10 reasons to go to the Canberra Show

Posted on 12 February, 2019

A cornucopia of local food, a huge range of local talent, awesome entertainment, traditional show fun end ever-popular rides—all at a cheaper price—are promised at this year’s 2019 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show.

Haven’t been to ‘The Show’ for a while? Here are 10 reasons why it should be firmly on your to-do list from 22 to 24 February.

So many ways to eat and drink local

Image: Brooke Zotti

A major new initiative, ‘Canberra on Show’, will feature around 40 stalls from the Canberra community, including around 20 local food and drinks suppliers, with the focus on our region’s locally produced food, wine and craft beer.

We’re talking names like Pialligo Estate and Bentspoke Brewing Co. as well as a diverse range of multicultural morsels. Fuel up and get set to explore everything The Show has to offer.

A world of music and dance

Country Music ‘Golden Girl’ Gina Jeffreys will be The Show’s headline act, with more than 40 acts—everything from the Blamey Street Big Band and swing dancers, to the Latin flavour of Los Chavos and Kokoloco’s Samba Belezas—performing at the Canberra on Show main stage and at the Show’s many new bar areas.

But that’s not all. Entertainment will include local choirs, country music, jazz bands, Latin bands, mandolin ensemble, circus acts, pipe bands, dancing (African, Thai, Latin, Bollywood and more), school and concert bands, an interfaith gathering, a blessing of the farm animals and a Chinese Tea Ceremony.

The fun and excitement of Sideshow Alley

Image: Canberra Show website

Everyone loves show rides! In Sideshow Alley you’ll find action-packed rides scary enough to have your hair standing on end through to sedate teacups for the littlies.

Thrill seekers will love rides like the Hurricane, Cha Cha, Gravitron, and Dark Train; while younger kids will enjoy the Bungee Trampolines, Go Gater Roller Coaster, Cup And Saucer, Pony Rides and 4 x 4 Quad Bikes.

Traditional Show Fun

Image: Visit Canberra

While it can be easy to get caught up in the colour of Sideshow Alley, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had in the more traditional agricultural show elements.

If you can cook it, carve it, grow it or bake it, you will probably find it in Harvest Hall. Harvest Hall features hundreds of competition entries from bread to cakes to carrots to pumpkins. Entries in flowers, cookery, jams and spreads, garden produce and lavender will be on show.

Make a new animal friend

Image: Visit Canberra

Did you know there are nine different types of animals exhibited at The Show? Use the map in the official Show Guide and follow the path to meet them all—you’ll also see some art, crafts, fruits and vegetables and fleece and learn a bit about how they all contribute to Australia’s agricultural scene.

Find hidden treasure in the Pavilions

The pavilions are choc-full of treasures to explore. The Crafts Expo is home to everything crafty and handmade—everything from dainty embroidery to handmade beads, quilting and more—while the Leisure and Lifestyle Pavilion is a shopper’s paradise, with more than 100 stalls featuring tools, sporting goods, homewares and more.

More entertainment than you can poke a firework at

Image: Visit Canberra

Fireworks, bareback jumping, precision driving, harness racing, car soccer, Freestyle Moto X and dueling excavators will all feature in the Main Arena entertainment at this year’s Show.

Due to overwhelming community feedback, a full day of woodchopping will return to The Show from 9.30am – 7.30pm on Saturday 23 February, and yard dogs will also be in action!

Food, glorious food

There’s nothing quite like a Dagwood Dog or Chips on a Stick at The Show—but there’s a whole lot more to choose from including Thai, traditional beef burgers, pizzas, Mexican, free range pulled pork and pork burgers.

Keen for something a little lighter? The Hearty Choice Food Court offers a variety of healthier foods including baked potatoes and salad, traditional Turkish Gozleme, Greek specialties and tasty Indian dishes.

Family-friendly fun

Image: Canberra Show website

ActewAGL Alley is the perfect place for families. There are plenty of free activities for the kids, shade, entertainment everyone will enjoy, and everyone’s favourite Racing Pigs!

They’re right next door to the ActewAGL Farmyard Nursery, and you can also pick up an adorable stuffed piglet for a gold coin donation and support a charity partner to be selected by ActewAGL.

Cheaper tickets

More fun for less money—that’s what’s in store for the 2019 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show. Gate prices have been reduced by 30% and by 40% for tickets which are purchased online, meaning a family of four can have a whole day of fun for just over $40.

Parking will also be cheaper—just $5 per car—and money raised will go to the Country Women’s Association.

the essentials

What: 2019 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show
When: 8.30am to 10.00pm Friday 22 February, 8.30am to 10.00pm Saturday 23 February, 8.30am to 6.30pm Sunday 24 February
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
Web: canberrashow.org.au

This is a sponsored post. Read our Sponsored Post Policy for more information.