The Melbourne Royal Show 2026: Everything You Need To Know
Kiera Eardley
Contributor | Urban List Melbourne
Roll up, roll up: the Melbourne Royal Show is back in 2026, and it’s taking over Melbourne Showgrounds for 11 days these school holidays. Dating back to 1848, the Show is one of Victoria’s most enduring family days out, and from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, expect more animals, more food, more rides, and more showbags than ever.
Jump to:
What’s On At The Melbourne Royal Show 2026?
This year, the program runs for up to 12 hours every day, from 9:30am to 9:30pm, which gives families plenty of time to work their way through everything that’s on offer. And best believe, there’s plenty to see. Highlights include:
Animals
-
A bigger Animal Nursery in a new location: Kids can get up close and personal with lambs, piglets, baby goats, and more.
-
The Great Muster: A live show featuring working dogs, sheep, and goats. It runs four times daily to keep your day flexible.
-
Farmer Dave’s Super Stunt Dogs: High-energy canine tricks from 28 September.
Entertainment
-
PAW Patrol Playland: An exclusive experience for 2026 with free mini golf, a scooter track, and craft activities.
-
Live shows: Check out live performances from Care Bears, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the Madagascar Penguins Dance Party running every day, all included with entry.
-
The Woodchop Championships: We’re celebrating 70 years of the Golden Axe in 2026, and the Championships will run across the first four days of the Show.
-
Chainsaw Masters: Demonstrations will run across the first four days of the Show.
-
After dark: Each night, feel the arena come alive with The Drover’s Tale and Blaze FMX Showdown before the famous nightly fireworks.
What Food Can You Expect At The Melbourne Royal Show?
More than 90% of food traders at the Show are Victorian, and this year more than 40% of the offering is new in 2026.
The Bianco Italian Piazza will bring handmade pasta to a brand-new dining destination, and the Farmer’s BBQ serves a $3.50 sausage sizzle daily from 11am to 2pm to support their charity partner, Farm Angels. Every trader will feature at least one item under $10, and the famous Country Women’s Association tea rooms are celebrating 90 years at the Show this year.
The Show also launched a brand-new initiative this year called Best Bites, where vendors were challenged to put forward their most quirky creations, with just five sweet and five savoury options making the cut. Winners include the Dragon Express Honey Chick Cup, EL's Fried Chicken Chicken and Waffle Wand, and Toastie House's Cereal-ously Good Toastie.
Melbourne Royal Show 2026 Rides And Showbags
With three new additions in 2026, there are 59 rides to explore across three carnival precincts. The newcomers (Surf Kombi Van, No.1 Breakdance, and The Void) are joined by 20 rides priced under $8 and carnival games from just 50 cents.
The Showbag Pavilion is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and houses more than 400 bags. They start from just $5, with 80 options under $10—including the ever-popular Bertie Beetle.
Melbourne Royal Show 2026 Tickets And Prices
-
Children: from $27 (under 4 is free)
-
Adults: from $52
-
Concession: from $37.50
-
Family: from $105
-
Seniors Day (Tuesday 29 September): $27
-
New for 2026: the Six-Seven ticket gets you afternoon entry with a $50 ride pass, for just $67
Grab your tickets and check out the full daily schedule here.
You might also like:
Imagery: Melbourne Royal Show | Supplied and Facebook