People’s Day to suit your budget: A full guide to the Ekka’s busiest day

With more than 50,000 people expected to head to the Ekka for People’s Day, we’ve mapped out possible budgets from $100 for the day to sky’s the limit. PLUS: Showbag guide and free things to do.

The Ekka’s busiest day has arrived, with a crowd of more than 50,000 set to flood in as the Queensland Royal Show celebrates its People’s Day.

It’s kicked off with junior showjumping, followed with line dancing, flower beard competitions and finished off with the grand parade and Ekka nights.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said 50,000 people were tipped to flood through the gates.

“Because we changed a few things with the days and ticketing, we’re thinking about 50,000, which would be a great number,” Mr Christou said.

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“We probably had about 40,000 on the weekend which have been really good. Great to get around and a really good buzz without being overcrowded.

“It’s just great the country coming back which is what the show is all about after an enforced break. And that’s being felt by the exhibitors and the people.”

Kirsty Wilkie of Milton with seven-year-old Evie at Ekka 2022 at RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Christou said the livestock parade from 4pm was a fantastic annual tradition which showcased the best of the best.

The action starts from 4pm with more than 500 of the Ekka’s best animals on show in the Main Arena.

It’s the parade of champions, from the tiny grand champion fish of show to the huge stud bull, along with ribbon-winning goats, beef cattle, dairy cattle, cats, dogs, horses and alpacas.

First time Ekka goer Kirsty Wilkie took the family on Monday for the full experience and said she’d be back next year.

“We spent about $300 but that was three adults and three children with rides, food and showbags, so I think that’s a good return,” Ms Wilkie said.

“I actually had budgeted about $250.”

Melanie Antonini of Regents Park with four-year-old Victoria at Ekka 2022. Picture: Richard Walker

She encouraged people to plan ahead and look online for which days might suit them best.

“I did the tickets and ride passes online,” she said.

“For us, Monday was the best day to go as my dad was worried about Covid and wanted lower crowd numbers.”

No matter what your budget, 75 per cent of the Ekka is free – a smorgasbord of more than 300 things.

If you want to splash the cash on rides, food or showbags, it’s up to you.

$100 budget – families with young children

Spend the morning at the Agricultural Hall

Watch Bluey and Bingo perform at the Channel 7 Pavilion

Time to get cute and cuddly at the animal nursery

Munch on some cheese toasties at $2.50 a pop

Check out the woodchop, main arena and Ekka nights events to round out the day.

$200 budget – families with high school children

Grab an iconic dagwood dog for lunch

Shop up a storm in the showbag pavilion

Treat yourself with a strawberry sundae or dole whip cone for $6 each

Want to have fun without going overboard, jump on a handful of rides for about $32

$300 budget – larger families with high school children

If you have a large family or have children who are ride enthusiasts, this one might be for you

Grab lunch at the gourmet plaza at an estimated $72 for four to sample on a mega range of options

For dessert you can get a Bubbo Classic or a watermelon ice cream from $13

Ride cards $120 ride card gets you $150 of rides

$400 budget – sky’s the limit

Buy a Firefighters calendar and put some cash towards a variety of charities

You’ll want to bring an appetite for this one if you grab a meal at the Royal Queensland Steakhouse and Bar for some of Australia’s finest steak, lamb, wine and cheese. It’s also home of a $95 wagyu.

If you really want to go all out, the Lindt Box of Blocks showbag is available for $125 or try the Darrell Lea Pig Out Showbag for $25