Dog Competition presented by Sushi Hub WHERE: Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion and Stockman’s Rest More than 2,000 dogs representing around 180 breeds will take to the ring over nine days in one of Ekka’s most popular competitions. From toys to working dogs, terriers to hounds, this diverse lineup will be judged by experts from Serbia, Macedonia, Bahrain, and Australia – bringing international expertise to the ring. To celebrate the Ekka’s milestone anniversary, the prestigious sweepstakes dog competition for puppies (6-12 months) is returning in 2026. This competition is open to dogs bred and residing in Queensland and they qualify by winning first place at local All Breeds Championship Shows throughout the year. The winners compete in the grand Queensland Classic Final held on Saturday 15 August. The action extends to Stockman’s Rest with the All Sports Dog Competition including Obedience (Saturday 8 August, 10am), Agility and Jumping (Monday 10 August, 10am) and Scent Work Trials (Wednesday 12 August, 10am). The highlight of the Dog Competition is the highly anticipated Best in Show judging on Saturday 15 August at 2pm in the Sushi Hub Dog Pavilion, before the competition finishes with Rally, Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog on Sunday 16 August from 10am. Lionel Blumel (RNA Councillor in Charge) T 0419 798 779 E Education on Show WHERE: 7NEWS Community Pavilion This year’s Education on Show theme honours the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of the Ekka. Students will explore the evolution of the Ekka from its agricultural roots to the dynamic, community-driven celebration it is today. Entries differ according to a student’s year level and will be judged on both functionality and imagination, with projects ranging from self- portraits, Ekka at Night Soundscapes, Yesterday and Tomorrow diptych scenes, and Our Future multimedia murals. Hundreds of entries have been received from Queensland students from Prep to Year 6. The competition spans 15 curriculum-aligned classes, with judging taking place on Wednesday 29 July. The prestigious Champion School of Show will be awarded to the school with the highest aggregate score across all classes. Entries will be on display in the 7NEWS Community Pavilion across the nine days of Show. David Fagan (RNA Councillor in Charge) T 0413 080 931 Ekka Creative Clips WHERE: Throughout the grounds Aspiring young filmmakers from Years 5 to 12 will put their creative skills to the test in the Ekka Creative Clips Competition. During their school excursion to the Show, students will film, produce and edit a short, ad-style video that captures the spirit of Ekka.
10 entries will be judged post-Show, with winners announced on Tuesday 8 September. The winning films will be shared with Ekka’s audience of over 200,000 social media followers, giving students an incredible platform to showcase their work. F Farriers and Blacksmiths WHERE: Stockman’s Rest The largest farriers and blacksmiths competition in the southern hemisphere takes place at the Ekka, with 280+ entries this year. Judging will take place from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August at Stockman’s Rest. The competition features a range of classes from blacksmithing to forging and shoeing for horses – catering to all skill levels including Junior Novice and Masters 50 Years and Over. A highlight is the Decorative Blacksmithing class on Thursday 13 August at 12pm, where exhibitors have one hour to craft a functional item that showcases artistic flair. Ian Ferguson (Ring Master and Councillor in Charge) T 0410 319 449 Farm of the Future WHERE: Agricultural Education Hall Ekka and STEM Punks Education are proud to present the ‘Farm of the Future - AgTech Innovation Challenge’, a state- wide STEM education and innovation program that empowers Queensland students to design real-world agricultural solutions. This initiative brings together schools, industry, and the agricultural sector to address real challenges facing farmers and producers such as crop health, water efficiency, pest/disease detection, sustainability, and farm automation. 10 schools have been selected as finalists to participate in an 8-week challenge, culminating in a live Innovation Sports Showcase at the Ekka on Tuesday 11 August. David Fagan (RNA Councillor in Charge) T 0413 080 931 Fish WHERE: Agricultural Education Hall The Fish Competition (formerly known as Pisciculture) showcases a wide variety of aquatic life including common goldfish, cichlids, exotic tropical and freshwater fish, marine fish, crustaceans, amphibians and aquatic plants. Judging will take place on Thursday 6 August from 2pm, with all 110+ entries displayed in the Agricultural Education Hall over the nine days of Show. A highlight of the competition is the Nano Tank class, where exhibitors design and construct their tanks live at the Ekka on Saturday 8 August from 10am to 2pm, with final judging at 3pm. Don Chandler (RNA Councillor in Charge) T 0407 110 320
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