The Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as Ekka, is Queensland’s largest and most cherished annual event, drawing an average of 400,000 visitors each year. Running for nine days from August 10 to 18, 2024, Ekka is a grand celebration of agriculture, bringing together the best of Queensland’s rural and urban communities.
Founded in 1875 by the National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland, Ekka was designed to unite country and city folk. The first president was none other than Queensland Governor Sir William Cairns, who hailed from County Down, Ireland. His leadership set the stage for Ekka’s enduring legacy.
Held at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds, Ekka features more than 21,000 competition entries ranging from woodchop to giant vegetables, 10,000 animals including cattle, cats, and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides, family shopping, and fireworks.
Synonymous with Ekka are showbags, dagwood dogs and strawberry sundaes.
The early English settlers in Queensland brought with them a rich tradition of agricultural shows and fairs, which significantly influenced Ekka’s development. The event has been running since 1876 and is steeped in traditions and childhood memories passed down through generations.
The Ekka holiday is normally the 6th day of The Royal Queensland Show and is a public holiday for people living and working within Brisbane city. This year, it will be on Wednesday, 14th August.
To celebrate, Finn McCool’s in Fortitude Valley will have an Ekka Eve party on August 13th. Revellers will enjoy live entertaiment by Aoife Turas, and a DJ till late.
Queensland Irish Association will be celebrating Ekka with a Special Brisbane Exhibition Lunch on Thursday, 15th August at 12pm in Coorparoo RSL.
DATES & DEETS
10 – 18 AUG
Brisbane QLD
Anglo&Celtic 