Confirmed new October dates and expanded programme
The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal has confirmed that the 175th anniversary Royal Show will take place from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October 2026 at its new home, Tweedie Hall in Howick.
Held under the theme “Innovation in Agriculture — Past. Present. Future.”, the 2026 Royal Show will honour 175 years of the Royal Agricultural Society while introducing a refreshed event format built around livestock excellence, commercial agriculture, knowledge exchange, public engagement and family-friendly attractions.
A new chapter for the Royal Show
The 2026 Show marks an important new chapter for one of South Africa’s most historic agricultural institutions.
For the first time, the Royal Show will be hosted at Tweedie Hall, set in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands countryside. With its close connection to the farming landscape, the new venue provides a fitting home for a Show that is both rooted in tradition and focused on the future of agriculture.
This year’s move to October was necessitated by Foot and Mouth Disease, but it also places the Royal Show in the heart of the Midlands spring season. The Show is expected to return to its usual end-of-May timing next year.
The return of the Royal Fat Stock Show
A major highlight of the 2026 Royal Show will be the return of the prestigious Royal Fat Stock Show and Royal Carcass Competition.
The programme will include:
Wednesday 7 October
Beef classes
Thursday 8 October
Lamb classes
Saturday 10 October
The Royal Carcass Auction
These pinnacle competitions will see top sheep and cattle evaluated both on-the-hoof and on-the-hook, before selected entries are presented at an evening auction attended by discerning bidders and the media.
The livestock programme will also include Regional Championships for various sheep and goat breeds, culminating in the presentation of Gold Cup Awards. These events will further strengthen the Royal Show’s role as a premier platform for breed promotion, stockmanship and agricultural excellence.
Introducing the Royal Agricultural Exchange
A new key feature planned for 2026 is the Royal Agricultural Exchange — a high-level industry programme designed for established farmers, producers, agribusiness professionals and agricultural decision-makers.
Through expert talks, technical demonstrations, market briefings and producer conversations, the programme will explore some of the most important issues shaping agriculture today, including:
Production efficiency
Genetics
Sustainability
Markets
Technology
Value chains
Profitability
The Royal Agricultural Exchange will provide a focused platform for practical insight, informed discussion and meaningful industry engagement.
New exhibition spaces for agriculture, innovation and lifestyle
The 2026 Royal Show will also introduce several curated exhibition spaces.
These include the Royal Stud Showcase, a premium display area for livestock breed societies, and the Agricultural Discovery Arena, which will focus on research, innovation, education and career development.
The Royal Pavilion will provide a premium exhibition environment celebrating South African agricultural excellence, innovation and high-value downstream products.
Another exciting addition is The Bull Pen — a dedicated space built around strength, capability and the modern farming lifestyle. This attraction will bring together outdoor living, 4x4 and overlanding, fieldcraft, working dogs, specialist craftsmanship, performance, premium lifestyle brands and vintage vehicles.
A lively programme for visitors and families
Alongside its agricultural and industry-focused programme, the Royal Show will also offer a lively supporting programme of demonstrations, displays and entertainment.
Visitors can look forward to:
Poultry displays
Honey displays
Crafts and home industries
Youth Show participation
Dog agility
Tent pegging
Mechanisation demonstrations
4x4 and motorbike displays
Chainsaw racing
Water cannon displays
Farmer challenges
Daily parades of halter-trained animals
Children’s art displays
Musical entertainment
And much more
The 2026 Show will offer something for farmers, families, exhibitors, agricultural businesses, breed societies, industry stakeholders and the wider public.
Honouring the past, shaping the future
“The Royal Show and the RAS have always been about more than a single event,” said Wayne Muller, General Manager of the RAS.
“It is a meeting point for agriculture, commerce, community and heritage. In the Society’s 175th anniversary year, and in our new home at Tweedie Hall, the theme ‘Innovation in Agriculture — Past. Present. Future.’ captures both our responsibility to honour the foundations of agriculture and our commitment to helping shape what comes next.”
Members of the public, exhibitors, sponsors, breed societies, agricultural businesses and industry stakeholders are encouraged to note the new dates:
Royal Show 2026
Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October 2026
Tweedie Hall, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
Further details on ticketing, exhibitor opportunities, sponsorship, schedules and programme announcements will be released in due course.
