In 2025 the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) celebrates 149 years!
The Ekka will run for nine days from August 9 - 17, 2025 and feature over 21,000 competition entries, 10,000 animals, world-class live entertainment, and more.
Since the first show in 1876, the Ekka continues to bring the country and city together for a true celebration of agriculture, showcasing the best of Queensland.
In 2026 the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) will celebrate 150 years.
The Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as the Ekka, has a long history at the Brisbane Showgrounds and has evolved significantly over the years, growing in attendance and exhibits every August.
Bowen Park was chosen in January 1876 as the site for the first Show. The 'Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876' (the first Exhibition) 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' and 'Brisbane Exhibition' in the Queensland vernacular.
The Ekka is run by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) and is held annually in August at the Brisbane Showgrounds. You can read more about the history of the Royal Queensland Show and RNA archives here.
Timeline: Ekka Through the Years
The Ekka is Queensland's most loved annual event and has a rich history, dating back almost 150 years.
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1875 - The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) was established in 1875 with Governor Sir William Cairns as its President
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1876 – The first 'Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876' was held from August 22-26 (with the Show being known as the 'Brisbane Exhibition', 'Queensland Exhibition' or 'Ekka')
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1877 - Introduction of the first ride in Sideshow Alley - a merry-go-round
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1894 - The first fireworks display occurred in the Main Arena, beginning another show tradition
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1919 - Ekka cancelled due to Influenza epidemic
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1921 - The prefix ‘Royal’ was added to the association’s name, after it was granted under warrant from His Majesty King George V
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1942 - The show was cancelled due to World War II as the grounds were used as a staging depot
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1950s - The now symbolic Ekka fairy floss, butter board sandwiches, Strawberry Sundaes and dagwood dogs were introduced
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1954 - Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visit the Ekka
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1964 - Animal Nursery at the Ekka first introduced
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2000 - Sideshow Alley and the Woodchop Arena redeveloped
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2010 - One of the most successful Ekka's in history held
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2020 & 2021 - Cancelled due to COVID-19
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2022 - Ekka returns and more than 345,000 people came together over nine days for the Show
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2026 - Upcoming 150th anniversary
Evolution and Growth
Since the first Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in 1876, the Ekka has continued to evolve and progress. From an agricultural event with 20,000 people to the much-loved cultural event that boasts an attendance of 400,000 visitors each year.
From the first Ekka showbag in 1876 and three breeds of cattle on show, to the first Ekka ride in 1877, to now 10,000 animals at the Brisbane Showgrounds and hundreds of showbags and rides, the Ekka experience has changed, yet still honours its agricultural roots.
The Ekka continues to be Queensland's biggest 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 Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion is a highlight of Ekka, and the tradition of getting a showbag remains, after dating back to the very first Show in 1876, where there was just one sample bag - a bag of coal!
Along with the showbags and rides, the Ekka's entertainment program is a major drawcard. EkkaNITES night show delights from 6:30pm each night of show, with a grand finale of spectacular fireworks.
And don't forget the animals. From award winning cattle, to show stopping horses, blue ribbon winning dogs and champion dairy cows. Queensland's best of the best are on display over the nine days of show. The iconic Grand Parade on People's Day is also a highlight, with 500 animals taking centre stage on the Main Arena - from the tiny Grand Champion Fish of Show to the huge Grand Champion Stud Bull.
The Ekka is the perfect mix of education, fun and tradition, all at its original birthplace in Brisbane.
Why the Ekka Still Matters
The Ekka has been bringing the country and city together since the first 'Exhibition' in 1876.
This historical and much-loved event, put on each year by the RNA, continues to celebrate and champion the essential role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Queenslanders.
The Ekka links the country and city, showcases Queensland's community spirit and welcomes 10,000 animals, 21, 000 competition entries and 400,000 people through the gates each year.
It offers something for all ages, where special memories can be made, and the next generation can learn about the importance of agriculture, and what makes this state great.
What is the origin of Ekka? The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) has a rich history and is Queensland's most loved event. Dating back to 1876, the Ekka will celebrate 149 years at this year's Show, and 150 years in 2026. A huge milestone.
The Ekka is a proud and iconic symbol of Queensland's past and future, offering an amazing experience whether it's a first Ekka or fiftieth!
From the showstopping entertainment and competitions on the Main Arena to the colourful Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion, educational agricultural displays around grounds, Grand Champion animals, delicious food and fun of the fair, the Ekka guarantees an unforgettable time for all.
