Show season close to kicking off for 2026/27

Three agricultural shows have cancelled their poultry sections and removed birds from their animal nurseries as a precaution against bird flu and more are expected to follow as the show season kicks off in Tasmania.

Longford, Scottsdale and Huon have made the call early as the virus slowly creeps into the state.

Burnie Show is first on the 2026/27 calendar on October 2 and 3 and a full schedule of 20 rural shows fill out the card.

The exception is Royal Launceston Show, which has cancelled this year’s event for the third consecutive year due to financial difficulties and the lack of a suitable venue after holding it at Quercus Rural Youth Park in 2022 and 2023.

At this stage there will also be no Launceston Show in 2027 with the Royal National Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Tasmania committee struggling to pick up the pieces after the hiatus and an exodus of paid workers.

The remaining volunteers are still hopeful of resolving its issues, including the threat of losing its federal charity status due to mandatory annual financial statements not being submitted.

Ironically the 153-year-old event still has a public holiday mandated for Thursday, October 7 while the ever-popular Agfest draws thousands on weekdays as well as the Saturday and its patrons from around the state long for some time off work to attend.

Tasmanian Agricultural Shows secretary Brian Bennett said ag shows are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, event that happens in some towns and they’re invaluable to draw people together and reconnect people with country life.

“Some of the growing areas are miniature goats, alpacas, old machinery displays and the cottage industry sections are still very popular,” he said.

“Most shows are going well and attracting good numbers of exhibits and patrons, and while Launceston Show’s future is uncertain I know that Devonport is confident it can make a comeback.

“Hobart Show is still a bit disjointed while the showgrounds are being redeveloped but that’s going to be really special next year when it’s all back on site.”

Agricultural shows in Tasmania are nothing if not resilient - clinging to tradition while doing their best to remain vibrant and relevant to the next generation.

Burnie Show has also had its fair share of site relocation challenges after outgrowing the Wivenhoe Showgrounds home.

Not only was the historic grounds too small, because it was shared with football the popular horse events were barred. 

The Burnie Agricultural and Pastoral Society resolved the situation by acquiring a permanent 40-hectare site off the Ridgley Highway, known as the Agriplex in Romaine, to secure its long-term future.

The centenary event and first at the new venue in 2019 might have relied on a circus tent to host its home industries, but it was a resounding success and continues to thrive. 

A disjointed Royal Hobart Show will press on this year at various venues, with some sections returning to the showground, which is still under redevelopment.

Organisers at country shows are still conscious of the broader economic climate and difficulty retaining volunteers, which were contributing factors that led to the demise of the Devonport Show.

Driven by high local engagement and strong youth leadership many country shows are thriving and have experienced record crowds in recent years, while others have yet to find their feet in a world of farming disconnect, digital entertainment and high cost of living.

Regional and rural staples such as Longford, Westbury, Bream Creek and Scottsdale shows continue to draw solid crowds and active participation with firm favourites such as machinery displays, livestock judging and home industries part and parcel of the showcase of rural life.

Adding free children's entertainment, music in the evening, school-based classes and new competitions has kept young people interested.

Brighton and Huon excel at catering for all ages and promoting local produce and heritage skills.

Woodchopping, equestrian events and sideshow alley still draw people in droves with fun events like sheep racing, hobby horse contests, sheaf tossing, dog high jumping and ute competitions adding to the atmosphere.

Campbell Town and Longford have sheep and wool, reflecting their proud regional strengths, at their core.

Scottsdale stands on its cattle country and vegetable production, while Circular Head promotes the area’s heritage and traditions from the Edith Creek working bullock team, Clydesdale wagon rides, and chainsaw sculpting to shearing and blacksmithing.

The woodchopping action at Exeter Show is legendary and Chudleigh Show probably has more animals than people on the grounds despite the whole district turning out.

Key to viability for every show is visitation from the public and support in entering the categories that in turn draw attention so get along when you can.

The 2026/27 agricultural shows are:

• Burnie: Friday, October 2 –  Saturday 3, 2026
• Launceston Royal: Cancelled (public holiday Thursday, October 7)
• Flinders Island Show: Friday, October 16, 2026
• Longford: Saturday, October 17, 2026
• Hobart Royal: Wednesday October 22 – Saturday, October 24
• Sheffield Show: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Westbury Agricultural Show: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Brighton Show: Sunday, November 8, 2026
• Scottsdale: Friday, November 13 –Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Huon: Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Deloraine: Saturday, November 21
• Circular Head: Saturday, November 28
• Bushy Park Show: Saturday, February 20, 2027
• Chudleigh Show: Saturday, February 20, 2027
• Exeter Show: Saturday, February 27, 2027
• King Island Show: Tuesday, March 2, 2027
• Hamilton Show: Saturday, March 13, 2027
• Wynyard Show: Saturday, March 13, 2027
• Bream Creek Show: Saturday, March 20, 2027
• Agfest (Carrick): Thursday, May 6 – Saturday, May 8, 2027
• Campbell Town Show: Friday, May 28 – Saturday, May 29, 2027