- The Crisafulli Government is making QLD Day bigger and better in 2026 with the inaugural Mega Round of sport.
- Mega Round to feature two NRL blockbusters, an AFL Q-Clash, Super Netball local derby and QLD Day Stakes at Oaks Day.
- Queenslanders encouraged to celebrate with Queensland IGA stores partnering to help Queenslanders host their own QLD Day party and pubs across Queensland going maroon with their own celebrations – including the Caxton Hotel.
Queensland’s birthday celebrations just got bigger, with QLD Day to feature the inaugural Mega Round of sport, so Queenslanders can cheer on their favourite sporting teams and celebrate what they love about our State.
The Australia first event will be the ultimate sporting battle, featuring all Queensland teams across NRL, AFL and Super Netball, with racing’s Seven Oaks Day thrown into the mega-sporting mix.
The Crisafulli Government has worked in partnership with the major sporting codes and the Brisbane Racing Club to deliver Mega Round on 6 June, which includes:
- NRL: North Qld Cowboys v Dolphins, Country Bank Stadium
- NRL: Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium
- AFL: Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions, People First Stadium
- Super Netball: Qld Firebirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning, Nissan Arena
- QLD Day Stakes at Oaks Day.
Presented by XXXX, a QLD Day Party will also fire up Caxton Street from 3pm with entertainment, food and drinks and pop-ups, all in celebration of Queensland’s 167th birthday.
The Party will feature an all-Queensland music line-up, including pop star Kita Alexander, country music legend and Queensland Day Ambassador Lee Kernaghan, Brisbane-based funk rock band The Steele Syndicate and country rock artist Will Day.
Queenslanders located outside of Brisbane won’t miss out on the fun, with pubs across the State gearing up to host their own QLD Day parties, with all the sporting action live on screen.
From the Grand Hotel in Childers to the Marine Hotel in Cardwell and Ilfracombe’s Wellshot Hotel, locals will all be able to soak up the QLD Day vibe and celebrate together.
Free, family-friendly events will also be held on the Cairns Esplanade and in Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast.
IGA supermarkets have also joined the party as the QLD Day BBQ partner, helping Queenslanders with all the sizzling supplies they need to host their own QLD Day party on 6 June.
Queenslanders can still shine a spotlight on their favourite things in the Sunshine State, with voting open for All The Best, featuring 15 categories from the best beaches to the best butcher.
Premier Crisafulli said QLD Day was shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
“QLD Day is our day to get together and celebrate what Queensland means to us and what it means to be a Queenslander,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Magic Round was great, but Mega Round is all about our state, and what better way to enjoy QLD Day than cheering on the teams that represent us, whether you’re at the game or at your own QLD Day party.
“There are so many reasons why people should be proud to be a Queenslander and it’s important that we pause and appreciate everything that makes our State so special.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said QLD Day was a chance to celebrate everything we love about the Sunshine State.
“Queenslanders will soak up the fun on QLD Day because we are so proud of where we live,” Minister Powell said.
“There’s no shortage of things to celebrate about Queensland, whether it’s our way of life, the major events we are securing, or our breathtaking natural wonders, there’s a reason why people all over the world want to come here.”
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said Queenslanders were proud people.
“We love our state and our way of life. Making Queensland Day an important one on our calendar every year will help remind us how lucky we are to live in the best place on the planet,” Mr Ikin said.
Netball Queensland CEO, Kate Davies said Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds were incredibly proud to be part of the Queensland Day Mega Day of Sport.
“Days like this showcase not only the talent on court, but the passion of our fans, volunteers, and grassroots participants who make our game so strong. We’re honoured to stand alongside so many sporting codes in bringing Queenslanders together to celebrate everything that makes this state great,” Ms Davies said.
Head of AFL Queensland, Richie Lyons can’t wait to see Australia’s game take centre stage on Queensland Day, with a thrilling QClash on the cards at People First Stadium.
“We encourage all Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS fans to get around the two clubs by attending or watching the game while celebrating our Queensland community,” Mr Lyons said.
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said the Brisbane Racing Club was looking forward to becoming an epicentre for Queensland Day celebrations.
“The Brisbane Racing Club will become a place where Queenslanders can gather to enjoy all the action from the mega-day of sport on the Eagle Farm big screen, alongside high-quality live racing, headlined by the prestigious Group 1 Channel Seven Queensland Oaks,” Mr deKroo said.
Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Chief Executive, Bernie Hogan said that pubs have always been where Queenslanders come together for the moments that matter, and QLD Day was shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
“The QHA is proud to have venues right across the State showcasing our best and throwing their doors so every Queenslander can be part of the QLD Day celebrations,” Mr Hogan said.
IGA Springfield Lakes owner, Terry Slaughter, said as proud Queenslanders, IGA supermarkets were stoked to be the official QLD Day BBQ partner this year.
“Whether you need snags, sauce, onions, or a friendly smile, we’ve got our local communities covered with great value on BBQ Faves for the big celebration,” Mr Slaughter said.
LION Field Sales Director, QLD Marc Woolnough said XXXX was proud to be involved.
“XXXX has been a great mate to the state for nearly 150 years, so when Premier Crisafulli asked us to come to the QLD Day party and ensure the beer would be cold, flowing and made right here in QLD, of course we said yes,” Mr Woolnough said.
For more information on Mega Round, QLD Day Party at Caxton Street or to host your own QLD Day Party search Queensland Day or visit qld.gov.au/qldday
