Experience the magic of Ekka at Brisbane’s most loved family event. With the usual dagwood dogs, rides, animals, strawberry sundaes and more than 350 different showbags, the day is the perfect outing for people big and small. Celebrating their 139th year, the show will run over two full weekends, from 5 – 14 August, giving visitors more opportunity to experience the magic of the show. Here are 10 things you must do at Ekka:
Indulge in a delicious Ekka Strawberry Sundae
You can’t go to Ekka without devouring an Ekka Strawberry Sundae. A firm classic on the Ekka menu, approximately 10 tonnes of strawberries are used to make the Ekka Strawberry Sundaes each year. It’s mouth-watering top to bottom, from the crunchy wafer cone to the smooth white ice-cream, sweet chopped strawberries, delicious gourmet strawberry ice-cream, swirls of fresh cream and topped off with a tasty fresh Queensland strawberry. Delicious!
Buy all the showbags (or as many as you can carry)
There will be over 350 different showbags to choose from this year with a selection of new showbags, including the Starwars Classic, My Kitchen Rules, Rihanna Rogue Perfume and Frozen – New Version; mixed with all the old classics, including the Bertie Beetle, Mars, Red Rock Deli and The Wiggles.
Stay for the EkkaNITES fireworks
Watch the sky light up each night in the main arena. The million-dollar spectacular will be fired from 49 positions on the 25-metre high tower creating a Bellagio fountain effect – shooting sideways, inwards and skywards – engulfing the entire arena in explosive light and colour. Quad motorcycles will tow 20 kites with silver fountain fireworks, while six illuminated horses will gallop around the arena changing colours before the crowd’s eyes. This year you’ll also be to see the world first Sphere of Death. Yes, it’s as scary as it sounds.
Pat all the animals at The RACQ Animal Nursery.
Whether you’re into cuddling piglets or watching chicks hatch in the incubator, the RACQ animal nursery will make your heart swoon and want to adopt all the animals to have on your own little farm. The nursery is home to around 400 of the cutest baby farmyard animals you’ll ever meet, including lambs, calves, ducklings, goats and many more furry friends.
Chase an adrenaline rush at Sideshow Alley.
Line up for the thrill-seeking rides at Sideshow Alley! For the brave souls out there, you don’t want to miss the Freak Out where you’ll be swung and rotated up in the sky by it’s long swinging arm and surround sound music, or try the Cliffhanger where you’ll fly through the sky as you lie face down in the Superman position while the ride lifts you high in the air, and twists and tilts you around, simulating a real flying experience. For something a little more family friendly, we recommend riding on the decadent Royal Double Decker Carousel or enjoy a fun flight on their very own flying elephant at the Jumbo the Flying Elephants.
Celebrate fashion at Australia’s longest-running free fashion parade
Sit back and enjoy the fashion parades which runs 33 times in 10 days with 20 local and national designers and also student designs. This year marks the 25th year of the parades being directed by Lindsay Bennett and will see the most captivating spectacle yet, with a stunning retrospective opening sequence paying homage to some of the designers who have paraded at the Ekka during the quarter of a century.
Cheer on your favourite lumberjack as their battle it out for Ekka glory
Drawing competitors from around the country, the woodchoppers will compete to find out who is the best in the bush. With more than $90,000 in prize money, the competition heats up and is one of our favourite highlights.
Enjoy the sheep shearing demonstrations
Go and see what old-style sheep shearing looks like with seasoned professionals displaying hand shearing along with new, easier shearing techniques including electric shears.
Meet and greet the best puppy in show at the Ekka Championship Dog Show
Get up close with man’s best friend. This year’s competition has a record 2763 dogs on show, with more than 172 different breeds . From cute little puppies to full grown dogs, you’ll find breeds of all colours, shapes and sizes.
Watch some live performances.
Ekka will be a music lover’s paradise featuring country favourites and pop icons. Don’t miss the top tapping talent throughout the show. This year musical entertainment includes The Keith Urban Experience, X Factor’s Farren Jones, Rocker Carter Roser, Bridget O’Shannessy plus many more.
If you are looking to visit during this awesome event, why not make a mini-break out of it and book one of our Ekka specials. Book a twin share Ekka deal from $199* per night including 2 adult passes to the show, free parking and a cab voucher up to $35. Book a family Ekka family experience, including a sleepover our 2 bedroom Urban Sweet room, family pass to the show, free parking plus cab voucher up to $35. Find out more here. T&C’s apply.
When: August 5 – 14, 2016
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
