Royal National Agricultural Show Day (Ekka) 2025 in Australia

The Royal National Agricultural Show Day, also known as Ekka, is Queensland's largest annual event, held in Brisbane. It celebrates rural life with livestock competitions, showbags, rides, and food, drawing crowds from across the state.

Royal National Agricultural Show Day (Ekka): A Public Holiday?

The Royal National Agricultural Show Day (Ekka) is a public holiday in Brisbane and parts of Queensland. Most businesses, offices, and schools are closed on this day, allowing people to attend the show and participate in the celebrations.

Royal National Agricultural Show Day (Ekka)

The Royal National Agricultural Show Day, known as the Ekka, began in 1876 in Brisbane. It was created to bring city and country communities together and to showcase Queensland's agricultural achievements. The event was a huge success from the start, drawing thousands of visitors, and has since become one of the state's most loved traditions.

Over time, the Ekka has grown into a major annual event, featuring livestock competitions, produce displays, and entertainment. The name "Ekka" comes from a shortened version of "Exhibition." In 1921, the Royal title was granted, recognizing the show's cultural and historical significance. The Ekka is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds and includes a dedicated public holiday in Brisbane. Despite interruptions from events like wars and pandemics, the Ekka remains a proud celebration of Queensland's rural roots and community spirit.

Observance of the Royal National Agricultural Show Day

The Ekka is celebrated with excitement and color each year at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Held over ten days in August, the Ekka brings together people from across Queensland to enjoy a mix of agriculture, entertainment, and tradition. On the dedicated public holiday, many families attend the show to see livestock competitions, showjumping, petting zoos, and displays of fresh produce and flowers. It's a day when the city connects with the country, and people of all ages enjoy the best of both worlds.

A key part of the Ekka experience is the fun and food. Visitors can enjoy rides, games, and colorful showbags filled with treats and toys. Classic Ekka food, such as strawberry sundaes and dagwood dogs, adds to the festive feel. Live performances, fireworks, and daily parades also keep the crowd entertained. For children, it's a fun day out, and for farmers and exhibitors, it's a chance to showcase their hard work and compete for recognition.

The Ekka is important because it highlights the value of Queensland's agricultural industry and the role it plays in everyday life. It also helps build connections between rural and urban communities. The public holiday allows families and schools to participate in the show, supporting education, celebration, and fun. For many Queenslanders, the Ekka is more than just an event—it's a tradition that represents community pride, local talent, and the spirit of the state. Despite changes over the years, it continues to be a highlight of the calendar and a joyful reminder of Queensland's country roots.

Royal National Agricultural Show Day (Ekka) Observances