Ekka 2023

Overview

Nothing says winter in Brisbane like the Royal Queensland Show taking over the RNA Showgrounds each August. Get ready for rides, show bags, giant vegetables, cute animals and Brissie's favourite dessert: those coveted strawberry sundaes. There's always plenty to see, do and eat — and a reason that the event comes with its own midweek public holiday. Brisbanites get set free from work to rush along, fill themselves up with fried and sugary goodness, then brave the rides and gaze at the fireworks.

While this year's day off falls on Wednesday, August 16, the Ekka still runs for its usual nine days between Saturday, August 12–Sunday, August 20. That means plenty of time to enjoy sideshows, animal competitions, cooking demonstrations, live music and more — patting pigs, crashing dodgems, throwing balls in a clown's mouth for a prize and taking home all the Bertie Beetles you can eat all included.

More than 400 different types of show bags will be up for grabs, ranging in price from $2–125 each. Among the 77 new bags in 2023: Barbie, Pink Floyd and Milo offerings.

For the evening Ekka Nites lineup's return, live performances will shine when the sun goes down. As well as lighting up the heavens, expect everything from galloping horses to circus performers, plus fire and pyrotechnics.

Rommel Carlos Photography