Tamworth serves up entertainment smorgasbord for 2026 festival

When it comes to bucket list music festivals, there’s no other that has the history of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Known for its unbeatable atmosphere, family-friendly entertainment and having something for everyone – even if you’re looking for more than country music – the Tamworth Country Music Festival is ready for 2026, following its launch in the Country Music Capital on July 1.

From its beginnings as a grassroots gathering of artists and fans, the festival has grown into a national icon, launching the careers of some of Australia’s most celebrated country music artists and drawing visitors from all walks of life. At its heart, it’s still about connection: between songwriters and storytellers, fans and families, the old guard and the next generation.

What sets Tamworth apart is its range. It’s not one stage or one sound — it has everything from full-scale arena shows and orchestral collaborations, to pub gigs, tribute nights, kids’ shows, rodeos, songwriter sessions and emerging artist showcases. Whether you’re into traditional country, alt-country, Americana, or something with a little more grit or gloss, you’ll find it here — and you’ll likely discover something unexpected, too.

Featuring 2026 festival artists and former Toyota Star Makers Max Jackson (also the TCMF ambassador) and Travis Collins, the festival launch in Tamworth showcased what visitors and locals had to look forward to this January, when the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival returns for it’s 54th year in 2026, from January 16 – 25.

Festival Executive Producer, Peter Ross said excitement was already building for the 54^th Festival after a stellar 2025 event which attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Tamworth.

“Tamworth is a place for everyone, with free and ticketed shows, along with talent competitions for children all the way through to emerging and established artists,” he said.

“Whether it’s the buskers on the Boulevarde of Dreams through to celebrating excellence in recording at the Golden Guitar Awards, Tamworth delivers at all levels.”

As well as many favourites returning to the festival, for the first time, RocKwiz, the Australian television live music trivia quiz show, usually focused on rock music, is going country! 

RocKwiz Salutes Country will be staged live on Tuesday, January 20 at 7.30pm at TRECC hosted by Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis.

After taking home another five trophies at the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards, Troy Cassar-Daley will return to the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) on Thursday, January 22, followed by Lee Kernaghan OAM, while John Williamson OAM will also return to TRECC on Friday, January 23 for an unmissable show.

Orchestral Country is back by popular demand and will be showcased for a special one-night-only performance at TRECC. 

The show, which was first staged in 2024, features some of Australia’s most loved country artists and their songs, performed with a 38-piece orchestra, led by Australian conductor George Ellis.

 Artists for this special encore concert include Troy Cassar-Daley, Lyn Bowtell, Beccy Cole, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Amber Lawrence, Luke O’Shea, Darren Coggan and Catherine Britt.

Entertainment Venues Manager Roz Pappalardo said the 2026 festival program honoured Tamworth’s country music legacy while embracing a few new directions.

“We’re especially excited to welcome the RocKwiz team to town as they put their signature twist on a salute to country and we’re thrilled to bring back the wildly popular Orchestral Country, featuring many of your favourite artists in a stunning symphonic setting,” she said.

Tamworth’s Town Hall features many multi-Golden Guitar winners, including Lyn Bowtell, Amber Lawrence, Ashleigh Dallas, Fanny Lumsden, Travis Collins, and Zac & George.

Amber Joy Poulton’s tribute show, Coal Miner’s Daughter, is returning, and The Honey Sliders pay homage to Neil Young’s classic album, “Harvest”.

The venue will also stage the annual Music for McGrath fundraiser, the Tamworth Country Music Charity Ball, CCMA National Jamboree and The Peoples’ Choice Awards.

The Capitol Theatre has exciting new and returning performances, including Catherine Britt, Duncan Toombs, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Hussy Hicks, Melinda Schneider, Shane Nicholson and Wicker Suite bringing their hits to the stage across the 10-day program.

After a hugely successful tribute to Cat Stevens, Darren Coggan returns, this time with “Fire & Rain The James Taylor Songbook”; Victoria McGee will present two popular shows, The Great American Country Songbook and Rockin’ The Ryman; local Tamworth favourites 2340 Big Band are back with their favourite country hits; Liam Kennedy-Clark and Melody Moko will present The Songs & Heartbreak of Tammy Wynette & George Jones,

Amber Joy Poultonbrings back her Man! I Feel Like A Woman show; New Zealand’s Jenny Mitchell will deliver a unique concert with Dingo, along with some special guests; Graham Toole presents a tribute to Kenny Rogers and Friends and Australia’s best fiddle players will be showcased at The Golden Fiddle Awards.

The Tamworth Community Event Centre’s The Bluebird Room returns with a curated line-up of artists, while The Listening Room is a new edition to the festival. Inspired by the iconic listening rooms of Nashville, these venues are dedicated to showcasing a line-up of Australia’s finest emerging and established country artists in intimate, up-close settings. Music lovers can expect raw, acoustic performances and storytelling at its most personal and a chance to discover the next wave of country stars and hear their favourites like never before.

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo praised the line-up for the 2026 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, which will mark Toyota’s 34th year as the event’s major sponsor.

“The 2026 festival promises an unforgettable celebration of country music, with an incredible line-up spanning legendary performers and rising stars. Toyota is proud to continue supporting this iconic event and look forward to another outstanding January in Tamworth,” he said.

Tamworth’s The Pub Group delivered multiple sell-out shows in 2025 and is planning on bringing the excitement back in 2026.

“Last year was something truly special — the crowds, the music, the atmosphere — it all came together in a way we’ll never forget. That’s the heart of this festival,” Entertainment Manager Sarah Caskey said.

“For 2026, we’re going even bigger with an incredible line-up of shows across all venues and one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate everything people love about country music. We love seeing fans come back year after year — dancing, singing, and creating moments they’ll never forget. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for what’s shaping up to be our biggest and best year yet.”

Tamworth Country Music Festival Ambassador and 2025 Golden Guitar Awards Female Artist of the Year, Max Jackson, will return to The Longyard, with a bigger show.

Also returning to The Longyard, following their own Golden Guitar success, is Tassie duo The Wolfe Brothers. Other stand-out acts hitting the Longyard stage include Ian Moss, The Bushwackers, The Pigs, and new to the festival is Australian rock band, The Hype Boys, while The Flood will appear at The Pub.

Returning to Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar is 2024 Australian Idol Dylan Wright, as well as Jake Davey, Missy Lancaster, The Pigs Family Show and 2017 Toyota Star Maker, Rachael Fahim. Alt-country artist, the 45th Toyota Star Maker Felicity Kircher, together with her band and special guests, will launch her Star Maker EP and Australian Idol country favourite Jake Whittaker will perform at the venue for the first time. 

To kick off the festival, the CMAA Senior Academy will come together for the graduation concert on Thursday, January 15.

Wests Entertainment Group is looking forward to staging top class acts once again with the first wave of artists confirmed for West Tamworth League Club and Wests’ Diggers.

You’ll find Adam Harvey on stage in the Blazes Showroom at Wests for two shows on Saturday 17 January and Friday 23 January, as well as Beccy Cole. 

Multi–Golden Guitar award winners, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley will perform at Blazes Showroom, with risqué Jenny Talia, first-time dad and spirited artist Andrew Swift, everyone’s favourite Irish band Murphy’s Pigs, The Sunny Cowgirls, McAlister Kemp, Anne Kirkpatrick, and The Travelling Country Band.

Festival favourite events Country Turns Pink and the Maton Guitar Showcase return and there’s something for kids too, with award winning children’s act The Dino Maniacs – Family Dinosaur Show ready to roar. 

“We have hosted Australian music legends including Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, The Waifs and John Butler among others,” Wests’ Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly said.

Tamworth’s own country rock artist Jayne Denham will perform at our own unique underground whiskey and cocktail lounge, The Press Basement Bar, which will also host to The Buckleys, Saralyn, 2012 Toyota Star Maker Bob Corbett and the Roo Grass Band and A Mob of Golden Guitar Greats featuring Gina Jeffreys, Rod McCormack, Greg Champion, Paul Wookey and Khristian Mizzi.

Busking favourites and country-folk duo Sunday Lemonade will play at both The Press, and Tamworth Services Club.

Adding to the country atmosphere, Tamworth’s world-class Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) hosts Australia’s number one National Finals Rodeo from January 22-24, expecting to attract more than 3000 competitors and 10,000 spectators. 

The first line up of ticketed shows and the Toyota 54th Golden Guitar Awards will go on sale on July 7, with hundreds more free and ticketed shows and venue line-ups to be announced in the coming months.