EKKA Fireworks: Everything You Need to Know!

EKKA fireworks! As the sun sets over Brisbane the EKKA excitement ramps up with a HUGE 1.5 hour EkkaNITES program sure to delight families. EKKA fireworks are the grand finale to a jam-packed day at EKKA pulling huge crowds year after year because they really are some of the best fireworks in Brisbane. We’ve often carried sleepy littles ones into the stands just to catch a glimpse of the magic.

Disclaimer: This article is not yet updated with the latest Ekka information for 2024. When it is, we will let you know! (Especially if you sign up to our emails!) 😉

Families Magazine are the recognised experts in providing trustworthy Ekka resources, as evidenced in our multitude of Channel 9 News appearances showing you how to save at the Ekka!

Read on for details of when the 2023 EKKA fireworks are on and the best spots to see them!

EKKA fireworks show details

The 2023 EKKA will see the Main Arena come alive EVERY NIGHT of the show from 6:30pm with the spectacular night show EkkaNITES. This year’s theme is ‘imagine’. According to organisers, ‘Imagination’ is the soil that brings a dream to life. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it and if you can dream it, you can become it. We can’t wait to see how they bring this theme to life on the night because who doesn’t need a healthy dose of positivity after a long (and fun!) day at one of Brisbane’s biggest events.

Is it worth keeping the kids up late for the Ekka fireworks?

Yes! Previous shows have seen fireworks launched from more than 200 positions around the main arena from static positions on the ground, moving platforms (including RC cars, quad bikes, motorbikes, kites), and a 40-metre-high crane. This makes the Ekka home to one of the biggest fireworks displays in Australia! Plus, each night the Pyrotechnicians generally use:

• 3 tonnes+ of fireworks
• 40,000+ individual pyrotechnic effects
• 5,000+ litres of gas flame effects
• 30+km of electrical wiring
• 94 computer firing controllers
• 27 units of shooting flame

EkkaNITES program

The night show will be hosted by Big Brother Farmer Dave and seasoned show ring announcer Lyndsey Douglas. Ekka NITES boasts an action-packed program featuring:

• 6:30pm – 6:45pm | EkkaNITES Opening including Acknowledgement of Country & Australian Anthem performed by Brisbane based singer songwriter and proud South Sea and Birri Gubba descendant, Waveney Yass,o.
• 6:45pm – 6:55pm | Queensland Harness Racing presented by Racing Queensland
• 7:00pm – 7:15pm | Battle in the Saddle presented by popular horse trainer Dave Manchon
• 7:15pm – 7:20pm | Chariot Motorbike Racing with the Flair Action Sports Race Team
• 7:20pm – 7:30pm | V8 Ute Challenge driven by Trackskill Movie Stunt Drivers
• 7:30pm – 7:40pm | Wheels of Steel performed by The International Circus Champions
• 7:40pm – 7:50pm | Freestyle Motocross with the Airtime Avengers
• 7:50pm – 8:00pm | Fireworks Spectacular – Imagine! A stunning fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
• 8:00pm – 8:20pm | Meet the shows Stars under the Stars

The EKKA fireworks spectacular soundtrack is choregraphed and mixed with a DJ feel to enhance the party atmosphere. The 2023 show will be produced by the incredible team at Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics Displays Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics, world leaders in pyrotechnics & SFX. Christian and Andrew Howard represent the fourth generation of the Howard family who have been honoured to work with the Ekka to provide the pyrotechnics and special effects.

What time are the fireworks at the Ekka?

Ekka fireworks are on every night of the show which runs from 12-20 August 2023. The official 2023 Ekka fireworks times are 7:50pm-8:00pm! We love that it’s a jaw dropping 10 minutes of ooohhhhs and ahhhhs and then we’re finished at 8:00pm and ready to head home after a HUGE day!

With that said, if you do hang around after the fireworks, you can meet your favourite stars from the show as they make their way around the edge of the Main Arena signing autographs and of course, posing for selfies.

Families Magazine Tip: Head in later to the Ekka so it’s easier for the kids to stay up for the fireworks.

Families Magazine Tip: Attention all EKKA-goers! Secure Parking has you covered with convenient parking close to Brisbane Showgrounds. Super EKKA-Nomical $10 night parking. Book early online at Secure Parking.

Where can I see Ekka fireworks?

Is there anything more magical than the skies lighting up above the historic showground stands at our Royal Show? We simply love the location of the fireworks in the Main Arena that by day hosts a number of classic country show style events such as the Horses Showjumping Competition and Cattle Judging. Then at night, the Main Arena transforms into a full stadium experience with fireworks, stunt shows and more!

The Main Arena is surrounded by several stands with a total seating capacity of 20,526. Standing room for an additional 4,964 people brings the grounds capacity to 25,490. Interestingly, the oldest (and our most favourite) stand at the ground is The John McDonald Stand and it was built in 1906. We love sitting in the stands as it can give some much needed protection from the westerly winds that whip up around Ekka time each year.

What is the best day to see the Ekka fireworks?

The busiest day at the Ekka each year is often the Wednesday, when the whole of Brisbane has a public holiday for People’s Day at the Ekka. On this day, around 50,000+ people make their way to Brisbane Showgrounds. You get where we’re going here? If you want to secure a seat on the Wednesday, make sure you head to the Main Arena well ahead of fireworks time!

Best viewing spots for EKKA fireworks

Image credit: Full Throttle Photograhy for this incredible photo and the featured image for this post.

Without a doubt, the best place to see the fireworks is from within the Main Arena. When we are running late from having too much fun in Sideshow Alley and are unable to get a seat, we have been able to see the huge fireworks display from outside the arena. However, the great news is People’s Day (Wednesday 16th August 2023) is the only night you are likely to struggle to find a seat.

Fireworks disability access

There are two dedicated Main Arena viewing areas for people in a wheelchair:

1. Near Heritage Hill along Gregory Terrace
2. Between Ernest Baynes Stand and Members Stand

EKKA fireworks entry requirements

We love that entry into the fireworks is included in your Ekka ticket plus the incredible V8 Ute Challenge, Freestyle Motocross, Circus performance and more. This is one of the things that impresses us about the Ekka each year. They really do put a lot of ‘FREE’ things into the show so families can make the most of the entry fee. Plus, children 4 and under enter the Ekka for FREE with an accompanying paid ticket. You do need to book a FREE ticket though for little ones.

Want cheap EKKA tickets? We know how to get them! Read our EKKA Discounts article to find out more.

EKKA fireworks safety

Watching the fireworks isn’t without risks however, the Ekka does its best to increase safety by hiring experts with a proven track record to operate the fireworks each year. Here are some of our tips to increase your safety:

• Arrive early before the EkkaNites program kicks off at 6:30pm and get a seat in one of the stands. This will help give you a pick of the seating options and the opportunity to keep a bit of distance between you and the area where the fireworks are launched.
• For little ones and those sensitive to noise, consider bringing along noise cancelling headphones.
• With the flame elements and inevitable smoke, you may want to bring a mask and potentially some saline/eye drops particularly if you know a member of your family is prone to having a reaction.
• Reduce the chances of catching a chill by bringing a small blanket to keep your family warm against the westerly winds. We always pack a picnic blanket to keep the seats warm too.
• Lastly, bring bottled water and plenty of snacks. The Ekka often has people selling icecreams and snacks around the Main Arena but we’ve found it hard to flag them down on busy nights. Hangry and tired kids are not a fun combo so we recommend packing ahead or loading up before you head in to grab your seats.

We’ve written an overview of how to keep your family safe at the Ekka this year. Read our Tips To Stay Safe at the Ekka.

Want to watch the fireworks but can’t make it to the Ekka?

We understand there are a number of things that may keep you away from this years show but that doesn’t mean you have to miss the fireworks. Here are some options suggested by our photography friends. Let us know in the comments if you’ve got some great spots we can add!

• The walkway across Bowen Bridge Road (Above Sideshow Alley)
• Bowen Park, O’Connell Tce, Brookes St
• Eildon Hill Reservoir in Windsor/Wilston
• Mt Cootha

Looking for more EKKA fun?

• Make sure you read our detailed EKKA Guide so you know everything we know about making the most of your EKKA experience!
• Find out where to find the best parking spot in our EKKA parking wrap-up.
• We’ve spent hours pouring over all the Ekka Showbags to help you make the BEST choices. Read our Ekka Showbag Guide.
• EKKA for toddlers can be amazing offering new experiences, cute animals, and plenty of FUN for Queensland’s youngest residents! Read our post detailing the best things at Ekka for Toddlers.
• Ekka food has evolved over the years from the classic carnival fare to include a selection of gourmet foodie experiences. Here’s our pick of the Top 5 BEST Eats at Ekka!