Fresh from being named South Australia’s Community Event of the Year for 2026 at the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, the Gawler Show is gearing up to return for another huge weekend of animals, rides, food, live entertainment and country-show traditions.
Taking over the Gawler Showgrounds on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, South Australia’s largest regional show will once again bring together everything from cattle and agricultural displays to Sideshow Alley, showbags, local makers and more than 3,000 exhibits.
The Gawler Show has been bringing the community together since 1854, but there is plenty happening in 2026 to keep the more than 170-year-old tradition moving forward.
For families, one of the easiest ways to explore the grounds is the Treasure Trail, which has been a Show favourite since 2012. For $5, showgoers can pick up a bag and map before making their way around 12 stops, collecting a small treasure at each one along the way.
There is also plenty to do without spending anything extra once you’re through the gates.
Nixon’s Animal Adventures is returning as a free activity, sending families around the animal exhibits with an activity sheet and plenty of unusual facts to discover. Those who complete the trail can also enter a prize draw, while Children’s University participants can earn a two-hour passport stamp.
At the Agricultural Learning Centre, kids can get closer to the country side of the Show, with displays expected to include alpacas, baby chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and dairy cattle alongside wool, grains, bees, reptiles and insects. Traditional skills and demonstrations also form part of the experience.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a country show without Sideshow Alley.
The Gawler Show is once again partnering with the Showmen’s Guild of South Australia, whose members take their amusement rides and sideshow games to around 30 country shows across the state each year. The Guild itself dates back to 1936, with many of today’s members descendants of the families who helped establish it.
Between rides, families can make their way through the showbag stands, with this year’s selection including everything from classic lolly bags to Bluey, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Barbie and Paw Patrol options.
You’ll want to arrive hungry too.
More than 40 food vendors are expected across the grounds, with options catering for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets among the mix.
The Village Green will provide a spot to settle in with food while watching live entertainment, while the dedicated Farm Fresh area will put South Australian producers front and centre with locally made sauces, preserves, honey, baked goods, sweets and artisan products.
Across the weekend there will also be live music, arena action, performances, demonstrations, market stalls and competitions spanning everything from cookery and floriculture to photography, textiles, poultry, goats, cattle and the Ute Muster.
Helping guide everyone through the action this year will be Jessica McCall, who has been announced as the Show’s 2026 MC. The award-winning presenter and local event host will be introducing entertainment and competitions, speaking with exhibitors and keeping things moving across the weekend.
Saturday will stretch into the evening, when the Village Green comes alive before the Show’s fireworks light up the sky. Sunday brings another country-show favourite, with the Grand Parade taking over the Main Arena with a lap featuring utes, tractors, cattle, dance groups and more.
With rides for the thrill-seekers, animals for the kids, local produce to discover and plenty of free activities included with admission, the Gawler Show is packing plenty into its 167th year.
Gawler Show
When: Saturday, August 29, 9am–9pm and Sunday, August 30, 9am–5pm
Where: Gawler Showgrounds, Nixon Terrace, Gawler SA 5118
Price: Adults $22, concession $17, children aged 5–16 $12, children under five free, family ticket $62.
For more information, click here.
