The Top 10 Reasons Why the EKKA is a Great-Value Family Day Out

The Brisbane Exhibition (Ekka) is a Queensland institution with over a week of exhibitions, celebrations and entertainment for families.

There is a perception the EKKA is an expensive activity and, of course it can be, but hopefully we can show you the top 10 reasons why the EKKA is a great-value family day out. 

Why the EKKA is Better Value Than You Think

1. More than 70% of the RNA Showground is dedicated to free activities. Some of the best activities in the showgrounds cost nothing at all, aside from your admission ticket, including visiting the baby animal pavilion, the dog show, cake show and the fabulous night time show in the arena. 
2. Visitors are more than welcome to BYO picnic blanket, food and drinks (not alcohol though). This ensures fussy eaters are well catered for and helps keeps costs down. Of course you can still have a little splurge on a treat – maybe a strawberry sundae!
3. There are nearly 300 free things to do and see at EKKA. Every year the free things on offer change but the the Royal Exhibition is always packed with free activities. You literally never need step foot inside side show alley or the showbag pavilion if you don’t want to.
4. Bring your own water bottles, which can be filled up throughout the day at various water filling stations throughout the showgrounds.
5. Parents with children can relax at shaded and fenced ‘chill out zones’ as children enjoy free, low-energy activities. This can help break up the day and create a buffer between daytime and night time activities. 
6. The average EKKA-goer spends seven hours at the show, so you can well and truly get your money’s worth out of the entry price. With a vast array of free activities to do and see, you don’t need to spend another cent once inside. In recent years, the EKKA has even offered family passes and if you sign up to their newsletter NOW you will find they also tend to offer early bird ticket pricing with significant savings.
7. Families can watch live music performances by country favourites and pop icons, as well as spectacular shows, 10,000 animals, fireworks and much, much more all for free with the purchase of an EKKA ticket
8. Kids aged 4 years and under get in for free! This is a little known fact that hasn’t changed over the years and can save families with young children lots of money. 
9. Families can taste their way through a wide variety of free, fresh food samples, from snacks and starters to gourmet meal items and delicious desserts in the Woolworth’s Pavilion.
10. Showbags don’t have to cost a fortune, with some bargain buys available each year for $5 and under per bag. Just make sure you plan ahead and stick to your budget. 

Ekka Details

When: 9 – 17 August 2025

Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

Tickets: Available for purchase online only at www.ekka.com.au

Additional Resources

How to Make The Most of Your Visit to the Ekka

Can You Hire a Pram at the Ekka?

How to Get To and From the Ekka with Minimal Fuss

What’s On at the Ekka in the Evening for Kids

We hope we have shown you how going to the EKKA needn’t be an overly expensive experience. Beyond the entertainment factor, the EKKA is a really good opportunity for kids to get a better understanding of our farmers, the food cycle and regional Australia.