With New Year’s Eve fireworks cancelled this summer, locals won’t have to wait long to see the sky light up, with the Kiama Show Society confirming its much-loved fireworks display will return as part of the 2026 Kiama Show.

Set on one of the most picturesque showgrounds in Australia, the Kiama Show continues a tradition spanning more than 175 years, combining rural heritage, community connection and a seaside atmosphere few events can rival.

Horse events will return for 2026 Kiama Show

Formed on 24 November 1848, the Kiama Show Society is one of the five oldest agricultural show societies still operating in Australia.

Its first meeting was held at the Fitzroy Inn, when Kiama township consisted of just 18 permanent houses, two stores, two inns, one church and a jetty in the harbour.

The Agricultural Show was established to encourage early farmers to experiment, share knowledge and discover what agriculture best suited the newly settled district.

The Kiama Showground, located beside Kiama’s Surf Beach and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides, offers views to the Blowhole in the north and a setting that allows families to enjoy rural life alongside fresh sea air and coastal scenery.

A creative addition returning for the 2026 program is Kia-Bald, a twist on the traditional portrait section of the adult art pavilion.

Artists are invited to submit a portrait of a well-known local identity who embodies the spirit of Kiama through contributions to the arts, sport, community, civic life or local business.

Entrants must seek permission from their chosen subject, with generous cash prizes on offer for first and second place, as well as a People’s Choice award. Entries close on 19 January.

Chief stewardess of the pavilion Sue Cox said the arts section remained one of the Show’s most popular features.

“The arts are pretty popular – very popular with the kids. We’d get so many entries from the kids, but this is for 16 and over,” she said.

“If we had it under 16, we’d be swamped.”

Cox said the pavilion also benefited from increased visitation during peak holiday periods.

“It’s quite popular that time of the year. We get a lot of holiday makers, some people that come down on the train and sort of spend the day – it’s good,” she said.

The ever-popular Woodchop Championships will again feature as one of the Show’s major attractions, drawing competitors and spectators alike.

Woodchop at Kiama Show

Horse events will also once again be a major drawcard across Friday and Saturday, with riders from across NSW competing in showjumping, hacks, galloways, ponies, rider classes, breeds and led events.

From junior riders gaining ring experience to high-level open classes and crowd-favourite showjumping rounds.

With the cancellation of New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Saturday night fireworks at the Kiama Show are set to be an even more anticipated highlight.

Thanks to the support of Carter Ferguson Solicitors, the display will again bring the community together for a vibrant and memorable finale to the Show weekend.