Whether you’re heading in with the kids, planning a night with your pals or kickin’ it solo, the Ekka really has got something for everyone. This year sees more than 300 free things to see and do at the show, so you can cast aside your ideas that you have to drop serious cash on the day. Furthering this sentiment is the glorious return of the Ekka Twilight Ticket – after 6:00 pm, you can nab entry for just $20. This year also sees two crowd favourite debut areas make a comeback – the specially designed CRT Pavilion housing all of the animals, and the huge wood-chopping arena that received a major facelift last year. You will still find all of the thrilling rides, nostalgia-laden showbags, adorable animals and non-stop events of previous years, plus loads of brand-new surprises both during the day and when the sun goes down.
As the Ekka heads into the future, a whole heap of new additions have been added to the festival in the past couple of years. Between dagwood dog-eating competitions, karaoke sing-offs and a boot-scooting line-dancing hoedown, some of the key areas of the show have been even further improved. If heading to the show is all about the food for you, you’re in luck – the introduction of King Street’s mouth-watering epicurean offering into the mix is sure to make your mouth water. Welcome to Bowen Hills will be serving up the beloved butter sandwiches (an Ekka staple), while spots like Beerhaus, Atelier Brasserie and El Camino Cantina will join the ranks of the festival’s limits this year. The Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion is a must-do if you’re keen to snack and sample our state’s best fresh produce while picking up cooking tips, while the Gourmet Plaza should top your list if you’re a fan of international flavours.
Ready to celebrate our great state and eat your weight in Bertie Beetles? You can find all of the ticketing information and programs for the Ekka on the official website.