The Royal Adelaide Show returns with new rides, free entertainment, hundreds of animals, Showbags galore and thousands of competitors – including students who’ve spent months preparing for the big event.
For 24 Penola High School agriculture students, this year’s Royal Adelaide Show won’t just be a day out – it will be months of hard work coming to life.
The South East school’s agricultural team is making the trip to Adelaide for the third consecutive year, bringing steers, dairy heifers and Merino wethers they’ve spent months raising, feeding and preparing for competition.
To teacher Cory O’Connor, it’s a culmination of months of work for his students – and an opportunity to put all their skills to the test.
“The steers and wethers arrived at school in February and have been trained, fed, washed and walked by students,” Cory says. “Two of the dairy heifers were even born this year and bottle-fed by students, while another two were bottle-fed by students the previous year.”
This year’s team will bring five steers from local breeders to compete in the Hoof and Hook competition, along with 10 dairy heifers competing in the School Competition and their individual breed and age classes, and six Merino wethers competing against other schools too.
Penola High’s agricultural program has grown significantly since Cory started it four years ago in a disused adjoining paddock. Agriculture classes now run from Years 7 to 12, with a full-year program available to every student.
“We’ve gone from an empty space to a space where our students can learn all about the different types of agriculture,” he says.
Cory’s efforts were last year recognised in the state’s Public Education Awards, where he was praised for his “innovative approach” and hands-on learning environment.
“It was amazing to win such a massive award and I feel truly grateful,” he says. “However, the students are the driving force behind the program. They are amazing and I’m so lucky to teach them.”
And while Penola’s students will be focused on ribbons and judging, they’re just part of what makes the Royal Adelaide Show one of South Australia’s most beloved annual events.
Everything you need to know about the Show
Whether you’re heading in for the animals, adrenaline, food, fireworks or Showbags, here’s what to expect when the gates open at 9am every day for the 2026 Royal Adelaide Show from 5-13 September.
The carnival generally keeps spinning until 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, weather and crowd numbers permitting.
Translation: you can absolutely make a full day of it.
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping?
If your idea of a relaxing day involves being strapped into a 55m-high thrill ride, you’re in luck.
This year’s new rides include The Warrior and Lunarix, the world’s first double-ended triple-spinning ride, both making their South Australian debut.
For those who prefer their entertainment without the possibility of losing their lunch, the new Western Stage offers pop-up entertainment, live DJs and interactive activities.
Prepare for some seriously wild entertainment
The Main Arena is where things get loud.
American daredevil David “The Bullet” Smith will perform his gravity-defying human cannonball stunt. If family rivalry is more your thing, stunt legend Matt Mingay will face off against his son Madzy in the Hot Wheels Super Truck Challenge.
There’s also Farmy Farm, promising comedy, farming tomfoolery and acrobatics, while Highwire: Legendary combines circus and song with some of the biggest names in pop and rock.
And yes, the kids have plenty to look forward to too, with new entertainment including DC Justice League vs Catwoman, Octonauts and PJ Masks.
Fun on a budget
There are more than 100 free events and activities happening across the Showground.
Head to Life on the Farm at the Agricultural Learning Centre to learn about cow milking, sheep shearing, bees and aquaculture – and get up close with baby animals.
Over at Taste SA, presented by Drakes, sample food and drinks from South Australian producers.
The Hot Wheels Burnout Inferno is also free to watch, firing up the Main Arena at 6.45pm Sunday to Thursday and 7.45pm Fridays and Saturdays.
The Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Drakes Supermarkets, lights up the sky every night, with shows at 8pm Sunday to Thursday and 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Come hungry
The 2026 food line-up includes Show favourites alongside a bunch of new arrivals, with food precincts including Kingsway, Atrium Food Court and Boulevard.
There’ll be plenty for vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking for gluten-free or dairy-free options, too. And some new additions sound particularly tempting.
The Banana Bar will serve Belgian chocolate-dipped frozen bananas with customisable toppings.
Braising Boy is bringing Mexican street food with a South Australian twist. Smoking Grillers will dish up American-style low-and-slow barbecue.
Meanwhile, Staazi & Co is bringing 100 per cent plant-based Greek street food. And yes, Dippin’ Dots is back – this time with new loaded options.
The full food offering will be available on the Show website from 27 August, with filters to help you find something based on cuisine or dietary requirements.
The Royal Show by the numbers
Ever wondered just how much goes into pulling off nine days of agricultural displays, carnival rides, competitions, food and entertainment?
Quite a lot.
400,000 – The approximate number of people expected through the gates.
10,000 – The number of staff and volunteers helping bring the Show to life.
900 tonnes – The approximate amount of timber used for the woodchopping competitions.
400+ – The number of Showbags available this year. Good luck choosing just one!
715 – The number of people entered in this year’s cookery competition.
2620 – The number of cookery entries in 2026 – a record for the third year running.
700+ – The number of animals expected to take part in the Grand Parade.
10,000 – The number of different classes across more than 60 competitions.
800+ – The number of Showbags donated to children at Flinders Hospital in 2025.
How much will it set you back?
There’s one important thing to know before you head off: you can’t buy tickets at the gate.
Tickets need to be pre-purchased online at theshow.com.au or from Drakes Supermarkets.
Weekdays: Adults $29 | Children $17 | Concession/Student $23
Weekends: Adults $35 | Children $21 | Concession/Student $28
Family Pass: $69 weekdays | $82 weekends
Family passes cover two adults and two children, or one adult and three children.
Children under five get in free.
Discounted tickets are available after 6pm every day, with prices starting from $26 for adults and $15 for children.
Getting there
There are more than 30 Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram stops within walking distance of the Adelaide Showground, including a dedicated bus interchange and train station right outside the gates.
Driving? Adelaide Showground parking is $35 all day or $19.50 after 6pm, with credit card payment only. Parking next to the Showground is limited until after 6pm.
There’s also Adelaide Park Lands parking for $18 per car.
On weekends, selected UParks offer $5 all-day parking, with a free 23W Show shuttle bus running to and from the Showground. Pre-booking is required.
Dedicated rideshare, taxi and accessible parking areas are also available around the Showground.
Find out more information on Penola High’s agricultural program here. For all the latest on the Royal Adelaide Show, click here.
