The Royal Adelaide Show is BACK | 30 August – 7 September 2025
It’s one of our favourite Adelaide activities on the calendar each year. With heaps to see and do, from the adorable barnyard animals, agriculture competitions and events, rides, plenty of attractions and of course the Showbags – there really is something for everyone.
To help you and your family make the most of The Show, here are our tips for attending this year.
Things to know before you go!
Opening Hours: The Royal Adelaide Show runs from 30 August to 7 September – that’s two full weekends of fun! The gates open at 9am daily. Carnival rides and attractions keep going until 11pm each night, except for Sunday 7th September when they close at 10:30pm.
Tickets: In 2025, you will need to pre-purchase your tickets online or at your local Drakes supermarket. Kids under 5 go free, while tickets for older kids (5 to 15 years) start at $16.50 on weekdays and $20.50 on weekends. Adults pay $28 on weekdays or $34 on weekends. Family passes cost $67 on weekdays and $79.50 on weekends. Entry after 6pm is a bit cheaper too. Click here to buy your tickets now
Carnival Passes: Want to ride the rides? Grab a Carnival Discount Pass in advance and save up to 20% off regular prices. You can purchase 100 ride tokens for $80 or 40 coupons for $35. Each coupon has a face value of $1 and can be used on any ride, whether in the kids’ area or the main carnival.
Weather Prep: Adelaide weather loves to keep us guessing so pack your ponchos, rain gear, and sunscreen. Yep, all three! Because you never know if you’ll be dodging raindrops or soaking up the sun. Better safe (and stylish) than sorry!
Carnival Quiet Hour: If you or your little ones need a break from all the noise and flashing lights, the Carnival Quiet Hour is here to help! On Sunday August 31, Tuesday September 2, Wednesday September 3, and Thursday September 4, from 9:30 to 10:30am, the carnival operators will switch off their music, strobes, and lights to create a calmer, more inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.
Southern Lights Spectacular: Don’t miss the Southern Lights Spectacular presented by Drakes Supermarkets. A dazzling narrated sound and light show that transforms the night sky above the Adelaide Showground for nine nights. This epic thirty-minute journey takes you through the magical and mythological world of Aurora Australis. More info here
Showbags: Set a budget with older kids and let them choose their showbags before the day to avoid stress and overspending. Plan to pick up your showbags last so you don’t have to lug them around all day, just grab them on your way out!
Check out the full showbag guide here
Plan Your Day: There’s so much to see, do, eat, and explore at The Show, it’s worth planning ahead! Get everyone in the family to pick a few must-do activities so everyone has a blast. You can even create an account here to save your favourite attractions and build your own personalised itinerary. This is super handy, thank us later!
On The Day
Lost Kids: Before you head out, snap a quick pic of your kids, with and without their jackets. That way, if they wander off on a mini adventure, you’ll have a handy photo to show around. Plus, pop by the Show Kiosks, Show Police Station, or Volunteer HQ to grab a free wristband where you can write your phone number. It’s a simple trick to help everyone find their way back safely!
Facilities: Stay hydrated with eight SA Water refill stations scattered around the showgrounds, perfect for topping up your reusable bottle. Need to store your gear? Lockers (regular and jumbo) are available opposite the Showbag Hall, plus coin-operated options and phone charging lockers. Most food vendors and showbag stands accept EFTPOS, and you’ll find ATMs at three convenient locations on site.
Transport: Public transport is often the best way to get to and from The Show. Consider taking the tram, train, or one of the extra buses available. For details on all transport options, click here. If you prefer to drive, Park 22 in the Adelaide parklands directly north across Greenhill Road from The Showgrounds is a popular choice and will set you back $17 per car. Alternative parking options are available here.
BYO pram: Don’t forget to bring a baby carrier, pram or stroller. Even the most energetic kids get tired after a day of exploring. OR, onsite stroller and wheelchair rentals are available for $5 per hour plus a $50 deposit.
Lockers: If you want to lighten your load, lockers are available from $2 each day from 9:00am to 9:30pm. They are located in the Atrium Food Court.
Bring a backpack: A backpack is easier to carry than multiple showbags. Fill it with water, snacks, and other essentials to keep the kids happy throughout the day. Also, pack baby wipes, hand sanitiser, and sunscreen.
Make the most of all the FREE family entertainment and activities. There’s heaps to see, do, and enjoy without spending a cent! Catch Bluey live on the Goyder Stage, milk a cow at the Milking Barn, explore Aggie’s Farm, and watch the Southern Lights Spectacular light up the night sky. Plus, don’t miss free food tastings, baby animals to cuddle, and the fun Climbing Tree Nature Play Space!
Have fun: Most importantly, enjoy yourselves! Be flexible about how long you stay, what the kids eat, and how many baby animals they get to hold. The Royal Adelaide Show is a special family outing, so stay relaxed and make the most of this once-a-year experience!
What’s New at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2025
Southern Lights Spectacular at 2025 Royal Adelaide Show – Fireworks….but better!
You’ll still get a spectacular nighttime finale at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2025, but it won’t be the standard fireworks display.
Instead, the event is featuring the brand-new Southern Lights Spectacular, a 30-minute nightly extravaganza presented by Drakes Supermarkets. This show blends drones, pyrotechnics, lasers, and special effects into a narrative-driven performance celebrating South Australian stories, an upgrade on the usual 10-minute fireworks finale.
The Southern Lights Spectacular will close each evening of the Show, start times vary.
30 Aug – 8:45pm | 31 Aug – 4 Sept 7:45pm | 5 & 6 Sept – 8:45pm | 7 Sept – 7:45pm
So, yes – there will still be fireworks, but they’re now part of something much bigger: an immersive, cutting-edge light-and-drone production that brings the sky to life in a whole new way.
New Rides for 2025
- The Phoenix: Ready for a wild ride? Australia’s only Phoenix ride will have you soaring with 4G forces, epic tilts, and flicking seats. Brace yourself for an adrenaline rush like no other!
- Wild Mouse Coaster: Making its Adelaide debut, this coaster features cars wider than the track! Hold tight for twists, turns, and thrills that’ll have your heart racing.
- Helter Skelter Slide. Our kids loved this and $6 for one slide or $10 for two is pretty good value for The Show.
Entertainment
Boulevard Stage, presented by Gluttony:
- Amazônia: A dazzling dance and theatre show mixing Afro-Indigenous Brazilian beats with stunning modern choreography.
- Boombox Bootscoot: Dust off your boombox and get ready to boot-scoot to your favourite ‘80s hits… with a country twist!
- So Fresh! Hits of the 2000s: Feeling nostalgic? This throwback show celebrates the noughties with all the songs, memories, and fashion fails we love to laugh about.
- The Iron Maidens: Party like it’s 1985! Neon lights, comedy, and circus skills come together in this high-energy ‘80s-themed show.
- Uno; One Of Many: Watch as Uno dazzles with custom props, mallets, and a mix of magic, comedy, and heartwarming moments.
Goyder Stage:
- Antiques Down Under: Catch Gregory and Claudia from Channel 9’s favourite antiques show for a special live segment.
- Celebrating 100 Years at Wayville: Join beloved storytellers Keith Conlon and Leigh Radford as they take you on a trip through a century of Adelaide Showground history.
- G’Day Adventure! “A South Aussie Road Trip”: Sing along on this lively musical journey through South Australia’s best-loved spots.
- Bluey – New Live Interactive Experience: Play games and sing with everyone’s favourite Heeler and friends in this brand-new show.
- George the Farmer: Join George for book readings, catchy farm songs, and fun facts about farming, food, and fibre.
- Peppa Pig Mini Show: Rain or shine, Peppa and Sammy bring puddle-jumping fun, pretend car rides, and giggles for the little ones.
Main Arena
- Farmyard Dash: Watch your favourite farm animals race and act up in this hilarious, unpredictable comedy on wheels!
- Opening Ceremony: Kick off nine days of fun with entertainment, special guests, and a salute to our farming roots.
- Southern Lights Spectacular Presented by Drakes: A stunning narrated sound and light show painting the night sky with stories of the Aurora Australis across nine magical nights. More info here
Competitions
- New cookery classes including the Plain Scones Challenge plus a chance for kids to join the Kids Bake with D-Rake competition, presented by Drakes.
- Handicraft competition celebrating 100 years at Wayville, share your first Royal Adelaide Show memory!
- Introducing the School Sow and Grow Wheat competition, spotlighting agronomy science for students and families.
- Beef Cattle competition adds the Heifer Challenge and Herdsperson competition.
- Test your hobby horse skills in the Nova 919 Jodie and Hayesy’s Hobby Horse Challenge, a fun course of jumps awaits!
Budget Tips – Getting the most bang for your buck at the Royal Adelaide Show
Tickets: To save some cash on tickets, plan to visit during the week. If you want to visit on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll need to purchase a weekend ticket which is slightly more expensive. After 6pm entry is also a bit cheaper. Kids under 5 are free.
BYO food and drink: Especially if you have younger kids who may well enjoy your usual (& often healthier) snacks than unfamiliar foods. Water bottles can be refilled at the show free of charge which is great to know.
If you’re after FREE and CHEAP things to do at The Show – check out our tips for doing The Show with your family for under 150 bucks post and remember we’ll be posting show related content over on our Facebook page so be sure to FOLLOW along!
Showbags at 2025 Royal Adelaide Show
Showbags are a Royal Adelaide Show staple, don’t we all remember saving up & circling the Showbag guide as a kid?! There are hundreds of bags to choose from this year, with the full list online at theshow.com.au/showbags
New Showbags in 2025 include:
Big Areo ($22), MCoBeauty ($32), English Preimer League ($36), Stitch Novelty Bag ($35), Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, My Melody or Pompompurin – $32, Wallabies – $32
Visit some of our favourite S.A businesses
Bazinga
Our mates from Bazinga Trading Cards, Collectibles & Arcade will be at the Royal Adelaide Show again in 2025!
Ugly Swan
You probably already know that Kids in Adelaide are huge fans of the Ugly Swan range of hairbrushes and hair towels.
They really have been a game changer in our morning routine because just quietly, brushing kids hair SUCKS (well it used to, but not anymore)!
You’ll find Ugly Swan in the Jubilee Pavilion with their full range on display and some special show offers.
Menz Fruchocs
Head to the Showbag Hall to get your hands on some delicious Menz products, including their famous Fruchoc Showbags!
Kytons Bakery
Kytons Bakery has had a stall at the Royal Show for as long as we can remember. Go and reacquaint yourself with this SA classic!
Visit Larry The Lamington on their stand, check out the cookie wall (maybe have a sample or two!) and chat to their staff about their fundraising options for your school, club or community group.
The mention of Kytons lamingtons evokes memories of school lamington drives for so many South Australians. Kytons Lamington Drives are still an integral part of Kytons business as well as Easter, winter and Christmas drives. Each year Kytons assists hundreds of school, community or sporting groups with their fundraising efforts. They have some great options, including the choice of Kytons staff packing your individual orders or pack them yourselves and get an additional 5% off your order cost!
Talk to them while you are at the Show and pick up some lamingtons, cookies, fruitcake or their other delicious treats while you’re there!
Royal Adelaide Show FAQ
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What are the Royal Adelaide Show 2025 Opening Hours?
Opening Hours: The Royal Adelaide Show runs from 30 August to 7 September – that’s two full weekends of fun! The gates open at 9am daily. Carnival rides and attractions keep going until 11pm each night, except for Sunday 7th September when they close at 10:30pm.
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What are the Royal Adelaide Show 2025 Ticket Prices?
In 2025, you will need to pre-purchase your tickets online or at your local Drakes supermarket. Kids under 5 go free, while tickets for older kids (5 to 15 years) start at $16.50 on weekdays and $20.50 on weekends. Adults pay $28 on weekdays or $34 on weekends. Family passes cost $67 on weekdays and $79.50 on weekends. Entry after 6pm is a bit cheaper too. Click here to buy your tickets now.
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Are there going to be fireworks at this years Royal Adelaide Show?
You’ll still get a spectacular nighttime finale at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2025, but it won’t be the standard fireworks display.
Instead, the event is featuring the brand-new Southern Lights Spectacular, a 30-minute nightly extravaganza presented by Drakes Supermarkets. This show blends drones, pyrotechnics, lasers, and special effects into a narrative-driven performance celebrating South Australian stories, an upgrade on the usual 10-minute fireworks finale
The Southern Lights Spectacular will close each evening of the Show, start times vary.
30 Aug – 8:45pm | 31 Aug – 4 Sept 7:45pm | 5 & 6 Sept – 8:45pm | 7 Sept – 7:45pm -
Where can families find animals at the Royal Adelaide Show?
One of the biggest highlights for kids at the Royal Adelaide Show is meeting the animals!
Families can explore the Farmyard Nursery, where little ones can cuddle lambs, chicks, and rabbits, and the Learning Centre, which offers hands-on experiences like feeding, grooming, and watching sheep shearing or cow milking. Visitors can also discover the Alpaca, Cattle, Sheep, Pig, and Pet Pavilions to see a variety of animals up close, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and reptiles, and don’t miss the dog competitions featuring agility trials and breed shows.
With so many interactive experiences, children have plenty of opportunities to meet, learn about, and enjoy the animals throughout the Show.
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What are the best rides for toddlers and preschoolers?
There are plenty of rides for little ones at the Royal Adelaide Show!
Kids can zoom around on Cars4Kids, have a giggle on the Giant Super Slide, or explore the double-story Wacky Shack Fun Factory. Slightly older children can try the Jungle Twist Family Spinning Coaster or soar on the Fantasy Flyer, while the Fungee Bungee lets everyone jump and bounce to their heart’s content. Prices for the gentler rides range from $8 to $15.
*some images from The Royal Show Facebook/website
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