There's a reason that the Ekka comes with its own public holiday. Brisbanites are set free from work to rush to the Royal Queensland Show, fill themselves up with fried and sugary goodness, then brave the rides and gaze at the fireworks.
In 2019, the annual exhibition runs from Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 18 — and, as always, that means ten days of sideshows, show bags and more.
Of course, there's much more going on than that, with everything from animal competitions to cooking demonstrations on the bill. Where else are you going to see a giant pumpkin, pat a pig, eat a strawberry sundae, listen to live music, crash dodgems, throw a ball in a clown's mouth for a prize and take home all the Bertie Beetles you can eat?
Specifically on the 2019 lineup, Ekka-goers can also feast their way along King Street, mash buttons at the pinball and games arcade (complete with 50 pinball machines and 20 arcade games), and wander along a 70-metre stretch of Gregory Terrace that'll be turned into a lush green zone. Feeling thirsty afterwards? There'll also be a craft beer alley.
Tickets cost $35 for adults, but if you're keen to head by at night, nab a $20 twilight pass — it gets you in from 6pm onwards.