We've put a list together of some of the main attractions that are expected to delight, inspire and entertain.

Farm animals and goats area behind the beef cattle judging ring

The Farm Yard display - with the largest range of animals the show has seen in years, will be open from 9am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am until 3pm on Sunday.

Families can meet and greet the animals and even feed some of them. It's a great way to introduce children to farm life and interact with a wide range of animals.

Near the animal nursery and poultry pavilion

Families can Pat a Pig between 10-10.30am and 12-12.30pm on Friday. The interactive event will also be held on Saturday from 10.30-11.30am and 3-3.30pm, and on Sunday from 10.30-11am and 12.30-1pm.

Pigs are often an animal that suburban children rarely interact with, so the show committee decided to create this meet and greet. Miniature pigs make great pets and are actually quite intelligent.

Farm animals and goats area

A goat milking demonstration will be held on Friday between 10-10.30am and 12-12.30pm and 3-3.30pm. It will also take place on Saturday between 10.30-11am and 1-1.30pm.

Arts and Craft pavilion

Bee demonstrations will take place on Friday from 11-11.30am and 1-1.30pm, and on Saturday from 11-11.30am, 2-2.30pm and 5-5.30pm.

Beef cattle judging area

A month ago the annual cattle clinic was in doubt due to unrelenting drought and bushfires. But, recent rain helped a lot of producers hang on. Entries have been flowing in and coordinator Leonie Ball said it was set to be a strong field.

The schools competition is held on Friday between 8am and 3pm, and the Stud Beef competition is held on Saturday.

The judge will use a microphone so the audience can learn about the judging process and understand why certain animals are ranked above others.

Main arena

Horses will take to the main ring between 8am and 2.30pm on Friday and between 8am and 3pm on Saturday. There will be a range of events including lead classes and hacking.

Behind the beef cattle judging area

The dairy goats competition will take place on Sunday between 10am and 3pm and the boer goats will compete between 10am and 1pm.

Poultry/Animal Nursery pavilion alongside the Evans Street boundary

Hot temperatures and humidity are a real enemy for poultry - especially in the judging shed. So organisers moved the usual two-day event to a single day. The cooler weather, and recent rain, has seen entries flooding in. It will be the biggest field the show has seen for several years. The Saturday show will showcase a wide range of breeds.

Arena near the horse stalls and showjumping parking area

Man's best friend also has the chance to shine at the show. Up to 100 different breeds will compete for show glory and there is set to be stiff competition in the ring. Drop in here to see a range of breeds - from Border Collies to Poodles and even French Bulldogs, put their best paw forward. The dog show runs on Saturday from 8am until 3pm.

Thomas Morgan Pavilion

The drought has been fierce and had a lot of exhibitors worried about keeping their plants at their best. The show must go on though, and there will be a wide range of plants - and also some vegetables, to look at.

Arts and Craft Pavilion

Think cooking and all things creative. Pop into the homecraft display to see who won the ribbon for the best scones, the needlework section and art.

Alongside the beef cattle judging area

It's an action-packed event and competitors will be hoping to qualify for the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Come along to watch entrants chop through wood in record time. Don't forget to consider their skill and athleticism.

Art and Craft Pavilion

Don't dismiss the International Salon of Photography. It encompasses a very high standard of images taken all around the world. From nature to portraits and animals - this exhibition is a must see.

Between the Blomfield Street showground boundary and the main arena

Try your luck on the clowns, the merry-go-round or a wide range of rides and activities. Sideshow Alley is open on Friday from 10am until 10pm, on Saturday from 10am until 9.30pm and on Sunday from 10am until 3pm.

There will also be a wide range of showbags to buy behind the grandstand near the Louth Park Road boundary.

The annual Maitland Show rodeo starts at 6pm on Friday after the official opening. Sit in the undercover grandstand for a prime spot of the action.

The 2020 Maitland Showgirl, and placegetters, will be announced after the official opening of the Maitland Show which starts at 5.30pm. There are six young women in the running for the top sash and each one offers something different. The judges have had a tough time trying to pick the winner.

The entrants are: Shanelle Fairhall, Hollie Hassler, Hayley Johns, Breanna Murrell, Jessica Neave and Amy Newton.

Take a seat in the grandstand for hours of free entertainment for the whole family.

On Friday the entertainment in the main arena kicks off at 4.45pm with the motorcycle club Sons of Anzacs. That will be followed by a Kirkwoods Karate Demonstration at 5.00pm and Mini trots at 5:30pm, The official opening starts at 5:30pm .

Saturday is the day to witness a wide range of acts. It kicks off with the grand parade at 3pm, followed by the RM Williams Australian Stock Horse Flag Display at 3.30pm, Tentpegging at 3.45pm, Camel Cup Heat 1 at 4.45pm.

Team Isuzu D-MAX sponsored by Hunter Isuzu Ute enters the ring at 5pm. Tentpegging returns at 5.15pm followed by the Camel Cup Heat 2 at 5.45pm, Tentpegging at 6pm, Sons of Anzacs at 6.30pm, Camel Cup Heat 3 at 6.45pm.

Team Isuzu D-MAX sponsored by Hunter Isuzu Ute returns to the ring at 7pm. The Vintage Speedway will take place at 7.20pm, the Camel Cup Final at 7.45pm, and Team Isuzu D-MAX sponsored by Hunter Isuzu Ute returns again at 8pm.

The Demolition Derby kicks off at 8.30pm and the fireworks starts at 9pm.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for pensioners, $10 for children aged five and over. A family pass if $40 for two adults and two children. An ATM machine is available at the grounds.

Parking is available at the grounds at a cost of $5 per vehicle, which includes a donation to the Lions Club.

Disabled parking is available inside the main entrance to the showground on the left hand side, as well as via the Louth Park entrance.

Click here for more information.