Kiama Show 2027 dates, tickets and what's on at the showground

Mark the Kiama Show 2027 dates

The Kiama Show Society has set the 179th Kiama Show for Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January 2027. It is a two-day agricultural show held every January at Kiama Showground, at the eastern end of Bong Bong Street in the centre of town.

The 2027 program and gate hours have not been released yet. Kiama Council publishes the official times on its Kiama Show event page closer to the date, and the society posts updates on kiamashow.com.au and its Facebook page. Check before you go.

Kiama Council also lists the showground as closed for renovation works and recovery until 15 January 2027, a week before the show. That closure covers everyday use of the grounds, not the show dates.

Buy tickets or a two-day membership pass

There are two ways in. Day tickets go on sale online from 1 January 2027 through the show's website, and you can also pay at the gate on either day. The society has not published 2027 day ticket prices yet, so look on kiamashow.com.au in the new year.

If you plan to go both days, or you are bringing a family, look at membership first. Every Kiama Show Society membership includes a two-day show pass, and members also get free Pavilion entries, the schedule in advance and discounts on the society's other events, such as Trivia Night. The society lists these 2027 prices:

Memberships are sold online only, through Showday Online, and close at 11.59pm on 31 December 2026. Armbands are posted in late December or early January. If you didn't give a postal address, collect yours from the Secretary's office at The Pavilion on Wednesday 20 January 2027, between 10am and 4pm. Prices can change, so check before you buy.

See the cattle, horses and woodchop

The Kiama Show is a working agricultural show first. The society lists beef cattle, dairy cattle and horse events, plus showjumping in the main ring. The cattle and horse judging is where the show's farming roots are easiest to see.

Woodchop is on the program too, so check the times and get a spot near the arena early. Kiama Council's event page also lists interactive games and activities across the grounds.

The society describes the showground as one of the most picturesque in Australia. It sits on Church Point beside Surf Beach, with the Pacific Ocean on three sides, views north to the Kiama Blowhole, and Norfolk Island pines planted in 1898 along the eastern side. Between events, walk to the edge of the grounds and look out over the water.

Browse the Pavilion exhibits

The Pavilion is the indoor heart of the show, with about 1,700 competition categories. Walking the exhibits is a good way to spend an hour out of the sun, and it shows off the work of local entrants.

The society says there are events to enter at any age and any skill level. Entries go through the show schedule, which the society publishes on its Get Involved and Enter page, and members get free Pavilion entries. For younger kids, the 2027 colouring competition is open now: entries close on 20 December 2026, with drop-off points at Kiama Pharmacy, Butchers Nook Kiama, The Valley Cafe Jamberoo and IGA Gerringong.

The current Pavilion opened in 2009 and hosted its first show in 2010. Outside show time it is Kiama's function and events venue, run by Kiama Council.

Bring the kids for rides, the Pet Show and fireworks

For families, the show has the classic mix. Kiama Council lists sideshow alley and the fireworks spectacular, and the society's own flyer for 2027 promises rides, showbags and animals. Food vendors and stallholders trade at the show each year.

The Family Fun Afternoon is the part kids talk about afterwards. The society lists billy cart races, a gumboot toss, a Pet Show and camel races, and the events are open to all ages and skill levels. Check the program for the day and time, and contact the society about entering your pet, because the show has not published its rules for dogs on the grounds.

In 2026 the Saturday ran until 9pm, later than the Friday, which suits a picnic dinner and fireworks. Kiama Council publishes the exact times before each show. For more ideas over the same weekend, see our guide to things to do in Kiama with kids.

Catch the train, or park and walk

The train is the easiest way in. From Kiama station, turn left as you exit, then left again into Bong Bong Street after about 10 metres. The showground gates are a short walk along Bong Bong Street, about 300 metres from the station. Plan your trip on Transport NSW.

By car, leave the Princes Highway (A1) and follow the signs into Kiama. Coming from the south, drive along Manning Street to Terralong Street; coming from the north, take Terralong Street to Manning Street. From there, signs for "The Kiama Show Parking" direct traffic to parking inside the showgrounds. You can also park in town and walk. See our Kiama parking guide for more on parking in town.

Kiama Council closes sections of Terralong and Bong Bong streets next to the showground during the show for pedestrian safety, and the EV chargers at The Pavilion are unavailable. Allow extra time, especially on Saturday evening.

Know the history behind the 179th show

The Kiama Show Society was formed on 24 November 1848, holding its first meeting at the Fitzroy Inn, where Michael Hindmarsh was made chairman. The first show was held at the Fitzroy Inn in February 1849. That makes it one of the five oldest agricultural show societies still running in Australia, and 11 years older than the Municipality of Kiama, proclaimed in 1859.

The show moved to Blowhole Point in 1877 and to an 11-acre site at Long Brush in 1886, before the first show at Church Point in 1897. The site was dedicated for public recreation and showground use in 1908. The old pavilion burned down in 1938, a new one opened in 1966, and the current Pavilion followed in 2009. The Kiama Showgirl Competition has run since 1963.

The show is still run by volunteers, led by a committee of about 50 farmers, business people, teachers, students and retirees. You don't have to be a member to volunteer, and stallholder applications are open.

Make a weekend of the show in Kiama

The showground sits in the middle of Kiama's sights. The Kiama Blowhole and Kiama Lighthouse are just north on Blowhole Point, Surf Beach is right beside the grounds, and Terralong Street's cafes and restaurants are a short walk away.

Late January is the height of summer, so pack hats, sunscreen and water, and plan a swim. Our Kiama beaches guide and rock pools guide cover where to cool off. For everything else on the calendar, see Kiama events.

Stay close to the showground

Show weekend falls in peak summer, so book early. From Kiama Ridge Waters you can leave the car in the garage and walk to the show in about 25 minutes (2.1 km), or drive there in a few minutes. Each of our three-bedroom apartments at 2 Surfleet Place sleeps six, with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a covered balcony and secure parking for two cars. Easts Beach is a 15-minute walk the other way.

Most of our apartments welcome pets (a $200 cleaning fee applies). Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am. See our family accommodation in Kiama, group stays for two families and pet-friendly apartments, or check availability for show weekend. If you are still comparing, read where to stay in Kiama.