Tamworth Country Music Festival

The Tamworth Country Music Festival is the largest country music festival held in Australia and takes place in January each year.

Held since 1973, the Tamworth Country Music Festival runs over 2 weeks and is a celebration of all things country and includes live music, gala dinners and award shows.

The festival is not gated, so you don’t need to purchase a ticket to enjoy the street festival. However, some of the bigger artists will have ticketed events, so check the program schedule for details. Tickets typically go on sale on 1 August each year. The festival is one of the largest country music festivals in the world and doubles the population of Tamworth each year. One of the highlights of the festival is the Golden Guitar Awards which is the most prestigious country music award in Australia.

Hailed as country music’s “night of nights”, the Tamworth Country Music Festival attracts some of the biggest country music stars in Australia, and on the world stage. Artists that have performed at the festival in previous years have included Keith Urban, Olivia Newton-John, Tommy Emmanuel, Adam Brand, Troy Casser-Daley, Slim Dusty, Kasey Chambers, The McClymonts, Melinda Schneider, John Williamson and so many more.

There are typically over 2000 musical acts performing at over 100 venues throughout the festival and the main street, Peel Street, is shut down to make for pedestrian space. Here, you will find buskers, dancers and acoustic musical performances.

There is also a family zone which has heaps of stuff for kids to enjoy including a Ferris wheel, dodgem cars, bungy trampoline, jumping castle, hi swing and giant slide. The family zone also has fun carnival games and plenty of food and drink on offer.

Accommodation sells out quickly each year, so visitors planning to attend the festival should ensure that they book their accommodation early. Many people come to Tamworth and camp during the festival with plenty of spots available at Riverside Camping Ground, North Tamworth Rugby Club, Tamworth Greyhound Club and Paceway, just to name a few. Book early as camping spots will sell out.