A Rich History of Community
The Canning Show has a remarkable history, serving as a focal point for the community and celebrating local skills, agriculture, and culture for well over a century.
The Earliest Roots
The legacy of the Show dates back to 1892, with the very first community event the District Wildflower Show, fostering a focus on local flora and community spirit. This Show led to the physical development of the Society’s resources, with the Canning Agricultural Hall officially opening its doors in 1898 at the junction of Albany Road and Station Street.
In 1909 the Canning Agricultural Society was formed to serve the growing needs of the area, supporting the market gardeners, dairymen, and primary producers who fed early Perth. Their mission was to bring people together, our CAHRS founders understood a truth that still guides us today: a connected community is a stronger community, and we are better together than we are alone.
The very first Official Agricultural Show was also held in 1909, it was a celebration of local talent designed to inspire excellence and set a benchmark for the region’s best.
By 1913 the Shows were gaining momentum, with nearly every resident in the district entering exhibits, from prized livestock to fresh produce and flowers. The grounds were alive with excitement, featuring trotting races, apple bobbing, community games and more.
From the 1930s the rural area began to meet the residential. As urbanisation swept through, many of the original farms and dairies made way for homes. Although we saw fewer livestock and vegetable entries during this time, the spirit of the Exhibition didn’t fade, it simply evolved to reflect the changing lives of residents.
As the area evolved, so did we. We introduced rides and showbags, with the Exhibition having already expanded into other areas like crafts and photography. Through it all, our mission remained the same: bringing the community together to celebrate one another.
The Society has hosted some 120 Shows to date. The show has run every year, only paused briefly during the War years and the challenging times of the Great Depression. Today, the Show’s continued dedication to celebrating agriculture, horticulture, and community spirit a truly remarkable achievement and a proud connection to the region’s enduring past.
What you can expect now
We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026! We already have so many things planned, ensuring the Canning Show remains a beloved community favourite. As always, you can expect a spectacular lineup of entertainment and activities, including free kids entertainment like face painting, the giant sandpit, a Canning Stock Route Treasure Hunt, a Silent Disco, and Bunnings Hammerbarn Crafts. Take a look around one of the largest exhibitions in the State, our Iconic Exhibition—featuring everything from cooking and ceramics to fresh flowers and photography.
The show will be electric with energy, featuring live music on our main stage, fascinating Interactive Farm Displays (sheep shearing, cow milking, and dog mustering), and plenty of options from our Food Trucks. You can also connect with local groups at the Community Stalls and enjoy all the rides and games you love in Sideshow Alley.
Supporting Our Community
Did you know that we aren’t a branch of the local Council? We are an independent society run by members, for the community. Run by the not-for-profit Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS), the Canning Show has been a local favourite for over 110 years. Every ticket sold helps us give back by supporting community initiatives, showcasing local talent, and delivering smiles to everyone who attends.