The Royal Show 2026: A New Home, A New Adventure
There’s something exciting about a new beginning, and this year the Royal Agricultural Show is turning the page on an important new chapter.
After 175 years of history, the Royal Show has a new home at the Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, and from 7–11 October 2026, the KZN Midlands will come alive with five days of agriculture, animals, machinery, outdoor adventure, competitions, food, entertainment and plenty of things to see and do.
And if you haven't been to the Royal Show before, this could be the year to discover what you've been missing.
A New Home for a Royal Tradition
The Royal Show has a remarkable history, but 2026 brings something different as the event moves to its new home at Tweedie.
For visitors, that means discovering a new showground while still experiencing the traditions that have made the Royal such an important part of the KwaZulu-Natal calendar.
From livestock and agricultural displays to machinery, equestrian events, outdoor activities and family entertainment, there's something happening around almost every corner.
One of the things we love about events like this is that you don't necessarily have to know exactly what you're coming to see. Sometimes the best part is simply arriving, grabbing a programme and seeing where the day takes you.
21 Reasons to Put the Royal Show in Your Diary
If you're wondering what awaits at the new showgrounds, there is certainly no shortage of attractions.
Visitors can experience barrel racing with Barrel Racing South Africa, get behind the wheel or enjoy the 4x4 Passenger Experience and Track, and come face-to-face with some fascinating reptiles at the Pure Venom Reptile Experience.
There will also be modern and vintage tractor parades, the Royal Rabbit Show, chainsaw racing, agricultural demonstrations, livestock competitions, arts and crafts, beekeeping and much more.
Here's a taste of what's on the programme:
Barrel Racing South Africa
4x4 Passenger Experience & Track with Key Pietermaritzburg Isuzu, Halfway Toyota Howick, Metro Car Sales and GWM
Pure Venom Reptile Experience
The KhakiBush Bull Pen
KhakiBush BraaiBoss Challenge
Royal Steers Competition
Modern & Vintage Tractor Parades
Royal Rabbit Show
Chainsaw Racing featuring Husqvarna and STIHL
Dormer National Show
Industrial & Chainsaw Outdoor Demo Area
Farmers Weekly Royal Pavilion
Stud Cattle Exhibits featuring Bonsmara, Simmentaler and Brahman
Arts & Crafts Exhibits and Demonstrations
Commercial Poultry Layer-to-Broiler Experience
Royal Fat Lamb Competition
Honey & Beekeeping Display
Ile de France, Suffolk, Dorper & Hampshire Down Regional Shows
Royal Carcass Competition & Auction
Interbreed Sheep Competition and Standard Bank Gold Cup Awards
Indigenous Veld Goat Exhibit
And that's just scratching the surface.
Something for the Whole Family
One of the great things about the Royal Show is the mix.
You can spend the morning looking at livestock and agricultural machinery, wander through the exhibition areas, watch a competition, grab something to eat and then head across to see the 4x4 action or one of the outdoor demonstrations.
For families, it's a chance to introduce the kids to agriculture, animals and the people behind the industries that put food on our tables.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is plenty to get excited about too.
And for those who simply enjoy a good day out in the Midlands, there's enough happening to keep you exploring.
Come Find KhakiBush at the Bull Pen
KhakiBush Magazine is proud to be part of this new chapter, and we'll be setting up at the KhakiBush Bull Pen.
We're bringing the magazine, our passion for the outdoors and a few things to keep the fires burning — quite literally.
Our KhakiBush BraaiBoss Challenge will form part of the weekend programme, with Prelim 3 taking place on Saturday 10 October and Prelim 4 on Sunday 11 October.
The competition is open to amateur Braai Bosses, giving local competitors the chance to represent their businesses and put their open-fire cooking skills to the test.
So, while you're exploring the Royal Show, make sure you swing past the Bull Pen, have a chat, check out what's happening and see whether you can spot the next BraaiBoss.
1 or 2 posts may be available for you to enter to become the next BraaiBoss, click the link below to enter. https://www.khakibush.com/braaibosschallenge
Agriculture, Adventure and Everything In Between
At KhakiBush, we spend a lot of our time exploring the places and people that make Africa such an incredible destination.
The Royal Show offers a slightly different kind of adventure — one where you can experience so many sides of South Africa in a single day.
There are farmers and breeders, craftsmen and businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, machinery enthusiasts, families and competitors. There are animals, engines, fires, food and plenty of stories.
There's something special about bringing all those people together.
A New Chapter Begins
The 2026 Royal Show isn't simply another event on the calendar.
It's a new home for a 175-year-old tradition.
Five days at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, bringing together agriculture, competition, animals, machinery, food, craftsmanship, outdoor adventure, education and entertainment.
Whether you're passionate about farming, crazy about 4x4s, fascinated by animals, love the outdoors or simply looking for a great family day out in the KZN Midlands, there's plenty to discover.
So put the dates in the diary, bring the family and come see what the new Royal Show is all about.
7–11 October 2026📍 Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Howick
For tickets, the full programme and more information, visit Royal Show official website.
And while you're there, come and say Howzit at the KhakiBush Bull Pen. We’ll see you at the Show!
This article is written by Craig Mitchell, KhakiBush Magazine editor, conservationist, guide, adventurer, photographer, videographer and explorer. Craig personally guides safari and adventure expeditions, sharing his passion for Africa's wild places through authentic wildlife encounters, remote landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Keywords: Royal Show 2026, Royal Agricultural Show, Royal Show Tweedie, Royal Showgrounds Tweedie, things to do in Howick, KZN Midlands events, KhakiBush Magazine, 4x4, agriculture, outdoor adventure, family events KZN