Each year at the Innisfail Show, the atmosphere isn’t just about livestock, exhibits and competitions — it’s also about fun, excitement and entertainment for the whole family. A big part of that festive vibe comes from the classic Sideshow Alley attractions that run throughout show week.

A sideshow alley is the traditional carnival area at agricultural shows and fairs across Australia, packed with amusement rides, games, prizes and treats.

Historically, sideshow alleys have been a staple of Queensland shows for well over a century, offering entertainment that gets everyone from kids to grandparents laughing and joining in.

What You’ll Find in Sideshow Alley

At the Innisfail Show’s Sideshow Alley, visitors can expect:

Classic Carnival Rides – Family-friendly rides and attractions that appeal to all ages and thrill levels.

Fun Games & Skill Challenges – Traditional fair games where you can test your aim, timing and luck to win prizes. From ball-toss games to shooting galleries, these activities are all about light-hearted competition and fun.

Delicious Fair Treats – No sideshow experience is complete without carnival food — think fairy floss, popcorn, hot snacks and cold drinks to keep you fuelled while you explore.

Family Entertainment – Sideshow Alley is designed to be inclusive, with plenty of options for young kids, teens and adults alike. It’s a place to gather with friends, share laughs and make memories together.

Whether you’re taking a break from watching the main ring events or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, Sideshow Alley at the Innisfail Show is a must-visit part of show day fun. It brings the bright lights, playful energy and excitement of a fairground right into the heart of the showgrounds.

Don’t forget to check the show’s official schedule for opening times, ride listings and game lineups — they can vary from year to year!

The equestrian events take place at Pease Park, located on the Palmerston Highway on the outskirts of Innisfail.

This dedicated area within the showgrounds provides space for horse rings and arenas, accommodating a range of horse-related competitions and displays throughout show week.

What to Expect – Horse & Ring Competitions

Throughout the show week, competitors and spectators can enjoy a variety of equestrian disciplines, including:

Showjumping Ring Events

These are structured competitions in which riders guide their horses over a series of fences in a timed course.

Classes are typically grouped by height and experience, with divisions for junior riders and open contenders. In past years, show jumping classes have included:

• Lower height categories (e.g., 60 cm and 80 cm classes) for younger or less experienced riders
• Intermediate and open classes at heights up to 125 cm and above
• Accumulator and championship rounds
• Special classes forming part of Queensland Rural Series standings (e.g., 110 cm open championship)

These jumping events are exciting for both competitors and spectators, combining skill, athleticism and close competition.

Hack, Led and Ridden Classes

Beyond jumping, the Innisfail Show typically features ring events in hack and ridden classes, where horses and ponies are judged on movement, presentation and performance under saddle. Categories may include:

• Led classes for young horses and ponies
• Ridden breed classes
• Hack and galloway events with ribbons or prize money awarded
• Child, adult and open rider categories

Classes are often judged according to standards common in agricultural shows, with champions and reserves recognised during the show.

Sporting and Fun Equestrian Activities

In addition to formal ring events, the horse section often includes sporting and novelty activities such as:

• Barrel racing
• Stake and figure-of-eight races
• Bounce pony and snakes & ladders events

These classes usually accommodate a broad range of ages and skill levels and contribute to the lively atmosphere of the show.

Competing and Spectating

Competitors typically nominate on the day (or through pre-entries where available) and must adhere to safety and registration requirements. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the action and can usually find schedules and results displayed in the horse rings during show days.

Here’s a sense of what you can expect to see and experience at this year’s Innisfail Show — one of the cassowary coast’s biggest community events, celebrating both local culture and agricultural heritage.

At the heart of the show are the traditional agricultural and livestock competitions that draw exhibitors and spectators from across the region. You’ll see judging in classes for horses, cattle and poultry, with ring events and show jumping taking place throughout the days. These competitions are a showcase of skill and training, with classes for different ages of riders and breeds — and plenty of excitement for anyone who loves equestrian sport.

Inside the show pavilions and marquees, there’s a vibrant display of local produce, crafts and creative talent. Past shows have featured exhibits in art, needlework, photography, woodwork, cooking, horticulture, fruit and vegetables — including popular banana and papaw categories reflecting the region’s agricultural strengths. Whether you’re browsing ribbon-winning entries or entering something yourself, the pavilion displays give a great snapshot of local skills and community pride.

Beyond the competitions and exhibits, the Innisfail Show is also about family-friendly entertainment and community spirit. In previous years there have been fireworks on both nights of the show, animal enclosures where kids can meet and learn about farm animals, showground catering with meals and refreshments, and other attractions that keep the atmosphere lively right into the evening. It’s a celebration of rural life that brings together families, producers and visitors for two days of fun and festivities.