The Royal Adelaide Show is BACK | 5 – 13 September 2026
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 5 to 13 September, with two full weekends of rides, shows and entertainment! Gates open at 9am daily. Carnival rides and attractions continue until around 10:30pm, and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays..
Tickets: In 2026, 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 14 years) start at $17 on weekdays and $21on weekends. Adults pay $29 on weekdays or $35 on weekends. Family passes cost $69 on weekdays and $82 on weekends. Entry after 6pm is a bit cheaper too. Click here to buy your tickets now
Carnival Passes: Want to ride the rides? Purchase 100 ride tokens for $80 or 40 ride tokens for $35 and save. Each token has a face value of $1 and can be redeemed on any ride and most games. Discount Carnival Passes are available for pre-purchase only. Once you arrive, swap your carnival pass for ride tokens at the Carnival Pass Exchange, located inside the Kidman Gate.
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 the noise and flashing lights, Carnival Quiet Hour is here to help! On Sunday September 6, Tuesday September 8, Wednesday September 9 and Thursday September 10, from 9:30am to 10:30am, carnival operators will switch off their music, strobes and lights to create a calmer, more accessible space for people with additional needs.
Drakes Fireworks Spectacular: The Drakes Fireworks are back! Returning bigger and better than ever, this year’s Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky with breathtaking bursts of colour, spectacular effects and an epic soundtrack chosen by the crowd. It’s the perfect way to finish another big day at the Royal Adelaide Show. 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 can get tired after a big day at the Show! Need to hire one? Wheelchairs and strollers are available to book in advance for collection inside the Kidman Gate. Wheelchair hire is $50 per day, single strollers are $30 per day and double strollers are $50 per day. Bookings are essential via Show Lockers.
Lockers: If you want to lighten your load, lockers are available from $15 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 PJ Masks, Justice League and Octonauts live on the Goyder Stage, milk a cow at the Milking Barn, explore Aggie’s Farm, and watch the Drakes Fireworks 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 2026
Human Cannon
Entertainment | Stunts
Get ready to look to the skies! New to the Royal Adelaide Show in 2026, David “The Bullet” Smith will be blasted high above the Main Arena in this incredible gravity-defying stunt.
Direct from the USA, the world-record-breaking Human Cannonball will soar through the sky at breathtaking speed every night of the Show.
Human Cannonball Times: Catch the Human Cannonball at 8:25pm on 5, 11 and 12 September, and at 7:25pm on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13 September. Each performance runs for approximately 10 minutes.
New Rides for 2026
- The Warrior – Standing a huge 55 metres high, The Warrior is one for the serious thrill-seekers, reaching speeds of up to 120km/h and pulling some serious G-forces.
- Lunarix – Get ready to spin, swing and flip 25 metres above the ground. Lunarix delivers a dizzying triple-spin experience with a full 360-degree arc.
- VOID – Lights, sound and high-speed spinning come together on VOID, creating an immersive ride that looks just as wild as it feels.
- Zero Gravity – With 14 jumping arms and more than 3G of acceleration, Zero Gravity sends riders bouncing, spinning and flying through the air.
- Cruisin’ Kombi – A little more cruisy than the extreme rides, Cruisin’ Kombi is a colourful family-friendly addition, giving younger riders a chance to get in on the action too.
Entertainment
Boulevard Stage
- Farmy Farm – Kenny and Jenny are bringing their farm to the Show with a hilarious mix of comedy, acrobatics and farming chaos. Expect towering hay bales, giant juggling carrots, high-flying farmers and plenty of laughs.
- That 90s Show – Get ready for a throwback to the ’90s with Ben and Sarah performing acoustic versions of the era’s biggest hits. Think huge sing-alongs, guilty pleasures and plenty of nostalgic favourites.
- The 60 Four – Australia’s premier ’60s and ’70s tribute act is bringing two high-energy shows to the Royal Adelaide Show — ’60s Jukebox and Living in the ’70s. Expect big vocals, slick choreography and plenty of hits from Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, ABBA, The Bee Gees, Queen and more.
Goyder Stage:
- Justice League – Calling all little superheroes! Join Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman as they investigate a diamond heist involving Catwoman. Kids can help solve the mystery and discover what it takes to become a member of the Justice League.
- Octonauts: Captain Barnacles and the Octopod Rescue – All aboard the Octopod! Join Captain Barnacles and Steve for an interactive rescue mission where little Octo-Cadets can train to become official members of the Octonauts.
- PJ Masks Show – It’s hero training time! Join the PJ Masks for an action-packed session where kids can learn what it takes to be a hero and try to uncover the team’s super-secret weapon.
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 2026 Royal Adelaide Show
Stay tuned…
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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