Free camel rides are on offer at the 99th Royal Canberra Show. Photo: Supplied.
The countdown is on for the 99th Royal Canberra Show, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the Show’s centenary given the packed agenda.
CEO Adelina La Vita said the offerings were designed to deliver memories every year.
“We’re so happy to be offering more free, family-friendly experiences than ever before,” she said.
“The 2026 Royal Canberra Show is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting yet, and we can’t wait to welcome Canberra back for a weekend full of fun, food and unforgettable memories.”
For those looking for a sporting fix, 24 fierce female athletes will be competing in the inaugural Tri-Series Women’s Woodchopping Competition.
The battle between NSW, QLD and New Zealand’s South Island will run across two days of woodchopping, single and double sawing, and chainsaw events.
“Expect lightning-fast strikes, synchronised sawing duels, and jaw-dropping power as world champions and rising stars race the clock,” Ms La Vita said.
“We’re incredibly proud to host the first-ever Tri-Series Women’s Woodchopping Competition. These women are pioneers, and we can’t wait to see them inspire the next generation.
“Bring family and friends for food, music and festival fun while cheering on grit, skill and teamwork.”
If you have kids who need to burn some energy, the new Circus Play Space in the Kids Gaming Grounds has been designed for clowning around.
There’s also the new ASSET Construction Hire and CORMACC Remote Control Zone, where everyone can get hands-on with off-road remote-control vehicles and complete challenges using scale versions of excavators and tipper trucks.
There’s an expanded canine line-up, including the K9 Superwall in the Main Arena, Military Working Dogs demonstrations near Gate 2 and the Trick Dogs competition near Gate 4.
Catch an upgraded version of the Chicken and Fox Run 2.0 in the Main Arena, and there will also be colourful roving performers from Crack Up Entertainment delivering surprises after dark.
Free camel rides are on offer all day, every day from 9 am to 4 pm for all ages at Drover’s Square.
Ms La Vita said that bringing these opportunities to Canberrans at EPIC was not just about creating memories but about introducing a new generation to endless possibilities.
“[The Royal Canberra Show] is where kids meet their first farm animals, competitors chase lifelong dreams, and families return year after year,” she said.
“It holds our history, our heart, and the next 100 years of memories we’re yet to create.”
There are also plenty of new offerings for those who make their best memories through their taste buds.
There will be 18 show-exclusive savoury creations to try, including Kurbside Kravingz’s Loaded Kebab Dog and Saltbush Lamb Loaded Nachos, while Mushrooms on a Stick will debut with Hot Honey Sauce Mushrooms.
The Canberra Overload aren’t your ordinary packed fries. It comes with gigantic portions of bacon, brisket and pork, all topped with liquid cheese and gravy.
Ms La Vita said the food line-up was one of the most anticipated aspects of the show.
“Food lovers, arrive hungry, the Royal Canberra Show is shaping up to be our most delicious yet,” she said.
“These aren’t just snacks – they’re show-day legends in the making.”
The Ice Cream Crew will make sure everyone’s cool and happy. Photo: Supplied.
Sweet tooths haven’t been left out. Mellabella Gelato’s Rainbow Fairy Floss Sundae is one of eight exclusive desserts you can try at the show.
There’s also the Royal Ultimate Loaded Waffle, Birthday Cake Soft Serve Cone, Choccy Kinder Crunch Strawbs and Pang Pang’s Build Your Own Fruit Candy Stick.
For those wanting to add some caffeine, Highergrounds Coffee Co’s put together the Canberra Show Affogato, described as gelato plus espresso plus “the cheekiest pick me up”.
Ms La Vita said every bite was designed to bring delight.
“Bring your camera, bring your sweet tooth, and bring your friends – this is our sweetest year yet,” she said.
The Royal Canberra Show is on from 20 to 22 February at EPIC. Tickets are available from I Wanna Ticket.
