The Queensland Royal Show makes its comeback after a Covid-19 pandemic enforced hiatus

With much of South East Queensland gripped with a cost of living crisis that has sent prices of everyday items soaring, here’s a guide to 101 free things you can do at this year’s Ekka.

Ekka fever is set to take over the River City with the return of the historic show just days away.

Sideshow Alley is ready to roar, piping hot dagwood dogs are waiting to be devoured and thousands of showbags are ready to be snapped up as the Queensland Royal Show – originally called the Brisbane Exhibition – makes its comeback after a Covid-19 pandemic- enforced hiatus.

With much of the southeast gripped with a cost of living crisis that has sent prices of everyday items soaring, here’s a guide to 101 free things you can do at this year’s show.

All the action kicks off on Saturday.

Free things to do at this year’s Ekka

1. Feed and pat baby farm animals. Where: The RACQ Animal Nursery

2. Watch the Fireworks Spectacular light up the night sky. Where: Main arena

3. See the dogs on show in the Canine Competition – we’re paws-itive you’ll love them. Where: Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion

4. Watch the state’s strongest men and women battle it out in the 2022 Strongman Alliance Nationals. Where: Woodshop arena

5. See big beef cattle moo-ve around for judging. Where: Main arena

6. Milk a cow by hand at the Norco Farm to Glass Experience. Where: Norco Shed

George Pickford 6, and Lenny Mackenzie 5, ready for this year’s Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

7. Get wrapped up with friendly pythons at Snake Boss Reptile Show. Where: King Street

8. Hold a baby chick in the palm of your hand at Cradle-a-chick. Where: Large Animal Pavilion

9. See more than 500 of the Ekka’s best animals on show in the iconic Grand Parade. Where: Main arena

10. Compare your winter woollies to the prize-winning fleece on display. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

11. Have a dance with the inflatable chickens as they cluck their way along King Street

12. See what prize winning fish made a splash in the Pisciculture Competition. Where: Agricultural Hall

13. Everyone’s favourite blue heelers, Bluey and her little sister Bingo, are performing three live interactive experiences at 11am, 1pm and 2pm each day. Where: Main stage

14. Have a bunch of fun making a pretty flower crown. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

There will be plenty of animals on show, and to cuddle, at this year’s Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

15. Learn what it takes to make a garment by watching the Natural Fibres Fashion Parades, titled Stories of Style. Where: Main Stage

16. See the cream of the crop showcased in the Dairy Cattle Competition. Where: Stockman’s Rest

17. Brush up on your creative skills at the Arts & Cookery Stage. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

18. Be dazzled as the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards are presented. Where: Main Stage

19. See metal being shaped into horseshoes over hot flames at the Farriers and Blacksmiths Competition. Where: Stockman’s Rest

20. Have some bootscooting fun at the Line Dancing Hoedown. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

21. Learn about the variety of working horse breeds at Horsing Around Show. Where: Show Ring

22. See ‘sew’ many stunning quilts in the Quilts Across Queensland Competition presented by Pillow Talk. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

Professional Axeman and Australian Survivor competitor Gerald Youles ready for this years Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

23. Australia’s hottest country music artist, Casey Barnes will hit the stage with his brand-new album, ‘Light It Up’ on Saturday 13 August from 8.30pm. Where: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

24. Get egg-cited when you see the exquisite birds on display in the Poultry, Pigeons, Birds and Eggs Competition presented by Australian Eggs. Where: Large Animal Pavilion

25. See florists decorate Brisbane’s best beards in the Flower Beard Competition. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

26. Snap a photo under the Ekka Love sign. Where: Gourmet Plaza

27. See which scarecrows were outstanding in their field in the School Scarecrow Competition. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

28. Watch competitors hungry for a win face off in the Ekka’s Keppel Dagwood Dog Eating Competition. Where: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

29. Plant seeds, harvest veggies and collect eggs at Little Backyard Farmers presented by Heritage Bank. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

30. Meet the most meow-nificent cats at the Cat Competition. Where: Sushi Hub Cat Precinct

Learn the story of Australia’s meat production at the Paddock to Plate Story by Meat and Livestock Australia. Where: Agricultural Hall

31. Learn the story of Australia’s meat production at the Paddock to Plate Story by Meat and Livestock Australia. Where: Agricultural Hall

32. Get your green thumb on and check out the entries in the School Garden Competition. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden

Dagwood dogs are piping hot and ready to devour at the Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

33. Watch the Sheep Shearing Show – we know ‘ewe’ will love it! Where: Large Animal Pavilion

34. See freestyle motocross and V8 utes flex their muscle in the River City Rampage as part of EkkaNITES spectacular. Where: Main arena

35. Learn how wheat becomes a loaf of bread at the Grain Chain. Where: Agricultural Hall

Watch the ultimate search for Queensland’s next country music star at the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

36. Watch the ultimate search for Queensland’s next country music star at the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

37. You have ‘goat’ to check out the Dairy Goats Competition. Where: Large Animal Pavilion

See the Woodchop and Sawing Competition in full swing. Where: Woodchop arena

38. See the Woodchop and Sawing Competition in full swing. Where: Woodchop arena

39. Watch the Opening Ceremony to be part of an Ekka tradition. Where: Main arena

40. Make a healthy and yummy snack at Get Cracking Get Cooking with Australian Eggs. Where: Agricultural Hall

41. Hoof it to the Main arena for the Horse Competition judging

42. Go on an ag-ucational journey by following the Ekka Learning Trail

Lenny Mackenzie, 5, with silky chickens at the Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

43. Meet Channel 7 celebrities at the 7 LIVE Studios. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

44. Discover where your food comes from at the Woolworths Fresh Food Discovery Tour. Where: Agricultural Hall

45. Find out what it takes to be a farmer at the Australian Young Farmer Challenge. Where: Main arena

46. Listen to funky arrangements of rock hits and Australian music when the Australian Army Band The Rising Suns take to the stage. Where: Multicultural Plaza Music Stage

47. Let dairy experts take you through the milking process and learn how to make cream and butter at the Norco Milking Barn. Where: Norco Shed

48. Listen to passionate poets belt out bush ballads in the Bush Poetry Competition. Where: Stockman’s Rest

49. Snap a selfie with Ekka’s very own Farmyard Friends. Where: Gregory Terrace

50. See some cracking routines in the Australian Stockwhip Challenge. Where: Outside the Large Animal Pavilion

51. Learn about Ekka’s 143 year history at the Heritage Exhibition. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

52. Move in tune with Music on the Move. Where: Gregory Terrace

Three generations of woodchoppers, Lindsay Hewitt, 44, Kerry Hewitt, 74 and Hayden Hewitt, 15 of Wamuran were to compete at last year’s Ekka before it was suddenly cancelled because of a Covid-19 outbreak. Picture: Zak Simmonds

53. See a dazzling display of skill and beauty featuring horses and acrobats in the ‘Ride the Sky’ Equine Experience presented by Dave Manchon as part of EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

54. Be drawn to the Painting and Drawing Competition display. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

55. See Ekka’s most stylish men and women in the Fashions on the Field Competition. Where: Main arena

56. Watch Olympic level riders compete in the Showjumping Competition. Where: Main arena

57. See a pop-up micro forest and learn how to live a more sustainable life at Green the City Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden

58. Get all the buzz on bees from the Queensland Beekeepers Association. Where: Agricultural Hall

Corinda State High School Students with their alpacas, sheep and chickens which they'll be taking to this years Ekka. Students, Travis Straker, Naomi Varnes, Cailin Noble, and Isaac Varnes. Picture: Jerad Williams

59. See produce of all shapes and sizes on display in the Youth in Agriculture Competition. Where: Agricultural Hall

60. Play a round of the oh so fabulous Drag Queen Bingo. Where: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

61. Get inspiration for a birthday or wedding cake by checking out the Cake Decorating entries. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

62. Families will love the action-packed Kangaroo Beach Live interactive experience at 12pm each day, featuring four jumpy cadets and their lifeguard heroes. Where: Main stage

63. Watch a battle of the biceps at the Australian Arm wrestling State Championships. Where: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

64. See engines rev when the Queensland Ag Shows State Finalist utes drive in their famous parade. Where: Main arena

Taylor, 9, and Ruby, 8, Watson entered the Junior Canine Handler Competition with Beau (French Bulldog) and Tucker (Keeshond) while mum Alisa Watson entered her French bulldogs in 2021. Picture: Nigel Hallett

65. Let Ekka’s very first Stand Up Comedy Night give you some serious belly laughs. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

66. See monster trucks, monster jeeps and a monster ball in EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

67. Learn tips for making boiled fruitcake when they’re judged live as part of the Cookery Competition. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

68. See how Queensland students have showcased farming in the Education on Show competition. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

69. More than 50 dance groups showcase their talents. Where: Main stage

70. Get to know the farmers growing your food at the Woolworths Fresh Food Farm. Where: Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion

71. Take on the role of a farmer by harvesting crops in the popular Esports game Farming Simulator. Where: Agricultural Hall

72. Internationally acclaimed artist Amy Sheppard performing her debut solo single, Nothing But Wild, at this year’s Ekka. Where: Multicultural Plaza Music Stage

Competition and events planner at the Ekka Show, Frances Maguire with one of the many cakes that were judged at the Ekka in 2021, despite it suddenly being cancelled because of a Covid-19 outbreak. Picture: Zak Simmonds

73. Focus on the visually stunning Photography entries. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

74. See the close working relationship between the entrants in the Sheep Dog Trials and their trusted best friends. Where: Main arena

75. Visit a cotton farm through the power of 360-degree video. Where: Agricultural Hall

76. See the thrilling spectacle of Queensland Harness Racing presented by Racing Queensland in EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

77. Marvel at the magnificent masterpieces entered in the Sculpture Competition. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

78. ‘Bee’ amazed by the honey on display in the Apiculture Competition. Where: Agricultural Hall

79. Snap a family photo in front of the two metre high EKKA letters. Where: Gourmet Plaza

80. Watch as young judges demonstrate their skills in the show ring at the National ASA Alpaca Young Judges Championship. Where: Stockman’s Rest

Brisbane singer, Amy Sheppard, part of the band Sheppard, is embarking on a solo country singing career with her first performance scheduled for the Ekka on the Multicultural Plaza Music Stage. Picture: Supplied

81. See aspiring designers of all ages showcase their latest creations in the Natural Fibres Make and Model Competition. Where: Main Stage

82. Flock to the Large Animal Pavilion to see the Sheep Competition

83. Learn how technology is revolutionising food production at SwarmFarm Robotics. Where: Agricultural Hall

84. See the cars that raced in the ‘Ekka speedway glory days’ in the Vintage Speedway Cars presented by Vintage Speedway Assn (Qld) show during EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

85. You can’t miss the eye-catching horticultural displays. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

86. See dogs weave through obstacles and jump to great heights during the agility and jumping classes of the Canine Competition. Where: Stockman’s Rest

Billy, “Hulk Smash food” winner of the Dagwood dog competition at a previous Ekka. Picture: Annette Dew

87. You be the judge and vote for your favourite quilt as part of the Quilts Across Queensland Competition Viewer’s Choice Award. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

88. Enjoy dancing along with the Smashing Bumpkins who combine traditional bush dance calling with riffs and hooks from well-known rock, pop and country songs. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

89. See the winners of the Ekka’s National Anthem Competition perform during EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

90. Have a yarn to the talented Queensland spinners, weavers and fibre artists. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

91. See country pop queen Taylor Moss take to the stage. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

92. Gain insight into the world of felines at the Cat Breed Showcase. Where: Sushi Hub Cat Precinct

Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, on her horse PSS Chantilly at the Ekka in 2021, before it was suddenly cancelled. Maleah’s father, Peter McMahon, rode at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and mother Michelle rode at World Cup level. Picture: Steve Pohlner

93. See the oh so cute miniature cattle breeds. Where: Main arena

94. See the incredible Moreton District Display featuring everything from fruit and vegetables to grasses and grains. Where: Agricultural Hall

95. Cheer on the florists as they’re given one hour to construct a display in the Floristry Competition’s Mystery Box Challenge. Where: Brisbane City Council Flower and Garden Precinct

96. Enjoy the hands-on activities and fun workshops in the Queensland Government Precinct. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion

97. Show off your dance moves and hope the Dance Cam lands on you to win a prize during EkkaNITES. Where: Main arena

98. Clap and tap along with the energetic Confidance Cloggers. Clogging is type of folk dance where the dancer’s shoes are used create a rhythm. Where: Stockmen’s Bar and Grill

Mele Vei, 18, and Tiarna Herbert, 17, at their first ever Ekka model casting at RNA Showgrounds at a previous Ekka. Picture: Tara Croser

99. Learn how to consume, prepare and cook with Royal Queensland Award winning produce at the Royal Queensland Cooking Stage each day of show. Where: Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion

100. Take a seat in the RACQ mobile member centre truck constructed out of LEGO bricks. Where: Near the Main arena

101. See the incredible Creative Art and Craft entries, ranging from ceramics to crochet. Where: Channel 7 Pavilion