The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) officially opened today, 7 August 2026, at the Brisbane Showgrounds, marking a historic milestone as the event celebrates its 150th anniversary. Recognised as Queensland's largest annual agricultural exhibition, the Ekka has been bringing together city and country communities since 1876, and this year's celebration highlights a century and a half of Queensland's farming heritage, innovation, and community spirit.

Thousands of visitors attended the opening day, with families, students, farmers, exhibitors, and tourists arriving from across Queensland to experience the wide range of attractions. The showgrounds came alive with livestock competitions, equestrian events, woodchopping championships, arts and crafts exhibitions, produce displays, live entertainment, and the famous Ekka food stalls. The event continues to provide an opportunity for urban residents to learn about agriculture while giving regional producers a platform to showcase their achievements.

Special activities have been organised throughout the show to commemorate the 150-year milestone. Historical displays explore the evolution of the Royal Queensland Show, featuring photographs, memorabilia, and stories that illustrate how the event has grown from a small agricultural exhibition into one of Australia's most significant community festivals. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits highlighting Queensland's farming industries, technological advancements, and contributions made by generations of rural communities.

Agriculture remains at the heart of the Ekka. Farmers from across the state are presenting cattle, sheep, poultry, horses, and other livestock in competitions judged by industry experts. These events recognise excellence in breeding, animal care, and agricultural production while providing valuable networking opportunities for producers. Horticultural competitions, floral displays, and fresh produce exhibitions also showcase the diversity and quality of Queensland's agricultural sector.

Entertainment is another major attraction, with visitors enjoying carnival rides, live music performances, stunt shows, educational demonstrations, and evening fireworks. Families are participating in interactive animal experiences, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, and educational exhibits designed to teach younger generations about farming, sustainability, and food production.

The Ekka also delivers significant economic benefits to Brisbane and Queensland. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, and tourism businesses experience increased activity as thousands of visitors travel to the city for the annual event. Local businesses located near the Brisbane Showgrounds are also expected to benefit from higher customer numbers during the show period.

Organisers have worked closely with emergency services and venue staff to ensure the event operates safely and efficiently. Additional public transport services and crowd management measures have been introduced to accommodate the large number of visitors expected throughout the celebration.

As Queensland celebrates 150 years of the Ekka, the event continues to honour its agricultural roots while embracing innovation, education, and community participation. The Royal Queensland Show remains one of Brisbane's most iconic annual events, bringing together people from metropolitan and regional communities to celebrate the state's culture, industries, and traditions. The anniversary edition is expected to attract large crowds over the coming days, reinforcing the Ekka's reputation as one of Australia's most important agricultural and community celebrations.