What is the Ekka?
The Ekka is the popular name for the Royal Queensland Show, held each August at the Brisbane Showgrounds. It is Queensland's largest annual event, combining agriculture, entertainment, rides and food.
The name Ekka comes from the word exhibition, as the show was originally called the Brisbane Exhibition. It has been held since 1876, organized by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland.
The show features livestock and horse competitions, cooking contests, wood chopping and displays of Queensland produce. Children enjoy the animal nursery, rides and showbags.
Strawberry sundaes
The Ekka strawberry sundae, made with ice cream, Queensland strawberries and cream in a cone, is one of the show's most famous treats. Hundreds of thousands are sold during the event.
A public holiday for the Ekka, called Royal Queensland Show Day or Ekka Wednesday, is held in Brisbane. Other parts of Queensland hold their own show holidays on different dates.
The Ekka was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2022 and remains a much-loved tradition for Queenslanders, linking city and country.
Did You Know?
The Brisbane Showgrounds are in Bowen Hills, close to the city center.