From Dagwood Dogs to Olympic dreams

From Dagwood Dogs to Olympic dreams

How the Ekka’s home is transforming for 2032 and beyond!

  • brisbane2032
  • infrastructure

The scent of strawberry sundaes still lingers in the air after the gates closed on the 2025 Royal Queensland Show (fondly known as the Ekka) earlier this month – one of the biggest in nearly 20 years! More than 425,000 Queenslanders poured through the Brisbane Showgrounds, drawn by the familiar magic of fireworks, farm animals, and showbags. Even the Queensland Government got in on the fun—here’s a look at what we were up to.

As always, the Ekka was a celebration of Queensland’s spirit – where the traditions of the bush unite with the buzz of the city, and everyone can come together over some good ol’ Dagwood Dogs.

The end of Ekka 2025 marks the start of a major transformation for the RNA Showgrounds, with early works commencing on upgrades for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Legacy infrastructure for generations to come

The redevelopment will breathe new life into a vibrant precinct in the heart of the city, with upgrades including:

  • A modern 20,000-seat arena replacing the aging Machinery Hill grandstand
  • Restoration of heritage-listed grandstands
  • Improved accessibility across the site
  • The largest Athlete Village of the 2032 Games, housing over 10,000   athletes and officials during the Olympic Games and 5,000 during the Paralympic Games.
  • Thousands of permanent dwellings delivered after the Games to help meet growing housing demand in Greater Brisbane

This transformation will benefit Queenslanders for generations to come. And while the Ekka will  not take place at the Brisbane Showgrounds in 2032 while it hosts the world’s greatest athletes, it will continue to showcase the best of Queensland, bringing country and city together every other year at its iconic home.

With nearly 150 years of history behind it, the Ekka has long been a cornerstone of Queensland’s cultural identity. This next chapter will ensure it remains just as relevant and celebrated for the next 150 years, supported by modern facilities and a revitalised precinct that honours its legacy.

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The Ekka in pictures

Sketch of the very first Exhibition at Bowen Park, Brisbane in 1876. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

John MacDonald Stand at the Brisbane Showgrounds 1907. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

View of machinery exhibitions at the Brisbane Ekka ca. 1910. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Large crowds in attendance at the main arena at the Exhibition grounds, Brisbane, Queensland, ca. 1910. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Cattle parading in the show ring in front of a large crowd at the Exhibition Ground, Brisbane 1914. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Aerial view of the Exhibition Ground and surrounding area, Brisbane ca. 1925. John Oxley Library, State Library.

Grand Parade in the main arena of the Exhibition Ground, Brisbane 1948. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Aerial view of the Royal Brisbane Showground and surrounding areas Brisbane ca. 1952. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Last updated: 27 Aug 2025

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