It’s Show Time: New experiences, exclusive entertainment and thousands of animals at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show
The 2026 Melbourne Royal Show is almost here, bringing the best of the country to the heart of Melbourne for 11 unforgettable days of animals, agriculture, entertainment, food, rides, showbags and fireworks.
From getting closer to thousands of animals and experiencing spectacular live entertainment, to exclusive family experiences, an all-new food offering, thrilling carnival rides and more than 400 showbags, there are more reasons than ever to make a day and night of the Show.
From Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October, make memories together at Melbourne Showgrounds. It’s Show Time!
For tickets and more information visit royalshow.com.au.
New and exclusive experiences you won’t want to miss
The Great Muster – Clever working dogs, sheep and goats take centre stage in this action-packed 15-minute live show celebrating Australian rural life. Running four times daily and packed with skill, humour and action, see the remarkable teamwork between people and animals that brings the traditions of the country to life.
Bigger-than-ever Animal Nursery – Get ready to cuddle, pat and meet hundreds of cute and friendly farm animals in the Show’s bigger-than-ever Animal Nursery. Now in a new location with more space for even more animals, families can get up close with baby goats, lambs, piglets, ponies and more.
PAW Patrol Playland – Created exclusively for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show, Adventure Bay comes to life in an immersive PAW Patrol experience you won’t find anywhere else. Meet favourite PAW Patrol characters and enjoy free activities including PAW Patrol Mini Golf, Scooter Track and Craft Zone.
Non-stop live entertainment every day – From 10am–6pm, catch the PAW Patrol Live Show, Care Bears Live Show, Gabby’s Dollhouse Musical Celebration, Madagascar Penguins Dance Party, Circus Farmers and live music on the Main Stage, with a huge line-up of entertainment included in Show entry.
Farmer Dave’s Super Stunt Dogs – See world-class canine agility, incredible tricks and high-energy stunts as Farmer Dave and his four-legged superstars take to the stage five times every day from 28 September.
Woodchop Championships – Feel the power, speed and skill of elite woodchoppers as they battle for blue-ribbon glory across the first four days of the Show, including the prestigious Golden Axe, celebrating its 70th year in 2026. From 28 September to 1 October, watch timber transformed into art by Chainsaw Masters Brandon Kroon and Robby Bast, alongside the precision and spectacle of Embers & Echoes.
Get behind the scenes with more animals – Go beyond the showring and get closer to the horses, livestock and people who bring the Show to life with Livestock Lane, giving visitors a unique look behind the scenes at the working heart of the Show.
Meet, create and discover – Enjoy free, hands-on experiences across the Show, from exploring the colourful world of Crayola Scribble Scrubbies, to activities and demonstrations from Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, SES and more. Future Socceroos and Matildas can also put their skills to the test with Coles MiniRoos challenges, with exclusive merchandise for participating kids.
Night-time entertainment worth staying up for
When the sun goes down, the action steps up with two new headline experiences.
The Drover’s Tale brings Australia’s pioneering spirit to life in an action-packed arena spectacular featuring Cobb & Co coaches, working dogs, horses and cattle, while the Blaze FMX Showdown delivers high-flying freestyle motocross action.
Then look to the sky as the Show finishes every night with a spectacular fireworks display – all included with Show entry.
More Show experiences to discover
Six brand-new animal pins to collect – Follow the Farm Animal Trail, discover animals across the Show and collect all six new animal pins, a Show keepsake for kids to take home.
Little Farmers Field – Little farmers can dig up fresh veggies, pick orchard apples, collect eggs and jump aboard mini-Kubota tractors in a hands-on taste of life on the farm.
Milking and Sheep Shearing – Try milking a cow at the PURA Dairy Farmer’s Milking experience, then see some of Australia’s best shearers demonstrate the skill behind one of our most iconic agricultural traditions.
Meet the Clydesdales & Pony Rides – Get up close to the gentle giants of the horse world before little riders saddle up for their own pony ride.
Oodlemania – Groodles, labradoodles, cavoodles and more take centre stage on the final day of the Show, with beloved family Oodles getting their own chance to compete for blue-ribbon glory.
Melbourne Royal Heritage Centre – Discover the stories behind one of Victoria’s most enduring events in the new Melbourne Royal Heritage Centre, featuring rare memorabilia, historic photography, treasured trophies and artefacts from generations of Show history.
Blue ribbons: See the best of the best
More than 5,000 animals will be on show across 11 days, with some of the country’s finest cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas and dogs competing for a coveted Melbourne Royal blue ribbon.
See elite livestock and their handlers compete for championship honours, magnificent show horses and riders take to the arena, including the time-honoured Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, and championship dogs compete for coveted Melbourne Royal blue ribbons in the showring.
The competition extends beyond the animals, with thousands of exhibits across more than 500 classes showcasing talented makers, bakers and creators competing for blue-ribbon glory.
The Show will also celebrate two significant competition milestones in 2026: 70 years of the prestigious Golden Axe in the Woodchop Championships and 50 years of the KG Perpetual Cup in the Horses in Action Competition.
Come hungry: an all-new food offering
Food takes on a fresh flavour in 2026, with more than 90% of food traders Victorian and 40% of the offering new for this year’s Show. From nostalgic Show favourites to exciting new flavours, there will be plenty to discover.
Linger over good food and great company at the Bianco Italian Piazza, bringing award-winning handmade pasta and much-loved Italian classics in a brand-new dining destination.
Every food trader will offer at least one item under $10, giving visitors plenty of great-value options across the Show.
The Farmer’s BBQ will serve its $3.50 sausage sizzle from 11am–2pm daily, with proceeds supporting charity partner Farm Angels, while the much-loved Country Women’s Association tea rooms will celebrate an incredible 90 years at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2026.
Three new rides, 20 under $8 and carnival fun from 50 cents
With 59 rides across three carnival precincts, thrillseekers big and small can experience three new rides in 2026 – Surf Kombi Van, No. 1 Breakdance and The Void.
Families can also choose from 20 rides under $8, with the best-value rides and carnival games starting from just 50 cents.
More than 400 showbags under one roof
Choosing a showbag is a Show tradition, with more than 400 showbags to discover in the largest Showbag Pavilion in the Southern Hemisphere.
From confectionery and savoury favourites to novelty, lifestyle and brand-new showbags, there is something for every taste, age and budget, with showbags starting from just $5.
More value and more ways to experience the Show
Tickets start from $27 for children, $52 for adults and $105 for families, with children aged four and under free.
New for teens in 2026, the Six-Seven ticket combines entry from 2pm with a $50 ride pass for $67, while Twilight tickets offer great-value entry after 5pm. For visitors who want the freedom to decide when to attend, the Flexi ticket provides entry on any one Show day without pre-selecting a date. Seniors Day will take place on Tuesday 29 September, with $27 tickets.
Admission options include Family tickets from $105, Adult tickets from $52, Concession tickets from $37.50 and Child tickets from $27, with children aged four and under free.
Getting to the Show is easier and more affordable too, with free public transport for kids under 18 with a youth myki and half-price travel for all other passengers to and from Melbourne Showgrounds during the Show. For regional Victorians, V/Line fares make a day at the Show even more accessible, with weekday daily fares capped at $5.70 full fare ($2.85 concession) and weekend and public holiday travel capped at just $4 full fare ($2 concession).
Hear from the organisers
Melbourne Royal Show Executive General Manager Hannah Von Bibra said:
“The Melbourne Royal Show is where country and city come together. It’s a uniquely Victorian experience that celebrates agriculture and community, with something for everyone – whether it’s a much-loved tradition or your very first Show.
“Only the Melbourne Royal Show brings together agriculture, entertainment and hands-on animal experiences on this scale. This year there are even more ways to experience it, with new attractions, exclusive entertainment and more opportunities to get closer to animals and agriculture. From the moment the gates open, you can fill an entire day with animals, entertainment, blue-ribbon competition, rides, incredible food and a spectacular night-time program.
“The Show is about making memories together – cuddling a lamb for the first time, choosing the perfect showbag, cheering on a blue-ribbon champion or finishing the day under fireworks in the Melbourne sky. We can’t wait to welcome Victorians through the gates from 24 September. It’s Show Time!”
For tickets and more information visit royalshow.com.au.
