Experience the Excitement of Ekka 2025: A Celebration of Queensland

Ekka Blog
Brisbane Ekka - Dates & Visitor Guide

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) held at the Brisbane Showgrounds is Queensland’s most iconic annual agricultural showcase, bringing together the country and city in a true celebration of Queensland. Run by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) since 1876, this beloved event attracts 400,000 visitors annually from across the state and beyond. Looking for the official Ekka dates for August 2025? This comprehensive guide will keep you informed about everything you need to know for the upcoming show.

This much-loved annual event offers an unforgettable experience for all, with a true celebration of agriculture, 10,000 animals on grounds, world class live entertainment, fireworks, award winning food, educational activities, competitions, carnival rides and more. From the animal nursery that delights children to the showing of trophy winning beef cattle, the thrill of wood chopping competitions, giant vegetables on display and the spectacle of the Grand Parade, the Ekka brings people together and offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Ekka 2025: dates, highlights, what’s new, must-see attractions, planning tips, and essential visitor information to ensure your Ekka experience is unforgettable. Sign up to the Ekka to receive news as more exciting Ekka experiences are announced, tickets become available and for special discounts.

Official Dates and Schedule for Ekka 2025

The Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known as the Ekka, will take place from August 9-17, 2025 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Visitors can expect:

The Ekka runs from August 9-17, 2025, with gates opening at 9am each day.
For closing times click here.
The Ekka is an annual Brisbane event, dating back to 1876.
EkkaNITES starts at 6:30pm each night on the Main Arena.
The Ekka Public Holiday ‘ Ekka People’s Day’ will be held on August 13, 2025.
The Ekka brings together the country and city for a true celebration of Queensland.
Guests can enjoy hundreds of free activities and things to see around the Showgrounds.
The Ekka is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds - 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.

Ekka Ticket Options

There are a range of ticket options including adult and child tickets, family passes, concession tickets and more.
Subscribe to Ekka to receive updates and information on discounted prices.
Little Ekka ticket: FREE (available for children 4 years of age and under).
Online ticket prices will be available soon, with discounts and value offerings available.
Subscribing to the Ekka can get you discounts off entry tickets.
Buy tickets on the official Ekka website.

The Ekka gates open at 9am daily but for more details on opening and closing times, click here.

Different sections of the show, including some pavilions and animal displays have varying operating hours. For more information click here.

What’s New for Ekka 2025

This August the Ekka will deliver all the fun of the fair, while honoring its agricultural heritage. As Queensland’s premier event, the show continues to celebrate the important role agriculture plays in our everyday lives while evolving with new attractions, competitions, educational activities, innovations and world class live entertainment.

For 2025, visitors can look forward to:

10,000 animals on ground across the Ekka competitions and displays.
The much loved Animal Nursery returns, a must visit for every Ekka go-er.
Enhanced agricultural displays and educational activities, designed to educate vistors of all ages about the importance of Queensland agriculture.
Exciting and delicious new food offerings showcasing Queensland’s finest produce and culinary talents, including award winning food and wine.
New classes across a range of competitions including in the popular Canine, Creative Arts & Craft and Cookery Competitions.
New rides and showbags to be announced soon.
New family friendly experiences like carnival rides, family shopping experiences, the EkkaNITES program and daytime entertainment.
EkkaNITES will be reimagined for the 2025 night show and will once again dazzle audiences with live music, enhanced pyrotechnics, amazing horsemanship, storytelling and of course, fireworks.

The Ekka remains a much-loved family event that is a true celebration of Queensland agriculture, while educating and entertaining all who attend.

Top Attractions and Must-See Events

This August 2025 dive into the core experiences of the Ekka with world class live entertainment, award winning food, animal parades, carnival rides and other signature attractions that makes this event so special to Queensland:

EkkaNITES night show and fireworks: The breathtaking evening spectacular held in the Main Arena combines music, storytelling, horseback performances, and concludes with Queensland’s most spectacular fireworks display. It's world class live entertainment right here at the Brisbane Showgrounds. EkkaNITES typically begins at 6:30pm each night of show. Head in early to find a seat in one of the grandstands.
Grand Parade: A time-honored tradition showcasing prize-winning livestock and celebrating rural excellence. Held on the Ekka 'People's Day', a public holiday in Brisbane, this parade represents the heart and soul of what makes the Ekka special – a true celebration of Queensland agriculture and the people behind it.
Animal Nursery: One of the most beloved attractions for families, where visitors can interact with farm animals including lambs, chicks, puppies and more. It's also one of the great educational activities on offer, helping the next generation learn about Queensland agriculture.
The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion: Housing hundreds of themed bags filled with treats, toys, and memorabilia. From traditional favorites to the latest trends, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Rides & Triple M Sideshow Alley: For thrill-seekers and those who like to keep their feet closer to the ground, Sideshow Alley and Kids Carnival offer everything from fun children’s rides to heart-stopping extreme adventures.
Competitive Displays: Experience the passion and skill behind the Royal Queensland Show's competitions like cake decorating, wood chopping and sawing, livestock judging, giant vegetable displays and sheep dogs, where Queensland’s agricultural prowess is on full display. The Ekka showcases the best of the best.

For first-time visitors, the Ekka will be an unforgettable experience. Some of the must dos include the iconic Grand Parade (held on 13 August, also known as Ekka People's Day - a public holiday in Brisbane), the Animal Nursery, a visit to Sideshow Alley, seeing prize winning animals in the Large Animal Pavilion, tasting a Strawberry Sundae and watching EkkaNITES.

Families with young children will love the children’s daytime entertainment, the animal and horticultural pavilions offering educational activities, family shopping experiences and all the chances to see and learn about farm animals - from prize winning bulls to baby chicks.

Food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the award winning food and wine on offer at the Royal Queensland Steakhouse presented by Kilcoy Global Foods, along with the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion, Gourmet Plaza and more. Head to the Ekka's Food Finder to plan your foodie adventure.

Tips for Planning Your Day

The Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known as Ekka, is Queensland’s largest and most cherished annual event, attracting 400,000 visitors each year. It's a true celebration of Queensland. Make the most of your Ekka experience with these practical tips that will help you navigate Queensland’s biggest annual event with ease:

Address: Brisbane Showgrounds - 600 Gregory Terrace. Bowen Hills and you can find other entry gates here.
Arrival timing: Beat the crowds by arriving when gates open at 9am. Expect peak crowds on weekends and Ekka People's Day - August 13. For all opening times click here.
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll cover several kilometers throughout the day)
- Sunscreen and hat (even in August, Brisbane days can be sunny)
- Refillable water bottle (water stations are available throughout the grounds)
- Light jacket or sweater for evening events (temperatures can drop after sunset)
- Camera to capture the memories
Navigation tips: Download the official Ekka app before your visit for real-time updates, maps, and event schedules. Establish a meeting point with your group in case you get separated and utilise the helpful information booths located at all major entrances.
Accessibility: Those with accessibility needs may encounter greater challenges in the Ekka environment so we have key information here to assist in making the Ekka experience a great one.
Food: While indulging in classics like a Dagwood Dog and an Ekka Strawberry Sundae is a must, there is a range of delicious food on offer around Queensland's largest annual event. You can plan ahead by searching the Ekka's Food Finder, or roam the grounds and stumble upon the many delicious food trucks, food pavilions and restaurants serving award winning food, at your own pace. For budget-conscious visitors, consider bringing your own lunch and snacks.
Tickets: There are a range of ticket options including adult and child tickets, family passes, concession tickets and more. Subscribe to Ekka to receive updates and information on discounted prices. Ekka tickets will be released soon.

Planning your day ahead will ensure you have a memorable and fun filled Ekka experience at Queensland's largest annual event.

Visitor Resources & Extras

Enhance your Ekka experience with these helpful tips:

Transport and parking: The Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills are well connected by public transport and also offer nearby parking options. For more information click here.
Weather: Brisbane in August typically features cool mornings warming to pleasant afternoons and evenings. Layered clothing is recommended, especially if you're staying for the EkkaNITES program. Check the forecast before your visit!
Safety: For information on the Ekka's Keep Your Kids Safe program, first aid posts and other security information click here.
Money and ATMs: While Ekka 2025 is expected to be largely cashless, ATM facilities are available around the Brisbane Showgrounds during Show.
What’s nearby: For visitors staying multiple days, the Brisbane Showgrounds are conveniently located just 1.5km from Brisbane’s CBD. The nearby precincts of Fortitude Valley, Newstead and New Farm offer excellent dining and accommodation options. For more information on nearby accommodation options click here.

With proper preparation and these helpful resources at your disposal, your Ekka 2025 visit will be one to remember!

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