Royal Hobart Show 2027

Royal Hobart Show Day is a regional holiday in southern Tasmania, held for the Royal Hobart Show. It applies in Hobart and the area south of and including Oatlands and Swansea, plus a few Central Highlands settlements. It is not a statewide public holiday, and the West Coast is excluded. The day falls on the Thursday before the fourth Saturday in October. In 2027 it is Thursday 21 October, and in 2028 it is Thursday 26 October.

Shops, schools and work

Royal Hobart Show Day is not a public holiday across Tasmania, and many people in the south still work, depending on their award or agreement. Where the day is observed, some offices and businesses close, while shops, hospitality and public transport typically operate. Traffic and buses around Glenorchy are usually busy during the show. Because the holiday falls on a Thursday, some people take the Friday as leave for a four-day break. The working days calculator and the regional public holidays page show how the day fits into the Tasmanian calendar.

History

The Royal Hobart Show is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania. Like the royal shows in other capitals, it began as a farming exhibition where breeders and growers showed livestock, produce and equipment, and judges awarded prizes. It is held at the Royal Hobart Showground in Glenorchy, in Hobart's northern suburbs, over several days in late October.

A local holiday on the main show day allowed workers and school-age children in the south to attend. Tasmania sets its statutory holidays under the Statutory Holidays Act 2000, but show days are local arrangements rather than statewide holidays. WorkSafe Tasmania lists Royal Hobart Show Day with a defined area covering the south of the state and several Central Highlands settlements. Other parts of Tasmania have their own local show days, such as the one for the Royal Launceston Show.

How Australians spend the day

The show runs over several days, and the Thursday holiday gives many families in the south a free weekday to attend. Livestock judging covers cattle, sheep, poultry and dogs, and equestrian events are held in the main arena. Woodchopping, a long-standing Tasmanian competition, draws crowds at the showground. Pavilions display cookery, crafts, flowers and produce entered in competitions. Sideshow alley has rides and games, and showbags are a common purchase for children.

Facts

• The day falls on the Thursday before the fourth Saturday in October, so it always lands between 20 and 26 October.
• The holiday area covers Tasmania south of and including Oatlands and Swansea, including Hobart, plus Bronte Park, Strathgordon, Tarraleah and Wayatinah.
• The West Coast of Tasmania is excluded from the Royal Hobart Show holiday.
• Southern Tasmania also has Royal Hobart Regatta Day in February, while areas that do not observe the Regatta have Recreation Day on the first Monday in November.