Don’t miss Sunshine Coast’s massive show weekend

Along with the famous sideshow alley, thrilling rides and brilliant fireworks displays, the 2024 show includes plenty of budget-friendly, family fun created by the community, for the community.

Your ticket includes a spectacular array of experiences, like hearing engines roar into life at the V8 ute showdown, witnessing master sheep shearers in action, watching artists transform the world around them, a vintage speedway showcase, meeting native and exotic birds, and getting your heart racing at the quad bike show – just to name a few.

Be amazed by hundreds of competition entries in everything from poultry, sweets and fruits to Lego, ceramics, photography and more.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law said the show was a huge drawcard to Nambour for many and an important community event.  

“Our Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is something Nambour is very proud to host, and I encourage everyone to come along and be treated to all the wonderful experiences it has to offer,” Cr Law said.

“The show bursts with tradition while continuing to offer up new and exciting events that are hard to find anywhere else and all in one convenient location.”

Crowds enjoying the 2023 show. 

Artistic experience

Phil Skinner from Straight Outta Nambour is a proud local making a special contribution to the show.

When you enter via the main gate this year, you’ll see Phil’s team expertly manoeuvring their spray cans to create an amazing piece of artistry.

"I started Straight Outta Nambour back in 2015, originally as an art supply store specialising in aerosol or graffiti and also skate supplies and clothing,” Phil said.

“I now have a premium clothing brand with designs by many local artists.

“We will be showcasing the talents of these artists over the three days of the show with live painting demos and some interactive art installations.

“There will also be a full shop available for anybody wanting quality merch."

Phil said it was his first time being asked to showcase his art at the show and would be a great experience.

“It definitely brings people together from all over the place and will generate income for local businesses in Nambour over the weekend.”

Be sure to check out the artists in action.

Connecting the community

A multi-generational showgoer of more than 60 years and volunteer of more than 30 years, Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society Immediate Past President Jenny McKay said this year was truly bigger and better than ever.

“The ring events of the night will be absolutely amazing,” Jenny said.

“It is top quality, very similar to what you would see at the Brisbane EKKA and I’m so proud it is coming here to the Nambour Showgrounds.”

During the day free workshops will be on offer and families with young children can take a break from the hustle and bustle with dedicated breakout areas including age-appropriate activities.  

Jenny said the organising committee was very aware of cost-of-living pressures, with show-goers welcome to bring their own food, cheaper tickets available online and free buses running from multiple stops in Nambour.

Along with offering plenty of new and exciting experiences, Jenny said this year’s show would honour its agricultural roots and was a testament to the passion and dedication of the many volunteers who help bring the show to life.

“We’ve seen a resurgence of people wanting to know where their food is coming from,” she said.

“They want to go to the poultry pavilion and talk with stewards to find out the difference between organic and free-range eggs.

“What also excites me about the show is the community coming together. We have not-for-profit groups join us at the show and it’s one of their major fundraisers for the year.”

Jenny McKay and retired passionfruit grower Don Hartley are ready for the 2024 show.

Decades of showing up

One person you’ll be sure to spot at the 2024 show is Don Hartley.

The retired passionfruit grower from Yandina has been coming to the show since 1965.

As well as winning many prizes for his own fruit, Don dedicated countless hours to the produce section, serving as a steward alongside his wife and witnessing the show grow and change alongside the passionfruit industry.

He said in decades past, back when the district was scattered with small farms, the show was the major event of the year and still held strong as a drawcard today.

“There were hundreds and hundreds of tonnes of fruit and veggies going by road to Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle.

“It was amazing, it was very prosperous.”

According to Don, full colour and a plump size are the best way to judge a quality passionfruit. 

During his extensive career, Don was even visited by Cottee’s Foods, who were securing more passionfruit for a new product, the now famous Passiona soft drink.

“They asked if Queensland growers would be interested in growing passionfruit; of course we were, and that started a lot of interest in growing passionfruit,” he said.

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is on Friday June 14, Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 at the Nambour Showgrounds.

To buy tickets, find transport information and explore the full program, visit the show website.

Horse events are a must-see at the show.