Ekka holiday falls on Wednesday August 13, 2025. One common misunderstanding is whether Logan City and other local government areas and regions observe the same public holiday as Brisbane does for the Ekka. They don't. This confusion often impacts planning for both families and businesses within the Logan local government area.
Logan’s Public Holiday Schedule
Logan City’s show day typically occurs on a designated Monday in August, rather than matching the Ekka holiday. The official Logan City Council show day is recognised as a public holiday specifically for Logan residents and businesses, allowing them to enjoy their own regional celebration or to visit the Royal Queensland Show. This year it falls on August 11, 2025.
Unlike Brisbane’s mid-week Ekka holiday, Logan’s Monday show day creates a long weekend for residents. Logan City Council determines this schedule independently from Brisbane’s arrangements, exercising their authority to set regional public holidays for their jurisdiction.
Schools, government offices, and many businesses in Logan close on their designated show day. This means while Brisbane residents enjoy their Wednesday off for the Ekka show holiday, also known as People's Day, Logan residents need to follow their own regional calendar for public holiday planning.
For more information on Public Holidays visit the Queensland Government website.
Why Logan’s Holiday Differs from Brisbane
This difference exists because regional councils throughout Queensland have the authority to determine their own show days. This approach isn’t unique to just Logan City Council. Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redland City and other surrounding council areas also schedule their own distinct show holidays that don’t fall on the same day as the Ekka holiday. This allows these regions to have a long weekend, and take the opportunity to visit the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) on the first Monday of Show - August 11, 2025. Or in Ipswich's case, they celebrate on different dates and host their own agricultural show in May.
Logan's Own Show Holiday
Many Queensland shows have long and proud histories. Some, like the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) date back as far as 1876. Queensland agricultural and district shows are important events on local calendars throughout the state. People of all ages and from all walks of life, whether city or country, enjoy attending their local show.
Local agricultural shows like the Ipswich Show, Samford, Cairns, Dayboro, Texas and Toowoomba Shows have been a cornerstone of local culture for generations, showcasing the regions' agricultural achievements, horticultural displays, and industrial innovations. As a significant event in the community calendar, the shows feature livestock competitions, produce exhibitions, entertainment, and activities that celebrate their region’s rural heritage and contemporary industries.
The Show holiday for Ipswich specifically acknowledges the importance of this local annual show to the local community and economy, providing residents with the opportunity to attend without taking time off work. Their show and subsequent show holiday is held in May.
The Show holiday in other regions including Logan City is observed on Monday August 11, allowing a long weekend and the chance to visit the Ekka.
The separate regional holiday arrangement recognises the unique identity and needs of different communities across Southeast Queensland. However, it can complicate August public holiday planning for families with connections across multiple council areas, or for those who work in one region but live in another.
When organising activities during show season, Logan residents should plan ahead to make the most of their holiday and planning to visit Ekka.
For more information on Public Holidays visit the Queensland Government website.
Ekka fast facts
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The Ekka will run from August 9 - 17, 2025 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.
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The Ekka's public holiday known as People's Day or the show holiday will be held on August 13, 2025.
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Gates open every day from 9:00am and for closing times click here.
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The Ekka attracts more than 21,000 competition entries, 10,000 animals, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, rides, showbags and more.
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The Ekka has been running since 1876 and is an iconic event full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories that have been passed down through generations.
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The Ekka's People’s Day (Ekka holiday) attracts a large crowd, with over 50,000 visitors often expected and the iconic Grand Parade on show.
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Public transport is the recommended way to get to the Ekka, with options including train and bus, but nearby parking is also available.
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Pre purchase tickets online at the Ekka website and sign up to receive discounts.
