The Easter Show runs from Thursday 25 to Monday 29 March 2027 at Auckland Showgrounds in Epsom. It mixes the show's farming roots (Farmworld animals, Old MacDonald's Farmyard and a full sheepdog trial competition) with Mahon's carnival rides, free BMX, FMX and strongman shows in the Action Arena, an art show, an exhibitor market and 35 food vendors. The carnival opens 6 pm to 10 pm on the Thursday, then 10 am to 10 pm daily.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Thursday 25 to Monday 29 March 2027 (Easter weekend)
- Where
- Auckland Showgrounds, Epsom
- Carnival hours
- 6 pm to 10 pm on 25 March; 10 am to 10 pm from 26 to 29 March
- Tickets
- Gate tickets online; carnival Super Pass or Family Pack of 110 ride coupons
- Included free
- Action Arena shows, Farmworld, sheepdog trials and the Art Show
- Food
- 35 vendors and 20 cuisines in the Taste of Cultures zones
What it is
The Easter Show began as an agricultural event in 1843 to support Auckland’s farming community, and it still “brings the country to the city” every Easter. The 2027 show runs from Thursday 25 to Monday 29 March at Auckland Showgrounds in Epsom, with all the familiar attractions plus new additions.
What to expect
Carnival. Mahon’s Amusements, who have been running rides for Kiwis for more than 70 years, fill a dedicated carnival zone with high-adrenaline rides, family rides and classic sideshows. Rides run from 6 pm to 10 pm on 25 March and 10 am to 10 pm from 26 to 29 March.
Action Arena. Free with entry, the Action Arena has BMX tricks and Levi Sherwood’s freestyle motocross team (William Pluck, Carlos Hanlon, Seth Henson and Ryder Murray) launching big jumps. Strongman athletes take on Atlas Stones and truck pulls on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March. The full schedule is coming.
Farmworld and sheepdog trials. Meet farm animals in Farmworld and Old MacDonald’s Farmyard, watch out for roaming goats, and catch the full sheepdog trial competition on the Village Green, one of the most respected trophies in New Zealand trialling.
Art Show. The Auckland A&P Association’s Art Show returns to the Logan Campbell Centre with artwork for sale, live glassblowing on Saturday and Sunday, live music and a children’s painting area.
Food and shopping. Taste of Cultures has about 35 food vendors and 20 cuisines, from American barbecue to Polynesian food and Asian street food, open into the evening. The exhibitor market sells crafts, homewares, gifts and local products.
Who it suits
Families above all: the mix of animals, free shows and rides fills a whole day. Teenagers will head for the big rides and the FMX.
Tickets and rides
Buy gate tickets online. Carnival rides are extra: choose a Super Pass for unlimited rides during the evening carnival or a Family Pack of 110 coupons, or buy coupons at booths on the day.
Getting there
Auckland Showgrounds is on Green Lane West in Epsom, near the Greenlane and Ellerslie train stations. Easter traffic is heavy, so public transport is easier than driving.
Where to stay
Central Auckland, Newmarket and Epsom are all close. Our things to do in Auckland guide covers the city.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a jacket for the evening, plus a plan for which rides the kids want.
Make a trip of it
Easter is a long weekend in New Zealand, and Good Friday and Easter Sunday have some trading restrictions, so book meals ahead. See our things to do in Auckland guide for more.
FAQ
When is the Easter Show 2027?
Are rides included in the ticket?
What time does it open?
When is the strongman competition?
Is it the Royal Easter Show?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
