This Year's Ekka Public Holiday Is Moving to a Friday So Brisbanites Can Enjoy a Bonus Long Weekend

Instead of scoring a Wednesday off work, you'll now get to sleep in on a Friday — and head out of town, too.
Sarah Ward
May 21, 2020

Usually when August rolls around, the Ekka takes over Brisbane. And, to encourage everyone to get their fix of rides, sideshows and showbags, the city scores a midweek public holiday to celebrate. But in 2020, the annual exhibition has been cancelled due to COVID-19, which means enjoying a Wednesday without work doesn't seem as appealing — so the Queensland Government is moving the day off to the end of the week.

If you had plans for Wednesday, August 12, you'll need to cancel them (or request a day off work). Instead, prepare to sleep in, kick back and even head out of town on Friday, August 14. 'People's Day' is becoming 'People's Long Weekend', and yes, that means that Brisbanites will receive a bonus three-day work-free span. And, with regional travel back on the cards from mid-June, everyone is being encouraged to make the most of it.

Announcing the change of date — which is in effect for 2020 and 2020 only — Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: "everyone knows the Ekka is when the bush meets the city. Since that can't happen this year, this gives the city the chance to go to bush — or the beach — have break and let Queenslanders support Queenslanders in our wonderful tourism industry."

BREAKING: The Ekka public holiday will move from Wednesday, 12 August to Friday, 14 August to support our tourism...

Posted by Annastacia Palaszczuk MP on Wednesday, 20 May 2020

After confirming today, Thursday, May 21, that Queenslanders will be able to travel within 250 kilometres of home, and stay overnight, once stage two of the state's relaxed restrictions come into effect next month, the Premier also noted that further easing of restrictions are expected in August. While no additional details were offered — and the current timeline in Queensland's previously revealed "step-down approach to COVID-19" only runs until mid-July — that means you might be able to venture even further away for your unexpected long weekend getaway.

The change of date only applies to Brisbane council areas that receive the Brisbane Show Holiday; however, the Queensland Government has advised that other councils can apply to similarly change their show holidays to a later date due to COVID-19.

Brisbane's 'People's Day' public holiday will now take place on Friday, August 14. For further details, read the Queensland Government's announcement.

To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.

Published on May 21, 2020 by Sarah Ward
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