Community & Business
27 June, 2026
Thrills and fun await at annual show
THIS year’s Atherton Show will deliver something for everyone – from thrill seekers and showbag collectors to spectator events and competitions, immersive displays and exhibitions, and a spectacular fireworks show.
The 2026 Atherton Show kicks off next Monday (29 June) for two days, after the Malanda Show finishes on Sunday.
Horse shows, woodchopping, an animal nursery, working sheep dog demonstrations, whip cracking and the best of the region’s cakes, jams and preserves, floral art, orchids and potted plants, artworks, and poultry are always a drawcard for young and old.
As promised earlier this year during International Women’s Day, local women will be celebrated as part of the United Nation’s “Year of the Woman Farmer”.
Organisers are planning a showcase featuring women involved in the agricultural and horticultural side of farming within the Canopy of Innovation – a “multi-disciplinary arts and cultural” display.
With a theme of “Fields of the Future”, the show will be filled with a host of interesting displays, and a variety of trade sites and exhibitors showcasing the region’s local diversity and talent.
Organisers say entries are rolling in for the various competitions like cakes, jams and preserves, floral art, orchids and potted plants, artworks, and poultry.
There will also be an abundance of goats, horses, and cattle on show competing for accolades.
Watching the show jumping is always popular, but this year, the action will be aplenty with two performances every day from FNQ Trick Riders and Airtime FMX.
Don’t miss the centre ring Working Dog Demonstration on Tuesday with legends Frank Finger, Nathan Obst and Jonty Benny. Watch these highly skilled handlers and their incredible dogs in action, herding with skill, precision, instinct, and lightning-fast responses.
Kids will love the Fresh St Market IGA Amusements Plus Animal Farm – open all day for petting, feeding and cuddling gentle goats, fluffy lambs, cheeky calves and all their barnyard buddies.
The show teams up with Tablelands Regional Council to provide a calmer and quieter experience for showgoers, and this year is no different, with the Wonderland Glow Garden Sensory Room that has reduced noise and no flashing lights to give showgoers a reprieve from the excitement.
One or two-day passes for the Atherton Show are available now, online through the show’s website, or from the show office, Summers Newsagency and Far North Chiropractic in Mareeba and Atherton.
