Ekka Public Holiday 2025: Dates by Region
Few things divide Queenslanders like whether they get a day off for the Ekka: Brisbane residents mark Wednesday 13 August 2025, but neighbouring councils shift or skip the holiday entirely. This guide cuts through the confusion region by region so you know exactly when your 2025 show holiday falls and what it means for your work schedule.
Ekka People’s Day holiday 2025: August 13, 2025 ·
Redlands Coast Ekka holiday 2025: August 11, 2025 ·
Brisbane Show holiday date: August 13, 2025 ·
Regions with Ekka public holiday: Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, and others
Quick snapshot
- Ekka People’s Day public holiday is 13 August 2025 (Queensland Government (public holidays portal))
- Redlands Coast holiday is 11 August 2025 (Redland City Council via Ekka FAQ)
- Brisbane City Council observes 13 August 2025 as show holiday (Ekka (official FAQ))
- Exact date of Ipswich Show holiday 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list) shows TBC)
- Whether Gold Coast workers get the Ekka day off or a separate show holiday (Queensland Government (public holidays portal) does not list Ekka for Gold Coast)
- Sunshine Coast show holiday 2025 date (Queensland Government (show holidays list) shows separate show date)
- First show: 1876 (Ekka FAQ)
- Public holiday introduced in 1920s (Queensland Government (public holidays portal))
- 2025 holiday: 13 August (Queensland Government (public holidays portal))
- Check your council’s gazette for local show holiday dates — many vary from the Brisbane Ekka date (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
A quick glance at the key stats for the Royal Queensland Show reveals its scale and tradition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Royal Queensland Show |
| Annual attendance | Approximately 400,000 |
| First held | 1876 |
| 2025 People’s Day public holiday | 13 August 2025 |
Is Ekka a public holiday in QLD?
Yes, but only in certain regions. The Royal Queensland Show holiday is declared as a public holiday for the Brisbane area under Queensland Government regulations (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)). It is also known as People’s Day or the show holiday (Ekka (official FAQ)). Outside the Brisbane City Council area, the Ekka itself is not a universal public holiday; instead, many local councils declare their own show holidays on different dates.
Which local government areas observe the Ekka holiday?
- Brisbane City Council — People’s Day, 13 August 2025 (Queensland Government (public holidays portal))
- Logan City — Same date as Brisbane (13 August 2025) (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
- Moreton Bay Region — 13 August 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
- Redland City — Monday 11 August 2025 (Redland City Council via Ekka FAQ)
- Somerset Region — 11 August 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
- South Burnett Region — 11 August 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
- Toowoomba Region — 11 August 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
What is the difference between a show holiday and a public holiday?
In Queensland, show holidays are declared under the Holidays Act 1983. They are public holidays only within the boundaries of the local government area that declares them (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)). This means a worker living in Ipswich but employed in Brisbane may be entitled to different holidays depending on their workplace location. The Ekka’s People’s Day is thus a show holiday for the Brisbane area, not a statewide public holiday.
The patchwork of dates reflects Queensland’s decentralised approach to show holidays.
What date is the Ekka 2025?
The Royal Queensland Show runs from 9 August to 17 August 2025 at the Brisbane Showgrounds (Ekka (official FAQ)). The public holiday, known as People’s Day, falls on Wednesday 13 August 2025 for the Brisbane area (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)). This date matches the traditional mid-week slot that has been observed for decades.
What are the official Ekka 2025 dates?
- Show dates: 9–17 August 2025 (opening Saturday to closing Sunday)
- People’s Day (public holiday): 13 August 2025 (Wednesday) — Brisbane area
- Redlands Coast holiday: 11 August 2025 (Monday) — as declared by Redland City Council
- Somerset, South Burnett, Toowoomga, Bundaberg (postcode 4671): 11 August 2025 (Queensland Government (show holidays list))
When is the Ekka show holiday (People’s Day) in 2025?
For anyone living or working within the Brisbane City Council area, people’s day is 13 August 2025. The same date applies to workers in Logan, Ipswich (subject to confirmation), Moreton Bay, and Scenic Rim (Queensland Government (show holidays list)). Some councils have already published their gazettes; others, like Ipswich, are expected to confirm later in the year.
The pattern: Most South East Queensland councils have aligned their show holiday with the Brisbane Ekka week, but a significant minority — particularly west and north of Brisbane — choose an earlier Monday.
Does Ipswich get a public holiday for the Ekka?
Yes, Ipswich typically observes a show holiday during Ekka week, but the exact date for 2025 has not yet been gazetted by Ipswich City Council at the time of writing. In recent years, Ipswich has held its show holiday on the Friday of Ekka week (Queensland Government (show holidays list)). Historically, the Ipswich Show holiday is a separate local event, but many workers still refer to it as “Ekka holiday”.
What is the Ipswich Show holiday date for 2025?
As of April 2025, the Ipswich Show holiday date has not been officially announced. Based on the pattern from previous years, it is expected to fall on Friday 15 August 2025, but this is unconfirmed. Residents should check the Ipswich City Council website for the official gazette notice. The Queensland Government’s show holiday page currently lists “Ipswich Show” with a placeholder of “to be confirmed” (Queensland Government (show holidays list)).
Does Ipswich have a day off for Ekka?
Ipswich does not observe the Brisbane Ekka People’s Day as a public holiday. Instead, it has its own Ipswich Show holiday, which is a local public holiday for the Ipswich City Council area. Workers employed in Ipswich are entitled to that day off, not the Brisbane Ekka date (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
Workers who live in Ipswich but commute to Brisbane may be entitled to two different show holidays — but only if their workplace is in a council that observes a different date. It is worth checking both your home and work council gazettes.
The implication: dual entitlement could exist if the addresses cross boundaries.
What does the Ekka stand for?
“Ekka” is a colloquial abbreviation of “Exhibition”, specifically the Royal Queensland Show. The name has been part of Queensland’s vocabulary since the late 19th century (Ekka (official FAQ)). The event is formally called the Royal Queensland Show and is organised by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA).
What is the meaning of ‘Ekka’?
The word “Ekka” is simply a clipped, affectionate form of “Exhibition” — much like “Molly” for Mary or “Brisvegas” for Brisbane. It appears in everyday speech, signage, and media across the state.
History of the Royal Queensland Show
The first Royal Queensland Show was held in 1876 at the Brisbane Showgrounds (Ekka (official FAQ)). It was originally a showcase for agricultural produce, livestock, and industrial machinery. By the 1920s, attendance had grown so large that the Queensland Government declared a public holiday — People’s Day — for the Brisbane area (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)). Today the Ekka attracts around 400,000 visitors each year, making it one of Australia’s largest annual shows.
Which areas get the Ekka public holiday in 2025?
Because the Ekka public holiday is tied to the Brisbane City Council area, only workers and residents within certain council boundaries are entitled to the Wednesday 13 August 2025 day off. Many other regions have their own show holidays on different dates. The table below compares the 2025 show holidays across South East Queensland.
Seven local government areas, one core truth: the date shifts depending on where you stand. Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim share 13 August; Redlands, Somerset, South Burnett and Toowoomba move it to 11 August; the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast run entirely separate shows.
| Local Government Area | 2025 Show Holiday Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane City | 13 August 2025 | People’s Day (Ekka public holiday) |
| Redland City | 11 August 2025 | Monday variation (Redland Council) |
| Logan City | 13 August 2025 | Same as Brisbane |
| Moreton Bay Region | 13 August 2025 | Same as Brisbane |
| Ipswich City | TBC (likely 15 August 2025) | Ipswich Show holiday, not Ekka |
| Gold Coast City | Separate show holiday (usually late August) | Gold Coast Show, not Ekka |
| Sunshine Coast Region | Separate show holiday (September) | Sunshine Coast Show |
| Somerset Region | 11 August 2025 | Royal Queensland Show holiday |
| South Burnett Region | 11 August 2025 | Royal Queensland Show holiday |
| Toowoomba Region | 11 August 2025 | Royal Queensland Show holiday |
| Bundaberg Region (postcode 4671) | 11 August 2025 | Royal Queensland Show holiday |
The pattern is clear: where you work or live determines your holiday, and assuming the Brisbane date applies outside the core area is a mistake.
Timeline of the Ekka
- 1876: First Royal Queensland Show held (Ekka (official FAQ))
- 1920s: Public holiday (People’s Day) introduced for Brisbane show (Queensland Government (public holidays portal))
- 2025: Ekka runs 9–17 August; People’s Day on 13 August; some councils vary date (Ekka (official FAQ))
What we know — and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ekka People’s Day public holiday date is 13 August 2025 (RNA and QLD Government)
- Redlands Coast holds Ekka holiday on Monday 11 August 2025 (Redland Council via Ekka FAQ)
- Brisbane City Council observes 13 August 2025 as show holiday (Ekka (official FAQ))
- The term ‘Ekka’ is an abbreviation of ‘Exhibition’ (Ekka FAQ)
What’s unclear
- Exact date of Ipswich Show holiday 2025 (not yet gazetted per QLD Government)
- Whether Gold Coast workers get the Ekka day off or a separate show holiday (not listed for Gold Coast on QLD Government portal)
- Sunshine Coast show holiday 2025 date (separate show date as per QLD Government)
- Whether employees who work in Brisbane but live outside the council zone qualify for the People’s Day holiday (undefined council boundary rules per QLD Government)
Voices from the ground
“The Ekka’s public holiday known as People’s Day or the show holiday will be held on August 13, 2025.”
— Ekka (official FAQ)
“The Brisbane Ekka public holiday on Redlands Coast will be held on Monday 11 August 2025.”
— Redland City Council (via Ekka FAQ)
“The Royal Queensland Show holiday is listed for the Brisbane area only — it does not apply statewide.”
— Queensland Government (public holidays portal)
Summary: planning for the 2025 Ekka public holiday
The Ekka public holiday is not a single day for all Queenslanders — it is a patchwork of local show holidays that fall in the same week or nearby. For most workers in greater Brisbane, the day off is 13 August 2025. But if you live or work in Redlands, Somerset, Toowoomba, or other outlying councils, your holiday shifts to Monday 11 August — or, in the case of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, to a completely different month. For employers in South East Queensland, the implication is clear: check each employee’s residential and workplace council gazette, or risk paying penalty rates on the wrong day.
officeholidays.com, ekka.com.au, budgetdirect.com.au, leavebalance.com
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ekka public holiday a paid holiday?
For employees who normally work on Wednesdays and are covered by an award or agreement that includes show holidays, the Ekka public holiday is typically paid. However, some modern awards exclude show holidays — check your specific award or employment contract (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
Do casual workers get paid for the Ekka public holiday?
Casual employees are not entitled to paid public holidays unless they work on the day. If a casual works on the Ekka public holiday, they must be paid at the applicable penalty rate (Fair Work Ombudsman (public holidays guidance)).
What if my employer refuses to give the Ekka public holiday off?
If you are located in a council area where the show holiday is declared, your employer must allow you to take the day off unless they have an exemption under an award. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union for advice (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
Are schools closed on Ekka public holiday?
State schools in the Brisbane area are closed on the show holiday (13 August 2025). Private schools may follow the same calendar, but it is best to check with your specific school (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
Can the Ekka public holiday be substituted for another day?
Some awards allow substitution of public holidays by agreement between employer and employee. Any substitution must be documented and comply with the applicable industrial instrument (Fair Work Ombudsman (public holidays guidance)).
Does the Ekka public holiday apply to remote workers?
Remote workers are entitled to the public holidays of the state or territory where they perform their work. If a remote worker lives in Brisbane but works for an employer based elsewhere, the location of the work determines the holiday (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
Is the Ekka a public holiday in Cairns?
No. Cairns is outside the Brisbane area and does not observe the Royal Queensland Show holiday. Cairns has its own local show holiday on a different date (Queensland Government (show holidays list)).
How is the Ekka public holiday different from a show holiday?
The Ekka public holiday (People’s Day) is the show holiday declared for the Brisbane City Council area. Other councils declare show holidays for their own local agricultural shows. Both are public holidays under the Holidays Act, but they apply only within the council’s boundaries (Queensland Government (public holidays portal)).
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