President’s Welcome Ticket Information
Welcome to Australia’s largest regional agricultural show, where we proudly celebrate the very best of Far North Queensland’s agriculture, industry, culture, and community. Each year, the Cairns Show brings the country to the city, uniting families, honouring traditions, and connecting generations.
Our Show offers an exciting and diverse program featuring competitions, exhibits, entertainment, and hands-on experiences. From livestock and equestrian events to arts & crafts, photography, cooking, and horticulture, we are proud to showcase the exceptional talent and passion that make our region unique. And with Queensland’s largest Sideshow Alley right here at the Cairns Show, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
This year holds special significance as we celebrate the 121st Cairns Show alongside Cairns’ 150th Anniversary - a meaningful milestone that allows us to reflect on our shared history, acknowledge the progress of our region, and celebrate the community spirit that continues to define us.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Federal and State Governments and the Cairns Regional Council for their valued support of the show. I also wish to acknowledge our dedicated staff, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and exhibitors - and, of course, our visitors. Your ongoing support and enthusiasm are what make this iconic event possible year after year.
With so much to explore, one day at the Cairns Show is never enough - so come along, immerse yourself in the festivities, and enjoy everything that makes our Show truly special. Enjoy the 2026 Cairns Show!
Mr. Ian Allen
President, Cairns Show Association
Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral, and Mining Association
Pre-Sold Tickets
Available at the Earlville Shopping Town Pre-Sold Ticket Booth from Monday 6th July until Tuesday 14th July.
Adult - $30
Concession/Pension - $24
Child (5 to under 14) - $16
Child (Under 5) – FREE
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) - $75
Sideshow Alley
Bonus Dollars*
Only available at the Pre-Sold Ticket Booth from Saturday 4th July until Tuesday 14th July.
*Bonus dollars are not available online
They may only be used for rides, games, or food within the sideshow alley area. Bonus dollars cannot be spent on Showbags. Lost, stolen, damaged or unused bonus dollars will not be refunded or replaced.
Online
Tickets are available online* on the Cairns Show website from Monday 6th July until Tuesday 14th July, midnight.
*$1 Transaction Fee per order will apply.
Adult - $30
Concession/Pension - $24
Child (5 to under 14) - $16
Child (Under 5) – FREE
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) - $75
Tickets at Gates
Available from Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th July, 9am - 9pm at the Cairns Show Gate Entrances during the Show.
Adult - $30
Concession/Pension - $24
Child (5 to under 14) - $16
Child (Under 5) – FREE
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) - $78
Cairns Show Gates
Open from 9am - 9pm daily.
Located at:
Corner of Severin Street and Mulgrave Road (Main Gates) Quigley Street
Mulgrave Road, in front of the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre Scott Street
2025 Cairns Show Ambassadors
Rachel English proudly represents the Cairns Show as the 2026 Cairns Showgirl and Show Ambassador, bringing a strong passion for agriculture, youth involvement and community pride.
Rachel currently works as an office administrator for a high density avocado farm in Mareeba, one of Australia’s largest producers, supplying approximately 8% of the nation’s avocados. In 2025, she also worked alongside her family on their dairy farm in Malanda, gaining valuable hands-on experience that further strengthened her connection to agriculture and food production.
A lifelong show participant, Rachel is an active member of the Malanda Show Society and regularly exhibits at the Malanda, Atherton and Cairns Shows. She has also competed with her family at the Brisbane Royal Show and International Dairy Week. Her proudest achievement came in 2025 when her Holstein cow was awarded Supreme Champion Dairy Cow at the Cairns Show, alongside her family winning Grand Champion Cow across all four dairy breeds. With a family show history dating back to 1908, Rachel is honoured to represent the Cairns Show with pride, professionalism and enthusiasm.
Shelby Hamilton proudly represents the Cairns Show as the 2026 Cairns Show Young Rural Ambassador, recognised for her leadership potential, hands-on agricultural experience and strong connection to rural communities.
Shelby is a 17 year old Year 12 student at Atherton State High School and has been actively involved in school agricultural show teams for several years. She has participated in the cattle show team for four years, the goat show team for two years and the chicken show team for one year, competing at the Atherton and Malanda Shows through both judging, exhibiting, and attending the Malanda Cattle Handling School. Shelby has developed extensive skills in animal preparation, grooming, feeding, training and show ring etiquette. Beyond the show ring, she works during school holidays as a station hand, assists with her family’s beekeeping business, and works after school at a small animal veterinary clinic.
With achievements across sport, academics and school leadership, Shelby is passionate about promoting agriculture, encouraging handson learning and inspiring young people—especially young women— to pursue opportunities within rural industries.
The Cairns Show Society proudly congratulates Sarah Entsch on her appointment as the Cairns Show Rural Ambassador, celebrating this outstanding achievement and her continued leadership within the agricultural show movement
Sarah’s selection for this respected role is a testament to her dedication, passion and strong commitment to rural communities across the region.
As the 2025 Cairns Showgirl, Sarah was an exceptional representative for the Cairns Show, actively advocating for agriculture, youth involvement and community connection — qualities that have naturally led her to this next significant milestone.
Throughout her time as Cairns Showgirl, Sarah was an inspiring ambassador, promoting the importance of agricultural shows and strengthening relationships between producers and the wider community. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and ability to engage with people from all backgrounds have made her a highly deserving recipient of this role.
The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador position reflects Sarah’s ongoing commitment to supporting agriculture, championing rural voices and inspiring the next generation. The Cairns Show Society looks forward to seeing Sarah represent The Cairns Show with pride, integrity and passion.
Cairns Showgirl
Rachel English Young Rural Ambassador Shellby Hamilton
Rural Ambassador
Sarah Entsch
Over the bridge
Les Plath Goat Pavilion (E7) Time: 9am to 5pm
Get nose-to-nose in the Goat Pavilion with playful kids, polished nannies and impressive billies. Soak up the cheeky antics, stroll the Dunny Display Garden, enjoy the cuteness up close, and discover how rectangular pupils give goats their amazing balance.
Bush Tukka Cultural Hub (E6) Time: 9am to 5pm
Come and meet the Bush Tukka woman and discover Far North Queensland’s rich culture and agriculture. Explore native plants, traditional bush foods, aquaponics, tropical growing methods, and local farming, celebrating sustainable living and connections between people, land, and produce.
Steve Raumer Bird Pavilion (F7)) Time: 9am to 5pm
Tucked behind the Goat Pavilion, this lively shed hums with sound and colour. Meet parrots, chooks, ducks, geese and crowing roosters in the Bird Pavilion, a cheerful stop for all ages showcasing fascinating bird behaviours and brilliant feathers up close.
Horticulture Pavilion (J6)) Time: 9am to 9pm
Discover a diverse backdrop of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, complemented by children’s exhibits, striking floral art arrangements, and beautifully crafted QCWA knitwear, crochet, and handmade creations that are sure to capture your attention.
Scarecrows (J6) Time: 9am to 9pm
You never know which charming scarecrows will appear each year. Stroll through the Horticulture Pavilion, and meet this season’s creative characters to see which whimsical design takes home the top prize overall honours for 2026.
Flower Beard Competition Time: ONLY Friday - 10am
Blending clever horticulture with bold beard style, the Flower Beard Competition brings a quirky burst of floral fun to the Cairns Show. Catch the blooms and beards on Friday 17th at 10am, and follow Cairns Show on social media for all the juicy details.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Prime Beef and Store Cattle
Experience one of the region’s key agricultural events as top-quality prime beef and store cattle are judged, sold, and celebrated:
Mareeba Saleyards: Thursday 16th July, Judging, 8:00am. Sale, 10:00am. Presentation of Winners, 2:00pm.
Far North Equestrian Group Dressage
Experience the elegance and strength of dressage as talented riders and horses move in perfect harmony. Enjoy this graceful display of precision and partnership
Crystal Cascades Horse Park: Saturday 11th July, 4:00pm. Sunday 12th July, 4:00pm.
Guinea Pigs (Cavies) – Pavilion
Get ready for a day full of furry fun as some of the cutest competitors at the Cairns Show take centre stage! The Guinea Pig (Cavy) Competition showcases a wonderful variety of breeds, colours, coat types and personalities, with exhibitors proudly presenting their beloved pets for judging. Watch as expert judges assess everything from coat condition and grooming to breed characteristics and overall presentation. Meet silky satins, fluffy longhairs, smooth-coated cavies and many more fascinating varieties while learning what makes each breed unique.
Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, the Guinea Pig Pavilion offers plenty of opportunities to get up close to these
Dogs – Ley James Canine Arena
From lightning-fast agility champions to beautifully groomed show dogs, the Ley James Canine Arena is the place to experience the incredible talent, athleticism and companionship of man’s best friend.
Dog Sports Trial dogs
Watch skilled canine athletes and their handlers work together in exciting demonstrations of speed, precision and teamwork.
Championship Dog Show
Watch top dogs from across the region compete for coveted titles and championship honours. Watch as judges carefully assess each entrant against breed standards, from tiny toy breeds to majestic working dogs.
charming little creatures and chat with passionate exhibitors. Whether you’re a lifelong cavy enthusiast or simply looking for some heart-warming entertainment, you’ll be delighted by this celebration of personality, companionship and all-day cuddliness.
Wednesday 15th July, 9:00am–4:00pm
The
Dog Sports Trial:
Wednesday 15th July, 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Thursday 16th July, 5:30pm - 8:00pm.
Championship Dog Show: Friday 17th July, 10:00am - 3:00pm.
Ley James Canine Arena promises plenty of unforgettable moments throughout the Show.
Gilmore Family Entertainment Pig Racing (C2)
Cheer on our racing piglets as they dash, zigzag and squeal toward the finishing trough - fast, funny family fun! Follow our socials for race times today.
Melvilles Animal Nursery (D3)
Step into a world of cuddles and cuteness at our animal nursery! Pat fluffy lambs, gentle goats and tiny chicks, feed your favourites, and make new furry friends. It’s a hands-on delight for little animal lovers - and it’s udderly impossible not to fall in love!
Melvilles Duck Racing (C3)
Get ready to quack up, kids! Watch these wiggly, splashy ducks waddle, zoom and flap their way toward victory in the funniest race of the day. It’s splashy, silly and totally quackers, with laughs for the whole family - and trust us, these speedy ducklings will absolutely quack the sound barrier!
Ranger Nick Camp Oven Cooking (D3)
Bring the family along for classic bush cooking fun with Ranger Nick! Watch dampers, stews and curries come to life as he shares outback tips, stories and laughs. Perfect for kids, dads and curious cooks - and you might even score a tasty sample. Follow our socials for demo times!
Pan For Gold (D4)
Unleash your inner gold prospector with Rocky River Mining! Scoop, swirl and sift real pay dirt using classic Gold Rush techniques as you search for sparkling “colour.” A fun, hands-on adventure for kids, families and history lovers alike - with a small fee applying.
Cairns Historical Car Club – Old Beauties (C3)
Vroom, vroom! Take a trip back in time and check out these shiny old beauties! From classic cars to vintage trucks, every vehicle has a storyand plenty of sparkle. Restored with incredible care and pride, this dazzling display is a dream come true for car lovers, young and old. Get ready to spot your favourite and imagine what it felt like to cruise around in style back in the day!
Machinery Avenue (D4)
Rev your engines and stroll through Machinery Avenue! Discover restored trucks, tractors, excavators and steam engines - many lovingly brought back to life by Cairns Show Association President Ian Allen. From rumbling classics to towering workhorses, it’s a must-see attraction for machinery fans of all ages.
Heritage Backyard (C4)
Step back in time at the Heritage Backyard and discover how life was lived in years gone by. This interactive space showcases traditional skills, tools, and backyard practices that helped shape our region - from hands-on demonstrations to nostalgic displays. A must-visit for history lovers, families, and anyone curious about the simple ingenuity of earlier generations.
Precision Reptiles (C3)
Get ready to meet Precision Reptiles at their very first Cairns Show! Explore the exciting snake pit, get up close with incredible reptiles, and snap a photo at the reptile photo wall - a fun and interactive experience for kids and families alike.
Cairns Regional Council Community Stage (D2)
Get ready to groove at the Community Stage! Enjoy nonstop entertainment as local artists, school groups, dancers, drummers and singers from across FNQ take the spotlight. With lively tunes, colourful costumes and incredible local talent, it’s feel-good fun for the whole family. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rhythm of the Cairns Show.
Explore the Cairns Showgrounds with our exciting Scavenger Hunt adventure! Grab your stamp booklet from the ticket gates, then follow the map around the grounds to find and collect all the hidden stamps along the way. Once you’ve filled every spot in your booklet, you can either keep it as a fun Cairns Show souvenir or head to the Show Office and place it into the slot in the wall to go into the draw to win some fantastic prizes from local businesses! It’s the perfect way for families and kids to discover all the fun and excitement happening across the Showgrounds! Good Luck and happy hunting!
Cairns Regional Council Community Stage
WEDnESDAY 15th - These proposed start times are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances
9:30AM Mike the Music Man
10:00AM ........................................................................... Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet
10:30AM Peace Lutheran College Performing Arts
11:00AM ........................................................................... St Gerard Majella Catholic Primary School 11:30AM Whitfield State School
12:00PM ........................................................................... Cairns High School
12:30PM Bentley Park College Performing Arts
2:00PM .............................................................................. Trinity Bay High School Performing Arts
4:00PM Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet
4:30PM .............................................................................. Mike the Music Man
5:00PM Cairns String Orchestra
5:30PM .............................................................................. Cairns Southside Youth Orchestra 6:00PM F.N.Q Bands
THURSDAY 16th - These proposed start times are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances
9:30AM ............................................................................. Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet
10:00AM Parramatta Primary School & Torres Strait Cultural Dancers
........................................................................... White Rock State School
Smithfield State High School 11:45AM ........................................................................... St Augustine’s Catholic College 12:45PM Redlynch College Performing Arts 1:30PM .............................................................................. Gordonvale High School Performing Arts 2:30PM Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet 4:00PM .............................................................................. Mike the Music Man 5:30PM NEO Drum Isohama Performance
FRiDAY 17th - These proposed start times are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances
9:00AM ............................................................................. Mike the Music Man
9:30AM Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet 10:00AM ........................................................................... City of Cairns Highland & Irish Dance Academy 10:30AM Paradise Cloggers
11:00AM ........................................................................... Dance Junction
11:30AM Chinese Molihua Dance Group
12:00PM ........................................................................... F.N.Q Dance Academy
1:00PM Dennis “Dingo” Dryden - Australian Musician & Bush Poet
1:30PM .............................................................................. Turning Pointe Dance Studio
2:00PM .............................................................................. Dance 2X
2:30PM .............................................................................. Dancescapes
3:00PM .............................................................................. Trinity Style of Dance
3:30PM .............................................................................. Julia McAlpine Dance Studio 4:00PM .............................................................................. Edelweiss Cultural Dancers
4:30PM .............................................................................. Elevate Dance Company
5:00PM .............................................................................. Cairns Taiko Drummers
5:30PM .............................................................................. Mike the Music Man
2026 Edition COmPLETED
Main Arena Entertainment Program
Figtree Entertainment Program
Rachel Bradley has been entertaining families at the Cairns Show since 2016 with her much-loved Family Fun Show with Terry Doyle. In 2022, the show evolved into the wonderfully quirky and interactive The Mad Hatresses performance with Rebecca Langtree. Since then, Rachel Bradley and Rebecca Langtree have continued bringing fun, laughter, and entertainment to children and families in the Figtree Undercover Area each year at the Cairns Show. Check Page16 to see when they’ll be performing at this year’s Show!
FREE Things To Do
37 FREE THINGS TO DO AT THE SHOW IN 2026
There’s so much to enjoy at the Cairns Show — and best of all, plenty of it is free! From colourful exhibits and thrilling competitions to live entertainment, friendly animals, and creative displays, there’s something for everyone. Wander
through the pavilions, cheer on exciting events, and soak up the vibrant community spirit without spending a cent. Check out the full list of free activities below and start planning your ultimate day of fun!
USE MAP REFERENCE TO LOCATE ACTIVITIES
THE BRiDGE 13. Explore the Goat Exhibits (E7)
Check Out the Poultry Exhibits (F7)
See the Bird Exhibits (F7)
16. Meet the Guinea Pigs (Cavies) on Display (F6)
21. Cheer on the Woodchop Competition (H3)
22. Watch the Pole Climbing Challenge (H3)
23. Attend the Official Opening Ceremony on the Friday of the Show (I3)
24. Watch the Grand Parade on the Friday of the Show (I3)
29. Admire the Garden Produce & Fruit Exhibits (J6)
30. Explore the Plants and Flower Exhibits (J6) UnDER THE GRAnDSTAnD . 31. Visit the Non-Competitive School Displays (J3)
32. Browse the Photography Exhibition (J3)
33. Enjoy the Visual Arts Display (J3)
Bring your own food
Pack and bring along your own food to save! There are places to fill up your water bottles around the grounds.
Plan your Show Experience
Make a note and write down what you would like to see. Also, visit the Hospital Foundation Cloakroom for some free sunscreen.
Save on Rides
Purchase some Bonus Dollars to save on rides and games in the sideshow alley! Save some money on pre-sold tickets too.
Check out our free activities
There’s plenty of free activities at the show like animal exhibits, shows in the main arena and more!
1. See the Cattle on Display (B1)
Explore the Precision Reptiles Exhibits (C3)
Cheer on the Gilmore Family Entertainment Pig
Watch the
17. Watch the Dogs on Show (F6)
18. Enjoy the Cats on Show (F6)
Explore the Bush Tukka Gardens (F6)
20. Take in the Equestrian Show Events (F2)
25. Marvel at the Xplosive Arts Fireworks Spectacular each night (I3)
26. Watch the Musical Extravaganza in the Main Arena each night (I3)
THE SHOWGROUnDS
27. Meet the Cairns Show Ambassadors around the Showgrounds
PAviLLiOn –OvER THE BRiDGE
Check Out the Scarecrow Displays (J6)
34. Marvel at the Woodworks Exhibit (J2)
35. Learn New Skills with the Craft and Needlework Demonstrator (J2)
RELAX AT THE FIGTREE UNDERCOVER AREA (J4) . VISIT THE FRED MOULE EXHIBITION CENTRE (I5)
Subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances
Fred Moule Trade Exhibition
Exhibition Pavilion – Discover, Taste, Explore!
• Step into the heart of the Cairns Show and explore a vibrant mix of local businesses, community organisations, artisans, and interactive displays.
• Connect with key services like Queensland Police, QFES, Biosecurity Queensland, and Cairns Regional Council, and enjoy hands-on, family-friendly experiences.
• Browse unique art, fashion, homewares, and lifestyle products, and indulge in delicious treats—from sweets and fudge to jerky, fresh baked goods and Bahn Mi.
• Don’t miss the free Kids Zone by PCYC, offering a fun, shaded space for children to play and unwind. With something for all ages, the Exhibition Pavilion is a must-visit at this year’s Show!
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