The much-loved Sydney Royal Easter Show starts tomorrow, bringing a big dose of country charm into the city. This year, the show puts a new spotlight on fun after dark, and we got a sneak peek at what’s in store.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show returns this week, ready to kick off the long weekend and bring the fun (and showbags!) right through the NSW school holidays. The event, which attracts an average of roughly 900,000 people each year, is switching things up this edition, expanding its nighttime entertainment options with a new illuminated parade, a “bigger-than-ever” live music precinct and glowing light installations.
We attended the first-ever Easter Show After Dark preview to see whether a late-night visit to the Easter Show is worth it, or if it’s better to stick to a daytime adventure.
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A new thrill ride makes its debut
Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. Although it’s not exclusively an after-dark experience, this new ride, Lunarix, is debuting at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Swinging 25 metres high and spinning in a triple twist through 360 degrees, the Lunarix isn’t for those prone to motion sickness. However, you will get an awesome view of Sydney and the Royal Easter Show before you plunge towards the ground – if that’s any consolation.
The carnival rides at the Royal Easter Show run until 9:30pm, so if you do opt to go later, you’ll still be able to try them out. You can buy an Easter Show Fun Pass and load it with credit, with credits costing the following amount:
- Single credits: $1.20
- 30 credits: $36
- 60 credits: $68 (save $4.00)
- 90 credits: $93 (save $15.00
One ride on the Lunarix costs 16 credits, making it one of the more credit-draining rides at the show. In comparison, the iconic Skymaster Ferris Wheel costs eight credits, so if you’re not a big thrillseeker and don’t want to spend all your credits, maybe opt for this one.
The “Magic After Dark” Street Parade lights up the Showground
Who wouldn’t want to watch a parade of towering tractors pulling 70 glowing animal lanterns, as dancers and singers perform in dazzling costumes around them?
It’s a Mardi Gras meets Vivid meets Royal Easter Show occasion, as the dancers emerge with glowing wings and all the sequins you could dream of. They perform their lively choreography as live singers belt out tunes from the top of the moving tractors. The parades are always a highlight of the Royal Easter Show experience for me, and this has been elevated with the glowing after-dark costumes and lanterns.
The Night Parade will take place at 6:30pm each evening.
Honky Tonk precinct returns with a new BBQ and shows until 10:30pm
The Honky Tonk precinct is always popular with Sydney Royal Easter Show attendees, and this year they’re bringing a brand-new BBQ hangout to the area.
Inspired by the streetscapes of Nashville, the Honky Tonk BBQ will serve up huge racks of ribs, pulled-pork burgers, loaded fries, and beef brisket. I tried some of the meat on offer, and can confirm it’s smoky and juicy, with the pork neck spit on a stick being my top choice. It will set you back $25 for one skewer, but it is a huge serving, and you can add chips and a drink to that for $10 extra.
The live music experience at the Honky Tonk precinct is also a huge part of the Show’s push to become an after-dark destination. Performances will run from 10:30am right through to 10:30pm daily. There’s also a bar, plus talk of line dancing events, so make sure to head to Honky Tonk if you want to enjoy craft drinks and 80s flair.
Jamison Station glows after dark
One of the highlights of the Royal Easter Show is the Jamison Station, where showgoers can meet animals, milk cows, ride mini tractors, and even try their hand at milking a cow.
This year, the “working farm” will be open until 9:30pm, lit up by glowing animal sculptures and light installations. We even met some baby goats who had travelled down from Queensland. Note that not all of the animal experiences continue until 9:30pm, but some of the animals do stay there overnight, so there will be lots of chances to meet some furry friends in the evening.
The Riverina Fresh Milking Barn is open at various times throughout the morning and the afternoon of the show, but will be closed in the evening, with the last opportunity to milk a cow varying each day but usually ending at 4:30pm-5:30pm.
When is the best time to go to the Show?
Sydney Royal Easter Show’s after-dark additions make going later a lot more appealing, especially for those who have visited the show before and are looking for something new to enjoy.
My advice would be to head to the show at around 4pm. This way, you’ll miss the busiest time of day (which is usually between 11am and 2pm) and you’ll still be able to do and see all the best Sydney Royal Easter Show activities. The only thing you might be a bit late for is the dog shows in the Advance Dog Pavilion, which runs until 5pm. If this is on your Easter Show bucketlist, either go earlier or make a beeline for the Pavilion when you first arrive.
Arriving at 4pm means you won’t have to worry about overheating and reapplying sunscreen, and the ride queues should be shorter. You will also be able to check out all the new after-dark additions, whether you’re jamming to country music at Honky Tonk or enjoying the Light Parade.
A later arrival will also mean you’ll have the stamina to make it through to the nightly fireworks display at 8:50pm. If you arrive in the morning or even midday, you might struggle to make it through to the evening, especially if you have little ones with you who have been on the rides and meeting exciting animals all day.
So our advice? Embrace the new after dark fun at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and think about heading over a bit later this year.
Which ticket should you buy?
Royal Sydney Easter Show offers discounted entry to the show from 4pm with the After 4pm passes. This also includes same-day return public transport, plus access to the ENGIE Stadium to enjoy any evening entertainment.
An After 4pm pass to the 2026 Royal Easter Show offers significant savings, with adult tickets costing $39 and child tickets $18. A family pass costs $95 for two adults and two children. Early bird show prices cost $47 for adults, $29 for children, and $125 for a family pass.
But these tickets are only available for purchase until 11:59 pm on April 1, so make sure to grab yours now by clicking here.
For more budget-friendly Easter events and tips, click here.
