Ekka - August 9 to 18
It's that time of year again when the Brisbane Showgrounds comes to life for the Ekka, the Royal Queensland Show.
Ekkanites can find all the latest information about the 21 days of events in the Queensland Country Life's Ekka special publication, including this message from the president and chief executive sharing all the highlights of this year's event.
Message from RNA president David Thomas and RNA chief executive Brendan Christou
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) presented by RACQ is all about celebrating and championing agriculture and the critical role it plays in our everyday lives.
Last year, more than 415,000 people attended the Ekka, with many showing their support for our farmers who continue to battle the devastating drought.
The RNA is committed to helping our farming families, many of whom have exhibited at the Ekka for countless generations, since the first show in 1876.
To ensure Queenslanders can again show their support and appreciation for the people that feed and clothe us each day, we have frozen the price of every ticket for the first time in 11 years (the Little Ekka Pass for children four years of age and under is free).
Our competitions are the heart and soul of the Ekka and with more than 21,000 entries received this year, we encourage visitors to look at what our exhibitors are contributing to Queensland - whether it's beef or dairy cattle, fleece or even giant vegetables.
The RNA is also continuing to invest in competition facilities, ensuring the next generation of exhibitors and visitors can enjoy a better experience. The new Alexandria Park, which is part of the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project, will be home to Ekka's Championship Canine Competition presented by Black Hawk.
The park features two acres of additional green and event space, allowing entrants to exhibit their dogs on real turf. It's also the very first time all four storeys of the Arrow Energy Pavilion will be used to house animals at the Ekka. Two floors were used last year housing beef and dairy cattle, dairy goats and poultry, but with all four now ready, sheep, angoras and alpacas will also use our world-class facility.
For visitors, it means another two football fields of space where they can see animals at the show and meet our farmers. Our visitors will also see a tribute to our farmers during the world-class night show EkkaNITES supported by RACQ LifeFlight Rescue.
The theme of the Fireworks Spectacular this year is 'A Celebration of the Human Spirit,' recognising the remarkable resilience and determination of our primary producers.
A 70m high and 40m wide pyro love heart will erupt from the centre of the Main Arena, in a display of gratitude for our farmers who are the heartbeat of our nation.
Everything starts with agriculture - from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and the RNA is proud to run Queensland's largest event and agricultural show on behalf of the community. We hope you enjoy Ekka 2019.
Find out more by visiting Ekka online.
