Perfect spring weather is ensuring strong visitor numbers for this year's Royal Adelaide Show, with temperatures forecast to head toward the mid-20s in coming days.

Local cattle producers are showing off their best stock in a time of strong export demand and firm prices, as drought affects stock numbers across eastern Australia.

Beef cattle committee chairman Glen Trengove said there was a positive mood in the South Australian industry and show entries were up this year.

"We've got just under 500 entries, representing 19 different breeds from the cattle industry — slightly up on last year which probably reflects on the current price of beef which is at nearly an all-time high," he said.

"[There are] quite a lot of enthusiastic and happy breeders here on the showgrounds this year."

Rabbit judging is a serious business at the Royal Adelaide Show. ( ABC News: Candice Prosser )

The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA chief executive officer John Rothwell said the event would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

"We're expecting around half a million people, which is what we normally get," he said.

"This week we have some extra things for children, they're all free, there are also children's fireworks in addition to the normal fireworks."

Mr Rothwell said the thousands of animals featured in the show were popular drawcards for children.

"The Royal Show is actually a unique event. It's an opportunity for everyone to have a look at a range of animals and pets you don't normally get access to," he said.

Sideshow Alley is a drawcard for young people. ( ABC News: Candice Prosser )

In the many competitions being judged this year at Wayville, the entries make up 64 classes with nearly 10,000 categories — covering everything from cooking to horticulture and an array of animals, both big and small.

The Royal Adelaide Show has plenty to keep the crowds happy, with some people keen to grab their favourite show bags, others getting an adrenaline rush on the rides and some having fun watching offbeat events including the pig-racing.

Behind all the fun and entertainment, plenty of volunteers put in countless hours of hard work to ensure the show is memorable for those who click through the turnstiles.