Brisbane has been turning up for the Ekka since 1876, and the show is marking its 150th year with all the noise, colour and country spirit people expect. From champion cattle and packed entertainment stages to new rides, showbags and fireworks over Bowen Hills, the 2026 program brings old traditions and fresh attractions together for one very big birthday.
From Saturday, 8 August to Sunday, 16 August, the Brisbane Showgrounds will once again fill with cattle calls, carnival music, woodchop cheers and the smell of food that is rarely eaten with a knife and fork. More than 400,000 people are expected to pass through the gates during the nine-day show.
There will be rides that turn stomachs, showbags that test budgets and strawberry sundaes that melt faster than anyone can eat them. However, Ekka 2026 is more than another bright and busy August tradition. It marks 150 years since Queensland’s biggest annual event first brought city residents, farmers, makers and performers together.
The show has changed many times since 1876. The crowds are larger, the rides are taller, and the modern showbag pavilion bears little resemblance to the early exhibition. Still, the cattle sheds, competition ribbons and family rituals have held their ground.
From a colonial exhibition to a Brisbane ritual
The first show opened under the name Intercolonial Exhibition. It gave farmers, manufacturers and craftspeople a place to present their finest animals, produce and work to the public.
In those early years, the event attracted about 20,000 people, a striking turnout for a young Queensland. Today, the Ekka welcomes more than 21,000 competition entries and around 10,000 animals each year. More than 35 million visitors have attended across its history.
Some early attractions would puzzle a modern crowd. The first version of a showbag reportedly contained coal, rather than chocolates, toys or football merchandise. These days, visitors walk into a pavilion packed with hundreds of colourful choices and suddenly forget every promise they made about sticking to a budget.
Yet the agricultural heart of the show remains easy to find. It is there in the patient work of cattle breeders, the nervous concentration of young handlers and the hush before a judge announces a champion. It is also present in the cookery halls, garden displays and woodchop arena, where people still bring their best work to Brisbane and wait to see how it measures up.
Beef Week puts Queensland agriculture in the spotlight
The public gates open on 8 August, but some of the show’s most serious business begins five days earlier.
Ekka Beef Week starts on Monday, 3 August, bringing cattle producers, breeders and industry leaders to the showgrounds before the main crowds arrive. Ekka describes it as the largest and most prestigious annual beef event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
The week will feature 28 beef breeds, from familiar favourites to cattle that many city visitors may never have seen. The program covers Stud Beef, Led Steer, Prime Beef and Paddock to Palate competitions.
- Stud Beef judging focuses on the qualities breeders want to carry into future generations. Judges study each animal’s structure, movement, condition and breed characteristics, while exhibitors watch every glance and note with close attention.
- Led Steer classes bring a different energy. Young competitors often take centre stage, guiding animals much heavier than themselves around the ring with impressive calm. Months of feeding, grooming and training can come down to a few tense minutes before a judge.
- Paddock to Palate follows the story further. It examines how cattle perform through the production chain, including carcase results and eating quality. The competition connects the animal in the paddock with the steak that eventually reaches a Queensland table.
Visitors do not need a farming background to appreciate the skill involved. Spend a little time near the judging ring and the details begin to appear: the way an animal walks, the balance of its frame and the confidence of the handler beside it.
Beef Week also anchors the anniversary program in the purpose that started the Ekka. Long before fireworks lit the Main Arena, the show existed to celebrate agricultural knowledge and give Queensland producers a place to learn from one another.
5 entertainment events worth planning around
The 2026 entertainment program ranges from large arena spectacles to music, horses and events steeped in Ekka tradition, and these are FREE!
1. EkkaNITES: 150 Years of Celebration
EkkaNITES will be the centrepiece of the anniversary program, taking over the Main Arena from 6:30 p.m. each night. The show will use music, storytelling and arena action to trace Queensland’s rural history, including the growth of the cotton, sheep and beef industries.
Expect the evening to grow steadily bigger as the lights come on. Horses, performers and large-scale effects will lead into the fireworks, giving families a proper finale after a long day on their feet.
The 150-year theme also gives the night show more substance than the usual parade of stunts. It offers a chance to celebrate the people who built Queensland’s agricultural industries without turning the evening into a history lesson.
2. The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is one of the few Ekka events where the entire show seems to gather in one place. Champion cattle, horses, exhibitors and rural representatives make their way into the Main Arena in a sweep of polished coats, bright ribbons and proud handlers.
It is colourful enough to keep children interested, yet rich in history for visitors who have attended the show for decades. The parade also gives competitors a moment beyond the judging ring, allowing the wider crowd to see the animals and people behind the prizes.
3. Fashions on the Field
The Ekka’s traditional fashion parade is getting a theatrical makeover for the 150th anniversary. Threads of Time Celebrating 150 Years of Fashion will take audiences through more than a century of changing styles, from corsets and top hats to miniskirts, neon and modern sustainable design.
The show follows a playful time-travel story, with each era brought to life through fashion, dance and live singing. Iconic Ekka settings, including livestock displays, Sideshow Alley and EkkaNITES, will also appear along the way.
The production will be staged three times a day across all nine days of the show, giving visitors plenty of chances to catch it. Fashion lovers will enjoy the changing looks, while the music, movement and storytelling should keep children and casual visitors entertained too.
4. Country music and live performance
Country music feels right at home at the Ekka, and the live program stretches well beyond a single headline act. Venues such as XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill and the Plaza Music Stage host a steady line-up of shows and performers throughout each day.
Visitors can drop in for a song or stay for a full set, with the program offering an easy break between animal displays, rides and competition halls. The changing line-up also gives teenagers, families and older visitors plenty of chances to find something they enjoy.
Check the daily showguide before arriving, as performers and set times vary. A well-timed stop can provide live music, a seat and a welcome chance to rest tired feet.
5. Horses in the arena
Horse events offer grace, speed and the occasional moment of chaos, sometimes within the same few minutes. Even visitors who know little about equestrian competition can appreciate the control between rider and animal.
Daytime horse displays are especially useful for families who may not stay until EkkaNITES. They bring plenty of action without the late finish, and the Main Arena gives everyone a good view.
For many long-time visitors, horses are also part of the visual language of the Ekka. The gleaming tack, plaited manes and careful preparation belong to a tradition that has survived generations.
5 competitions and displays that show what Ekka is really about
The rides may dominate the skyline, but the competitions give the Ekka its character. Across 46 categories, more than 21,000 entries cover livestock, woodchop, flowers, food, art and much more.
The best approach is to mix the famous events with a few quieter halls. Visitors who only race between Sideshow Alley and the showbag pavilion miss some of the show’s strangest, warmest and most impressive corners.
1. Sheep and wool
Beyond the cattle sheds, the sheep and wool competitions offer another close look at the work behind Queensland agriculture. Breeders present animals for judging, while wool entries reveal the care involved in producing a clean, strong and consistent fleece.
The finer details may be easy to miss at first. Spend a little time near the judging area, however, and differences in build, fleece quality and presentation begin to stand out. Exhibitors are often happy to explain what the judges are looking for.
For families, the sheep provide an approachable introduction to livestock competition. For visitors with rural knowledge, the judging offers a deeper look at breeding, animal care and one of Australia’s best-known agricultural industries.
2. Woodchop and sawing
You do not need to know the rules before watching woodchop. Once the axes begin to fall and the chips start flying, the contest explains itself.
The competition has been part of the Ekka for more than a century and remains one of its largest. Axemen and women travel from across Australia to compete in events including underhand chopping, standing block, treefelling and single-handed sawing.
The crowd tends to find a favourite quickly. By the final swings, people are counting the strikes, shouting at the log and wondering how anyone still has feeling in their arms.
3. Canine and cat competitions
The Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion is one of those Ekka stops where a quick visit can easily turn into an hour. Dogs from a wide range of breeds compete throughout the show, with handlers presenting them for conformation, working dog and group judging. The Queensland Classic also returns in 2026 as part of the Ekka’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
However, the canine program is not confined to one pavilion. Stockman’s Rest also hosts dog events, including obedience competitions, where dogs and handlers work through a series of controlled exercises. Visitors should check the daily program, as events move between Stockman’s Rest and the Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion.
The Main Stage will also have competitive dog and cat shows. Different breeds take their turn before the judges, giving dog and cat lovers their own corner of the showgrounds.
4. Giant pumpkins and horticulture displays
A giant pumpkin sounds like a niche attraction until one appears in front of you looking large enough to require its own seat on the train.
The horticulture displays offer more than oversized vegetables. Queensland growers, gardeners, clubs and community groups create detailed presentations featuring healthy plants, unusual specimens and carefully arranged displays. Horticulture has formed part of the show since 1876.
The pavilion also provides welcome relief from the noise outside. After an hour of music, machinery and excited children, a quiet walk among flowers can feel surprisingly luxurious.
5. Cookery, fashion and creative arts
Some of the fiercest competition takes place far from the animal rings. Cakes, preserves, quilts, clothing and handmade pieces arrive at Ekka after hours of careful work, hopeful adjustments and last-minute worry.
These halls feel personal because many entries began on kitchen tables or in home studios. Visitors can spot tiny details, compare techniques and wonder how judges choose between two cakes that both look far better than anything made at home.
The creative categories also prove that the Ekka’s idea of excellence has always stretched beyond farming. A perfect sponge, a clever garment or a detailed quilt can earn its place beside a champion bull.
5 rides and games for every level of bravery
The Ekka has major thrill rides, family favourites, children’s attractions and classic carnival games across B105 Sideshow Alley and the Kids Carnival. The music grows louder, the lights become brighter and someone nearby begins screaming in either joy or immediate regret.
1. The biggest thrill ride you can find
Follow the flashing lights and the queue of suddenly nervous teenagers. The thrill rides like Rockstar or The Joker will not be difficult to locate.
These machines are built for visitors who consider being lifted, spun and dropped an appropriate form of entertainment. Check the height restrictions first, secure loose belongings and consider eating the Dagwood dog afterwards.
The exact ride line-up can change, so use the 2026 showguide or Ekka Fun Pass app to see what is operating on the day.
2. Australia’s newest Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel offers a rare chance to sit still at the Ekka while insisting that the group is still doing an activity. In 2026, Australia’s newest Ferris wheel will light up B105 Sideshow Alley with an enormous display valued at half a million dollars.
Lights cover both sides of the wheel, the towers and even the spaces in and beneath the gondolas. Once the sun goes down, it should become one of the brightest landmarks on the showgrounds.
The ride has 26 fully panoramic gondolas, giving passengers 360-degree views across the Ekka and surrounding Brisbane. It is also designed to be more accessible. With no central pole inside the gondolas, it is the only travelling wheelchair-friendly Ferris wheel of its kind.
3. Dodgem cars
Dodgems work because everyone understands the assignment: hit your family, blame the steering and laugh about it afterwards.
They suit older children, teenagers and adults, especially groups that cannot agree on one of the larger rides. Even the ride-shy member of the family can often be persuaded once revenge becomes part of the plan.
The only real strategy is to keep moving. Someone will still trap the car against the wall.
4. A Kids Carnival favourite
Younger children do not need the tallest ride to have the biggest story of the day. The Kids Carnival offers gentler attractions, bright characters and rides designed for smaller visitors.
Allowing a child to choose their own favourite can be part of the fun. Adults may see a slowly turning car or miniature train, while a four-year-old sees the adventure of a lifetime.
The Kids Carnival operates from 9:00 a.m. until late during the show.
5. A classic sideshow game
Carnival games have been separating visitors from loose change for generations, yet the appeal survives. Laughing clowns, shooting games and prize stalls offer a break from the rides and a chance for the whole group to compete.
Set a budget before the first attempt. Confidence tends to rise much faster than skill when a large stuffed animal is hanging overhead.
The Ekka Fun Pass can be used across rides and games in 2026. Credits can be loaded through the app or placed on a physical card at the showgrounds.
Showbags for everyone
Choosing a showbag can involve more negotiation than some major household purchases. Children inspect the toys, parents calculate the value and everyone quietly judges the amount of sugar involved.
The 2026 range covers sporting merchandise, sweets, toys, beauty products and familiar entertainment brands. The final contents can vary, so visitors should compare the official listings before making a decision.
Here are some showbags on offer:
1. Brisbane Lions
A Brisbane Lions showbag belongs near the top of a local guide. It gives footy fans something more lasting than a bag filled with snacks and adds a strong Brisbane connection to the list.
2. Bertie Beetle
Bertie Beetle is less a showbag than a piece of Ekka furniture. Generations of Queensland children have carried one through the grounds, usually while asking when they can open it.The bag remains popular because it is familiar, cheerful and generally more affordable than large merchandise packs. Adults often buy it for nostalgia, then claim they are giving it to the children. In a 150th-anniversary year, that cross-generational appeal feels especially fitting.
3. Bluey
A Bluey showbag brings one of Brisbane’s best-known characters into one of Brisbane’s best-known events. Young children will recognise the theme immediately, while parents may appreciate items that last beyond the sugar rush.
4. A beauty or lifestyle showbag
Not every visitor wants chocolate or cartoon characters. A beauty or lifestyle bag gives teenagers and adults a practical option, with products that may include cosmetics, skincare, accessories or magazines.
These bags can offer good value, but only when the contents suit the buyer. A collection of discounted products is not a bargain if half of them end up untouched in a bathroom drawer.
5. A classic chocolate bag
A chocolate showbag is hard to beat when several people plan to share it, although “sharing” can become a flexible concept on the trip home.
Choose a familiar brand and compare the quantity, variety and price. Larger packaging can look impressive while hiding a surprisingly modest amount of chocolate.
This option suits teenagers, adults and families, provided the bag survives the August sun and the train ride home.
Strawberry sundaes, farm animals and the art of pacing yourself
The Ekka rewards a little planning. Trying to see every animal, ride every ride and inspect every showbag before lunch usually ends with sore feet and a family debate beside the nearest map.
Choose two or three priorities, then leave room for surprises. Some of the best Ekka moments begin with an unexpected noise, smell or giant vegetable.
For a smoother day:
- Visit the Animal Nursery early, before younger children run out of energy.
- Leave time for a strawberry sundae, Dagwood dog and a few unplanned food stops.
- Take a quieter afternoon break before staying for EkkaNITES and the fireworks.
- Carry water and avoid hauling every showbag purchase around all day.
- Use public transport, as it is the easiest way to reach the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Gates open at 9:00 a.m. each day, although closing times vary across the grounds.
The Brisbane Ekka public holiday falls on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Brisbane City Council observes the holiday on that date, while some neighbouring councils hold their local show holiday on a different day.
After 150 years, Queensland still turns up
The Ekka has never relied on one attraction. The rides change, popular showbags come and go, and each generation finds a new food to queue for.
What remains is the pleasure of seeing Queensland gathered in one place. Farmers stand beside city families, young competitors follow experienced breeders and children meet animals they have only seen in books.
The show also gives ordinary skills a grand stage. A well-raised steer, a perfectly baked cake, a clean swing of an axe or a carefully grown flower can all earn applause and a ribbon. That spirit has carried the Ekka from a colonial exhibition to one of Queensland’s largest annual events.
In 2026, the fireworks will be brighter and the anniversary speeches will be longer, but the heart of the show will still be found in the same places. It will be in the cattle sheds before the crowds arrive. It will be in the nervous smile of a young competitor waiting for a result. It will be in families repeating traditions they first learned from parents and grandparents.
For 150 years, Queenslanders have come to Bowen Hills to see what the state can grow, raise, make and perform. This August, they will do it all again, only with a much bigger birthday to celebrate.
Published 21-July-2026
