Since 1876, the Royal Queensland Show, better known as the Ekka, has been the main event for Queenslanders that unites the country and the city for a paddock-to-pavement spectacle like no other. Originally staged at Bowen Park, the inaugural show wowed a crowd nearly as big as Brisbane’s population at the time, setting the stage for nearly 150 years of agricultural excellence and entertainment.
Over the decades, the Ekka has introduced Queenslanders to cutting-edge advancements like electric lights, telephones, and even an electric thief detector back in the day. While the show has weathered its fair share of storms, including cancellations during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919, World War II in 1942, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it has always come back stronger, standing tall like a prize bull in the arena.
Today, the Ekka is still the cream of the crop, drawing over 400,000 guests each year to the Brisbane Showgrounds. Whether visitors come for the blue-ribbon livestock, world-class entertainment, carnival rides, or the unbeatable country-meets-city atmosphere, the Ekka is where Queensland’s heartland comes alive.
Key Features of the Show (What to Expect)
Animal Displays
The Ekka brings the best of the barnyard to the city by showcasing an impressive lineup of livestock and poultry. From beef and dairy cattle to fleece breeds, dairy goats, and fish, the event highlights the diversity of Queensland’s agricultural sector.
Breeding, Training, and Performance Competitions
From majestic horses and agile sheepdogs to championship-winning cats and canines, these events celebrate the best in breeding, training, and performance. Each competition is a testament to the expertise and passion of Queensland’s animal handlers.
EkkaNITES
As the sun sets, the Main Arena transforms into a spectacle of lights, stunts, and showstopping entertainment with EkkaNITES. This high-energy night show features breathtaking performances, stunts, and a fireworks display that lights up the Brisbane skyline. A long-time crowd favourite, it is the perfect way to end a thrilling day at the show.
Day Entertainment
Fashion and horsemanship take centre stage during the day with the following unique showcases:
- Natural Fibres Fashion Parades – highlight the elegance of cotton, wool, silk, bamboo, hemp, and linen, with Queensland designers and students bringing sustainable style to the runway
- Horsing Around Show – led by acclaimed trainer Dave Manchon, this shines a spotlight on Racing Queensland’s QOTT initiative, offering a fascinating look at life beyond the racetrack.
Agriculture
The Ekka celebrates Queensland’s rich agricultural heritage by offering a closer look at the industry that feeds and sustains communities. From crop displays and farming innovations to interactive educational experiences, visitors can explore the vital role agriculture plays in daily life while gaining a deeper appreciation for the people behind it.
Bush Poetry
The art of storytelling comes alive in the Bush Poetry Competition, where poets of all levels share verses that capture the spirit of Australian life. Whether reciting classic bush ballads or original compositions, participants bring humour, heart, and history to the stage, keeping this treasured tradition alive for a new generation.
Apiculture Competition
Through this competition, beekeepers showcase their finest honey, pollen, comb honey, beeswax, and mead, highlighting the craft and dedication that goes into producing nature’s sweetest treat.
Australian Young Farmer Challenge
Farming skills are put to the test in the high-energy Australian Young Farmer Challenge, where teams of four race through a series of real-world agricultural tasks. Open to competitors aged 18 to 35, this relay-style event showcases teamwork, problem-solving, and the hands-on abilities needed in modern farming.
Educational Competitions – Feeding the Future
Designed to align with the Australian Curriculum, Ekka’s educational competitions give students hands-on experience with agriculture. The program highlights the role of food production, technology, and sustainability in feeding the future by covering topics like gardening, cheese making, photography, and video production. These competitions essentially bring classroom learning to life.
Flower and Gardening Competitions
From stunning floral arrangements to lush horticultural displays, Ekka’s Flower and Gardening competitions showcase the beauty and skill behind gardening. School gardens, expert floristry, and creative horticulture exhibits bring vibrant colour and natural artistry to the show.
Arts, Cookery, and Fashion Contests
Creativity takes the spotlight at the Ekka, with competitions spanning cake decorating, cookery, painting, sculpture, quilting, wearable art, and more. Whether showcasing a beautifully decorated cake or a hand-stitched garment, these competitions celebrate the artistic talents of Queenslanders in all forms.
Who Should Exhibit?
- Agriculture and Farming
- Livestock and Animal Breeding
- Food and Beverage
- Horticulture and Gardening
- Fashion and Textiles
- Arts and Crafts
- Education and Training
- Tourism and Regional Products
- Machinery and Equipment
- Entertainment and Amusement
Who Attends?
- Farmers and Agricultural Professionals
- Animal Breeders and Handlers
- Food and Beverage Enthusiasts
- Gardeners and Horticulture Lovers
- Fashion and Textile Enthusiasts
- Artists and Craft Makers
- Students and Educators
- Families and Children
- Business Owners and Industry Professionals
- Entertainment and Amusement Seekers
Why Should You Exhibit?
- Tap into a Crowd as Big as Queensland’s Outback: Every year, the Ekka pulls in a massive crowd that gives businesses the perfect chance to get in front of thousands of eager showgoers. Whether you’re selling farm-fresh produce, the latest ag tech, or something totally unique, this is the place to grab attention.
- Saddle Up for Serious Brand Exposure: The Ekka isn’t just another event but a Queensland tradition that’s been running since 1876. That means when you exhibit here, you’re not just getting foot traffic but tapping into a trusted, long-standing showcase that people look forward to year after year.
- Cultivate Connections and Grow Your Business: The Ekka is a goldmine for making connections. This is the place to build relationships that last if you want to grow your brand and plant the seeds for future success.
Key Statistics from the Last Show
Attendees
- 400k+ Guests
Residence:
- Brisbane – 78.6%
- Regional Queensland – 17.1%
- Interstate – 3.2%
- Overseas – 1.1%
Key Customer Segments:
- Families (35-54 years) – 31.9%
- Empty Nesters (39-59 years) – 19.2%
- Younger Sinks/Dinks (Single/Dual Income, No Kids, 21-35 years) – 12.3%
- Other – 15%
Event Reach and Engagement
- 4.2+ Million Webpage Views
- 9.1+ Million Total Social Reach
- 304,384+ Current Email Subscribers
Spending and Loyalty
- Average Spend of $335 Per Person
- 62% Indicated They Would Return
Media Impact
- $149+ Million in PR Generated in 2024
