What to see at the Ekka: floral beards, flying pigs and drag queen bingo

Those westerly winds, big hats and the smell of hay. It must be Ekka time.

But the Royal Queensland Show is not all about sideshow alley, cattle shows and giant pumpkins.

Here, we take a look at seven of the more unusual attractions at this year's show.

Pigs might fly

Yearly shows from the Ekka's flying pigs may have slightly reduced the old saying's impact but they've learnt some new tricks this year to make already essential viewing even more appealing.

The talented pigs now put Babe to shame flying, racing, diving underwater and going down a slippery slide all in one show.

Multiple shows are on daily from August 9 to 18.

The Ekka's flying pigs have become a major attraction.Credit: RNA

Play bingo with drag queens

Highlighted by Ekka head of entertainment Tony Laffon as a top pick, drag queen bingo with a country twist will be returning for its second year.

After dark, Vollie LaVont will emerge as Dolly Parton, performing her hits and hosting a hotly contested bingo competition.

One-off event on Thursday, April 15, at 8.30 pm.

Watch horse riders skate alongside ponies

Each night, audiences can enjoy the hilarity of professional horse riders from Rooftop Express partaking in the little pony roller race.

The riders strap on rollerblades and roll alongside the smallest ponies as they lead them around the arena.

Nightly from August 9 to 18.

Floral beards at the Ekka.Credit: RNA

See some floral beards

Revel in bearded blokes embracing flower power as florists furbish their facial foliage.

The majestic men will take a triumphant lap before being judged by the crowd’s applause.

A one-off event at 2pm on People's Day, Wednesday, August 14.

Hold a snake

Mr Laffon noted the oddity of Luke’s Reptile Show.

“You wouldn’t expect to see (snakes) in an agricultural show,” he said.

Attendees can delight in holding a snake, while the show also gives audiences an important message about bush safety.

On each day from August 9 to 18.

Play or watch pinball

In an embrace of classic arcade fun, the Ekka invites all visitors to play one of 50 pinball machines.

There will be 150 players from around the world playing to win one of the biggest pinball events in the southern hemisphere – Brisbane Pinball Masters.

Play pinball each day of the Ekka, or watch the competition at 10am on the August 17-18 weekend.

Find your zen with goats

As yoga with animals has gained popularity, in true agricultural fashion the Ekka is allowing attendees to enjoy yoga with goats.

Yogis can stretch out on the grass with promises of goat nuzzles as a draw to get people stretching.

Goat yoga at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. Now it's Brisbane's turn.Credit: Edwina Pickles

Two sessions held daily between 3pm and 4pm from August 10 to 18.