Entertainment
18 June, 2026
On with the 111th show
THE 111th annual Innisfail and District Show is gearing up for two massive days of entertainment on 9-10 July, with fireworks, live music, new attractions and the ever popular sideshow alley set to draw crowds from across the region.
One of this year’s biggest additions is the Outback Jack’s Stockman Show, featuring horsemanship, working sheep dog demonstration and whip cracking on Thursday night. Pavilion 1 will also host a new Engineers Australia interactive science zone, giving youngsters a hands on experience with science activities.
Crowds will again pack the arena for the Australian Bananas and Backpacker Banana Packing championships, including the introduction of the Greg Vuleta Memorial hand packing speed race, held in honour of the much loved show stalwart and radio personality.
Showgoers can also try their luck in the major competition, with a two-night family stay at the Big 4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park up for grabs. Visitors simply collect a stamp map at the gate, visit the three marked points, and drop their completed entry at the poultry pavilion before Friday night’s fireworks.
Live music will keep the atmosphere buzzing, with Terrant and Riff Raff performing Thursday and Alisa Q on Friday from 4.30pm-8.30pm.
A spectacular fireworks display by Xplosive Art will light up the sky at approximately 8.30pm on both evenings.
The popular Waste to Art section returns to Pavilion 3 in partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, encouraging entrants to transform discarded materials into creative artworks, which will sit alongside a display of vintage and hot rod cars.
Free buses will run every half hour on Thursday (5pm-10pm) and Friday (3pm-10pm), with pickups from King George Park, Central Arcade and Kmart. Gates open at 1pm Thursday and 9am Friday.
Pre-purchased deals are available, including the Showmen’s Guild sideshow bonus dollars 30 tickets for $25 (cash only) are on sale until 12pm on 9 July at Larsen’s Newsagency and Jill’s Stationery or until sold out. A $40 family pass (two adults, two children and a car pass for both days) is available online, or from the Show office until 1pm on 9 July.
Entry fees are $20 for adults, $10 for aged/veterans/disabled/pensioners (ID required), $8 for children aged 5-15 and free for children under five. Kids under 15 receive free entry on Thursday. Car parking is $2.
Schedules and entry forms are available at local outlets including Larsen’s NewsXpress, Jill’s Stationery, Innisfail Stockfeed & Vet Lines, Mourilyan Post Office and Pursehouse Rural, or online at www.innisfailshow.com.au. The show society has also secured a state government sports and recreation grant for new ring lights in the equestrian ring, to be installed by 30 June and a Queensland Country Bank grant to build 20 new horse holding pens.
The Innisfail Show office is open 17-19 June from 10am-2.30pm, and from 23 June - 8 July it will operate 10am-5pm.
Enquiries: 4061 3051 or innisfailshow@gmail.com.
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