Ellesmere A&P Show 2026
Experience a great day out in the country at the Ellesmere A&P Show, bringing together rural traditions, family entertainment, competitions, local food and plenty to see and do.
Experience a great day out in the country at the Ellesmere A&P Show, bringing together rural traditions, family entertainment, competitions, local food and plenty to see and do.
The Ellesmere A&P Show is the first of the show season. Held annually and presented by the Ellesmere A & P Association at the Leeston Showgrounds the show is a day full of fun and entertainment for all the family, young and old.
Come and see what’s on offer – from live entertainment to sheep shearing and alpaca breeding, to wood-chopping and cake baking. There’s an array of vintage machinery and cars, farmyard animals and trade displays, arts and crafts and retail therapy – all in one place.
This year’s theme, ‘Full Steam Ahead – Katoa te mamaoa i mua’, celebrates the evolution of machinery and its role in New Zealand farming – from the steam engines of the past to the technology shaping agriculture today.
Across the showgrounds, you’ll find livestock and equestrian competitions, sheep shearing, wood chopping, vintage machinery and cars, Highland dancing, live entertainment, market and trade stalls, food, arts and crafts, and activities for the kids.
Feature competitions include Selwyn’s Got Talent, Wearable Arts, the Top Team Challenge, Smoke @ the Lake BBQ competition and Down to the Wire fencing competitions.
Bring the family, catch up with friends and enjoy one of Waikirikiri Selwyn’s great rural traditions.
When: Saturday 17 October 2026, gates open 8am
Where: Leeston Showgrounds, 1650 Leeston Road, Leeston
Tickets: Adults $15 | Family Pass $40 | Children under 12 free
Parking: Free
Getting there: Free buses are available from Rolleston and Lincoln.
Find out more and get tickets from the Ellesmere A&P Show website.
Gates open at 8am. View the timetable programme.
