Heritage talks: 150 years of the Ekka

Our second Heritage Talk of the year celebrates 150 years of the Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka, a much-loved Queensland tradition since 1876. What began as an agricultural exhibition has grown into a major annual event, bringing together regional and urban communities and reflecting the changing life of the state. From livestock and produce, to showbags and sideshow alley, we invite you to consider how the Ekka has evolved and why it continues to matter. 

Our 2025 and 2026 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) fellows Bronwyn Bridgewater, Dr Kaya Barry, and Emily House will explore the Ekka’s place in Queensland’s social and agricultural history as part of a panel facilitated by journalist and author David Fagan, who is a Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Councillor.

About Heritage talks
Our Heritage Talks connect audiences to our extraordinary collections by inviting speakers to share their expertise and perspectives on topics relating to Queensland history.