Join the celebration of a Queensland icon!
In 2026, the Ekka celebrates an incredible milestone - 150 years of bringing Queenslanders together for the state’s biggest and most loved event.
For generations, the Show has been a place where memories are made and communities come together to celebrate the people, produce, animals, creativity and stories that make Queensland special.
The Ekka showcases the very best of Queensland agriculture through thousands of animals and more than 21,000 competition entries, rewarding excellence and setting benchmarks across livestock and produce, while connecting city audiences with the origins of their food and fibre.
Since the very first Show in 1876, more than 35 million people have walked through the gates to experience the magic of the Ekka and share in the moments that make our state great.
Proudly bringing the country to the city each year, the Ekka is more than just a show - it is Queensland, on show.
In 2026, we invite you to be part of history as we honour the Ekka’s 150th and the memories, milestones and moments that have shaped this beloved Queensland tradition.
Ekka's 150th Anniversary Video Series
To mark this incredible milestone, we’re sharing a special video series celebrating the people, traditions and stories that have shaped the Ekka over the past 150 years.
We’ve captured interviews with a diverse range of people who share a connection to the Show - from Ekka Legends and competitors to community figures and many more. Together, their stories bring to life the history, memories, achievements and enduring spirit that makes the Ekka such a beloved Queensland tradition.
The series will showcase seven special episodes exploring different aspects of the Ekka, including its history, legends, competitions, memories, businesses, future and the iconic Grand Parade.
Each episode offers a unique perspective on what makes the Ekka so special and why it continues to hold a treasured place in the hearts of Queenslanders.
Watch the trailer below, with the full series coming soon.
Ekka 150 – From the Ground Up Exhibition
During the nine days of Show, you’ll be able to step into 150 years of Ekka history in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience where the past comes to life.
This self-paced exhibition invites visitors to journey through the decades, exploring the sights, sounds, stories, and traditions that have shaped Queensland’s most loved annual event.
More than a display of artefacts and photos, it’s a chance to walk through history, connect with generations of memories and experience the spirit of the Ekka. Don’t just read about the past – explore it, feel it and become part of the story.
Upstairs in the 7NEWS Community Pavilion, the walkthrough installation will feature a series of relics, a 12-metre heritage wall layered and aged decade by decade, interactive television sets presenting archival footage, a Hall of Living Legends showcasing some of the champions who built the Ekka, and vintage dodgem cars for the perfect Ekka 2026 photo moment.
Designed for all ages, the Ekka 150 – From the Ground Up Exhibition is a must see for all visitors.
WHERE: 7NEWS Community Pavilion
WHEN: 9am to 6pm daily (August 8-16)
Ekka Through the Years – A Timeline
Ekka Fellowship
As part of the Ekka’s 150th, the State Library of Queensland and the RNA have partnered to establish the Ekka Fellowship.
The Fellowship allows researchers to delve into the John Oxley Library collection and the RNA archives to uncover and generate new knowledge about the Ekka's lesser-known history, bringing fascinating stories from the archives to light.
Discover the stories, memories and history uncovered through the Ekka Fellowship here.
Other related information
