27 March, 2023
Caboolture showgrounds set to attract thousands to new events this year
CABOOLTURE Showgrounds are preparing for a massive line-up of new and unique events this year that are largely community-focused and affordable for locals.
In addition to their “modernised” weekly markets and annual show, Caboolture Showgrounds have booked in a range of events including an extreme sports festival, Halloween and Christmas twilight markets, NRA Rodeo finals and potentially the return of the Urban Music Festival.
Caboolture Showgrounds CEO Marcus Shimble said his focus is on working with local clubs and community groups to deliver four or five big events this year.
“We’re trying to modernise and we are really trying to put on more community focused events that are reasonably priced for locals,” Marcus said.
“We are also trying to get more community organisations involved and the community back together.”
Marcus said that as a result of the COVID pandemic, most groups that rely on volunteers have been struggling.
“We’ve gone through that COVID downturn that really hurt everybody – all markets.
“Some markets didn’t come out of it. Fortunately, we’re one of the few that did and we’re really coming back stronger.
“We have everything still here – fresh fruit and veg, clothes, plants, crystals and a range of food and drinks.”
Marcus said the Caboolture Showgrounds are working on getting some free kids entertainment each week, such as a jumping castle or face painting, so families can bring their kids along and not have to reach for their pockets.
“As things start to cool down, we will also be putting up a busking stage. So, you can grab a cup of coffee and something to eat and go and listen to a bit of music.”
The Caboolture Show scheduled for June 9 – 11 will also look “very different this year”.
“With modern times, the old sort of show has changed. We are looking to redo certain sections and make some changes to the show program.”
Marcus said that whilst the traditional agriculture and woodchopping sections will remain the same, other sections will be refreshed, including the plant section.
Previously, the plant section had been competitive only, however this year, plant clubs and societies will be welcome to come and set up stalls to sell their produce.
“The show entertainment will also be modernised – we will have live music and dancing.”
Marcus said they are also working to bring back the Urban Music Festival, which was previously known as the Urban Country Music Festival.
Whilst this event is yet to be confirmed, attendees can expect to be entertained across five stages, each showcasing different music genres including jazz, blues, rock and country.
“This is a really big one that we do hope goes ahead,” he said.
This year, the Caboolture Showgrounds will again be partnering with Johnny Ringoes for the NRA rodeo finals.
Marcus said the December event will run over three days, with barrel racing and music on Friday night and junior rodeo on Saturday morning followed by the senior finals at night.
Then on Sunday, the grounds will be transformed into an outdoor country music festival with a range of local artists and Dee Jaye Bux to keep the party going.
“We have a lot of exciting stuff going on,” Marcus said.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events and updates at the Caboolture Showgrounds. See below for the schedule of upcoming events.
Caboolture Show – 9th/10th/11th June 2023
Red Ride – 20th May 2023
Tropicana Classic Barrel Race – 9th July 2023
Caboolture Halloween Twilight Markets – 28th October 2023
Caboolture Rodeo Finals – 2nd December 2023
Caboolture Christmas Carnival – December 2023 (date TBA)
Hoedown at the Showgrounds – date TBA
