What’s Happening?
Queensland growers and schools can now enter the Royal Queensland Show’s (Ekka) Giant Pumpkin Competition, presented by Pillow Talk.
The annual event welcomes pumpkins grown in paddocks, school gardens and backyards, giving participants of all ages a chance to compete.
Unlike the traditional August Ekka, the competition takes place in March to suit Queensland’s ideal pumpkin-growing season.
Why It Matters
Beyond the chance to win prizes, the competition offers schools a practical way to bring classroom learning into agriculture.
Students can explore science, mathematics and sustainability while studying plant growth, collecting data and monitoring environmental conditions. The growing process also encourages problem-solving, as students apply their knowledge and track their pumpkins’ development over several months.
Local Impact
Toowoomba’s Downlands College has already shown what school growers can achieve, setting the benchmark for the statewide competition.
Its success places a regional school among Queensland’s leading giant pumpkin growers, giving other local entrants a record to challenge.
The competition also allows regional students to put their agricultural knowledge into practice while competing alongside experienced growers.
By The Numbers
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More than $3,400 in prize money is available, with an additional $1,000 for any winning entry weighing more than 350kg.
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368.5kg is the competition record set by Downlands College in 2024, surpassing the previous 261.5kg record established in 2015.
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Two classes are available, Open and Youth, with the latter accepting individuals or school groups aged 18 and under.
Zoom In
Growers interested in participating can request free giant Atlantic pumpkin seeds through the Ekka website.
With several months available for growing, participants can prepare their pumpkins before bringing them to Brisbane Showgrounds for judging.
The competition welcomes both experienced growers and newcomers, allowing schools and individuals to test their skills against other Queensland entrants.
Zoom Out
The Giant Pumpkin Competition dates back to the first Ekka in 1876, making it one of the show’s longstanding agricultural traditions. Interest has continued over the years, with last year’s competition attracting a record number of entries.
The event remains an important part of Ekka’s agricultural program, connecting Queensland’s growing community with the state’s annual show.
What To Look For Next?
Entries close on Saturday 13 March 2027, before competitors gather at Brisbane Showgrounds for judging on Saturday 20 March 2027. With Queensland schools and growers preparing their entries, another record-breaking pumpkin could emerge from the competition.
Interested participants can enter the competition or request free seeds through the Ekka website.