Easter Show 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Auckland & Sydney’s Iconic Events
The Easter long weekend is here, and for families across the Tasman, that means one thing: the return of the Royal Easter Show. In 2026, both Auckland and Sydney are hosting massive celebrations, blending century-old agricultural traditions with world-class extreme sports and carnival thrills.
Whether you’re looking for the legendary Sydney Showbags or the adrenaline-pumping Action Arena in Auckland, here is everything you need to know about the Easter Show 2026.
1. Auckland Easter Show 2026 (New Zealand)
Dates: Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April 2026
Location: Auckland Showgrounds, Epsom
The Auckland Easter Show remains NZ’s largest family show, and 2026 sees the return of the iconic A&P Association Art Show and the massive Mahons Mega Carnival.
2026 Highlights & New Attractions:
The Action Arena: Watch FMX legend Levi Sherwood and BMX superstar Jed Mildon perform world-first stunts three times daily (12 pm, 3 pm, and 6:30 pm).
Electric Speedway: Direct from Europe, Mahons Amusements has debuted this all-new high-speed attraction for the 2026 carnival.
Farmworld (Hall 6): Country meets city with sheepdog trials, roaming goats, and the mobile farmyard—perfect for the kids during the school holidays.
Strongman Competition: Catch the “strongest in the land” pulling trucks and lifting Atlas Stones on Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket Tip: General entry is approximately $10–$15, but for the best value, look for the Mahon’s Carnival Family Pack ($124) which includes 110 ride coupons.
2. Sydney Royal Easter Show 2026 (Australia)
Dates: Thursday 2 April – Monday 13 April 2026
Location: Sydney Olympic Park
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, and in 2026, it coincides perfectly with the start of the NSW school holidays.
What’s New in Sydney for 2026?
Ignite the Magic: A brand-new nightly parade featuring glowing animal lanterns that winds through the showgrounds as the sun sets.
Imagine a Horse: A spectacular Main Arena show featuring world-class singers performing on horseback.
K9 Superwall Challenge: Watch elite dog teams compete in high-climb and speed trials in the nightly entertainment slot.
Woolworths Ag Discovery: A revamped interactive space teaching kids about “paddock-to-plate” sustainability.
Pricing Note: Early bird family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) are currently $125, saving families nearly $20 compared to gate prices.
3. Strategic Planning for 2026
With the impact of the 2026 Middle East conflict on transport costs, both shows have seen a slight increase in ride and food prices. To stay on budget, we recommend:
Public Transport: Both Auckland and Sydney offer integrated transport options. In Sydney, your show ticket often includes travel on trains and buses.
The “Property Pivot” Connection: We are seeing more local “staycations” this year. Interestingly, why energy-efficient homes and EV chargers are now top priorities for buyers is also being reflected at the shows, with massive “Lifestyle & Home” pavilions focusing on sustainable living and solar-ready homes.
Comparison: Auckland vs. Sydney 2026
Raj Singh Sandhu is a New Zealand-based Digital Marketing Specialist helping businesses grow through SEO, Google Ads, and high-converting websites. He is the founder of AllFinance.co.nz, a platform that provides financial calculators, practical guides, and finance resources for Kiwis. Through AllFinance, Raj also supports businesses by offering directory listings that increase their online visibility and connect them with users actively searching for financial services. His focus is on simplifying complex topics and creating digital platforms that deliver real value to both consumers and businesses.
