It features informational exhibits, agricultural competitions and animal showcases, a sideshow alley and rides, and showbags.

[1] The Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (RASWA) held its first Fair and Cattle Show at Guildford on 7 November 1834.

The primary purpose of the show was to showcase Western Australian industry, primarily agriculture.

[9] World War I interrupted the show between 1914 and 1918; during this time the Claremont Showgrounds were used to house and train Australian troops.

[12] The drop in attendance during this period, mostly attributed to poor weather, led to some suggestions to move the show to a different time of the year or a new venue.

[9][13] The WA government's withdrawal of a subsidy that provided free tickets to children under 12 years of age also impacted attendance.

The WA government contributed $4 million to help RASWA recover financially from the 2020 cancellation and to help stage a COVID-safe event.

This fee covers the show's more "traditional" events that showcase Western Australia's agricultural sector and other industries.

Although the show continues to showcase traditional events, its agricultural focus has been somewhat replaced by a commercial fairground atmosphere.

[21] The show also features an expansive area called Sideshow Alley, which hosts several amusement rides on the west side of the showground.