Easter Show on a budget: How to score $5 Showbags and $18 tickets for the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show

The Sydney Royal Easter Show opens in three sleeps' time, and will run from April 2 to 13 – but with the building excitement comes real concerns about the price.

We are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis, and even the most frugal of families face paying hundreds for a single day out at the annual event.

Of course the easiest way to save is to simply not go. When my kids were younger I told them the show wasn't on one year because there was no way we could afford it.

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Then there are all the local Easter show events like the Camden Show in New South Wales. You can find out about your Easter show events near you on your local council website – they tend to be more affordable, but not always.

But if you simply must go to the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year – and I am one of those who is determined to attend – there are plenty of ways you can save.

But you have to act fast, because some of the discounts on offer end the moment the show open.

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Here's how you can save at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Purchase your tickets early

If you purchase your tickets online before the show opens, you can access significant savings.

Family passes, for two adults and two children, are selling for $125, which is 15 per cent off.

Adult tickets are selling for $46, kids tickets are $29, and these are also cheaper than what you will pay at the gate.

These prices are only available online until midnight the day before the show opens.

Children aged three gain entry to the show for free.

Catch public transport

Ticket holders can use public transport for free to and from the show on the same day as your ticketed entry, which helps families save even further. Extra trains and buses will be running for the duration of the show.

There are also Special express trains to Olympic Park run from Central and Western line stations.

For those who prefer to drive to the show you will need to pay for parking. It tends to book out quickly and you will need to book the day before the show. It costs $35 to park at the show for the day.

Visit the show after 4pm

Show tickets cost less after 4pm, with families paying $95. This price is only available strictly online before the show starts on April 2.

Adult tickets after 4pm will cost $39, and kids entry is $18.

And those who attend after dark will be treated to a fireworks display at ENGIE Stadium at 8.50pm ahead of the show closing at 9pm.

Arrive early on the first day for free rides pass

The first 6,000 showgoers who arrive on day one between 10am and 2pm will be able to access a free rides pass which entitles them to free unlimited rides for the day, so it pays to arrive early.

This will come in the form of a wrist band.

The best way to enjoy rides is to purchase a Carnival Fun Pass which allows visitors to purchase credits and 'tap and play' across rides and games via the app or card.

Bring your own food and drinks

Families are more than welcome to bring their own food and drinks to the show to help them save. Sydney Royal Easter Show food is a lot of fun, but it can be expensive.

A great idea is to pack your food, snacks, and drinks for the day, and choose one fun treat like chips on a stick. Or you can choose some loaded fries or a sweet treat to share.

Also the Big Bush BBQ will offer a sausage and water for $5.

Plan your day around free events

There are plenty of free events at the Sydney Royal Easter Show including animal petting zoos, agricultural demonstrations, and evening entertainment like fireworks.

Key free attractions include the Kids Street Dino Dig, daily live performances, and roaming street theatre as well as daily parades. The official show guide is available online or via the app and you can create a MyShow account and plan your perfect day by tagging your favourite attractions and experiences.

Farmers, rural, and regional families will showcase many of their skills in the form of displays and competitions. There is 12 hours of entertainment, competitions, exhibits, and activities that run across the day once you're through the gate.

After dark there are also free musical performances and evening entertainment.

Choose your show bags ahead of time

You can check out the full range of show bags using the website or app. A great way to save is to sit down with your kids and choose your show bags before hand, sticking to a decided budget.

I used to let my kids choose one expensive one, and one affordable one only.

This year there are 88 show bags that cost $10 and under.

Showbags range from $5 – $38, with an average price of $24.

Wait until the final day

The last day of the show is traditionally Kid's Day which this year falls on April 13.

Families can take advantage of incredible deals including $18 tickets for children and 2-for-1 rides.

You may also be able to purchase show bags, food and drinks at lower prices of this day.

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