For more than a century, the Royal Queensland Show — known to Queenslanders as the EKKA — has brought country and city together each August. In 2026, the event marks its 150th anniversary.
Held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 8 to 16 August, the EKKA is one of the country’s largest annual shows: a week of agriculture, competition, food, and entertainment across the city’s showground precinct. Wednesday 12 August is the EKKA public holiday, known locally as People’s Day.
Originally established to showcase the state’s agricultural achievements, the EKKA now pairs traditional competition with contemporary attraction. Visitors will find:
It’s Queensland’s agricultural calendar, condensed into a week in Brisbane.
Children can meet farm animals, explore educational exhibits, and take in the carnival atmosphere. Adults can browse artisan markets and local produce stalls, or follow the entertainment schedule.
As evening sets in, the rides light up and the fireworks begin; the day’s natural close.
The Brisbane Showgrounds are a short bus or taxi ride from the CBD, making it easy to spend the day at the EKKA and return to the hotel in the evening. Staying in the city centre also puts guests close to restaurants, shopping, and Brisbane’s other attractions for the rest of an August stay.
