Travelling to Tamworth? Get a live music hit on the way

Get a hit of country music before you even get to Tamworth, because as every seasoned festival-goer knows, Tamworth is as much a journey as it is a destination.

As cars, caravans, and campervans begin their annual migration for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the road itself is once again coming alive with live music, thanks to the return of On the Road to Tamworth at Club Quirindi.

Now in its third year, the live and free country music series presented by WALLIS Music Group has become a welcome tradition for travellers keen to ease into festival mode before the Tamworth crowds, queues, and tightly packed gig schedules take over.

The idea is simple and deliberately unpretentious. Pull over. Order a drink. Listen to some live country music. Then get back on the road feeling like the festival has already started. For locals, it is a chance to enjoy the buzz without the traffic jams. For visitors, it is a reminder that country music does not suddenly appear at the Tamworth town limits; it lives and breathes all along the way.

On the Road to Tamworth is designed to appeal to passing travellers, visiting country music fans, and local club regulars alike, offering an authentic taste of Australia’s country music culture in a relaxed club environment. Over a handful of days, Club Quirindi transforms into a musical pit stop where guitars are tuned, stories are shared, and the road to Tamworth feels a little less long.

WALLIS Music Group has again acknowledged the long-standing support of Club Quirindi, which has hosted the series since its inception and continues to back live music and regional artists. In 2026, the journey expands further, with Werris Creek Sports joining the line-up as a host venue for a special one-night event.

“Tamworth is more than a destination – it’s a journey,” said a spokesperson for WALLIS Music Group. “On the Road to Tamworth celebrates the artists, venues, and communities that keep country music thriving across the region.”

All performances are live and free, showcasing a mix of established recording artists and emerging performers in the days leading up to the festival, rewarding those willing to take the scenic route rather than rushing straight to the main stage.

Artists and performance dates are:

• Friday 16 January – Louis Burt at Club Quirindi
• Saturday 17 January – Justin Standley at Club Quirindi
• Sunday 18 January – Peter Campbell at Club Quirindi from 2 pm
• Saturday 17 January – The Crosby Sisters at Werris Creek Sports

Those approaching Tamworth from the north can make the most of the journey too, with a musical detour at the Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival.

Running across two weeks, the festival features more than 40 different music acts performing on stage, adding another layer of live entertainment to the Tamworth lead-up and giving travellers even more reason to slow down and savour the trip.