QLD Agricultural Show
Public holidays for agricultural shows across Queensland vary from region to region. The most well-known Show holiday or Show Day is for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka's) People's Day. This is a holiday to celebrate the annual agricultural show - Ekka. This year it's on Wednesday August 13, 2025.
One common misunderstanding is that a 'Show Day' is a single statewide public holiday, with other local government areas and regions observing the same public holiday as Brisbane does for the Ekka. This confusion often impacts planning for both families and businesses within regions and local government areas.
What is Show Day in QLD?
Queensland does not have a single statewide Show Day holiday. Instead, each local government area or region designates its own 'Show Day' public holiday to coincide with their regional agricultural show. The Brisbane Ekka public holiday, typically held on a Wednesday in August, applies only to residents within the Brisbane City Council area. This year it will fall on Wednesday August 13, 2025. This system of regional show holidays allows communities throughout Queensland to celebrate their distinct agricultural traditions and local industries, as well as celebrating the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) itself will run from August 9 - 17, 2025 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, attracting around 400,000 visitors throughout the RNA Show period. Under the Holidays Act 1983, show holidays are officially recognised as public holidays, but they’re specific to their regions rather than being observed statewide like Christmas or Good Friday.
For information on Public Holidays visit the Queensland Government website.
Regional Show Holidays
Many Queensland shows have long and proud histories. Some, like the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) established by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), date back as far as 1876. Queensland agricultural shows are important events on local calendars throughout the state.
Regions throughout Queensland celebrate their own show holidays at various times of the year, with most held between March and October. These are officially recognised regional public holidays, distinct from the Ekka public holiday.
Local agricultural shows like the Ipswich Show, Goondiwindi, Allora, Mitchell and Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Show 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.
It's important to remember, residents in one region don’t automatically get other regions’ show holidays. Entitlement to a show public holiday depends on where you work, not where you live meaning Brisbane workers get the Ekka Wednesday off regardless of their home address, while those in other regions follow their local show holiday schedule.
The dedicated Show public holiday in regions around Brisbane and surrounds including Logan City, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset Region is observed on Monday August 11, allowing a long weekend and the chance to visit the Ekka on this day. Ipswich observes its Show public holiday in May. For more information on Show holiday dates visit the Queensland Government website.
How Regional Shows Differ from Brisbane’s Ekka Experience
The Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as the Ekka, is a large-scale annual event that celebrates the best of Queensland. Smaller agricultural shows, like the Ipswich Show, Goondiwindi Show and Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Show play a key role in providing a smaller platform for locals and a chance to get them ready for centre stage at Ekka.
The Ekka has long provided a chance for Queenslanders (and those from further afar) to benchmark their livestock, horticulture and talents against the state's best. It also provides inspiration and connections.
The key differences between regional shows and Brisbane’s Ekka is the sheer size of the Ekka and overall Ekka experience. The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) welcomes 400,00 people through the gates annually, 21,000 competition entries and 10,000 animals.
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 everyday 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 full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories that have been passed down through generations.
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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.
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Plan ahead so you can make the most of your Ekka experience.
