Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025 Guide

Tamworth Country Music Festival Overview

Tamworth Country Music Festival is an annual Australian music festival in Tamworth, New South Wales, that lasts ten days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, occasionally including Australia Day. It is the world's second-largest country music festival, behind the CMA Music event in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

The festival celebrates country music history and tradition, particularly the national Australian country music scene, through a series of concerts and live performances at various venues. During the festival, Tamworth comes alive with guests from across the country and worldwide. The event has frequently been among the world's top 10 music festivals. 

When Is the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

From January 17 to January 26, 2025, the Tamworth Country Music Festival will be an ungated event with ticketed and free events. Headliners in 2025 include Suzi Quatro, Kasey Chambers, Fanny Lumsden, Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence, and many more.

Away from the primary stages, you may visit FanZone to get up close and personal with some of the country's most popular stars, or Family Zone, where the kids can blast rides and attractions. Experience Toyota Zone, buskers, entertainment, and explore stalls throughout the city centre.

The future dates of the Tamworth Country Music Festival:

Friday 17 – Sunday 26 January 2025

Friday 16 – Sunday 25 January 2026

Initially, the celebration was scheduled around the Australia Day Long Weekend, the third weekend in January, and Monday was a holiday regardless of when the 26th occurred.

There had already been some country music activity over that weekend since the late 1960s, so it was also suitable to hold the Golden Guitars there. Sometime in the 1980s, the government of the day changed Australia Day to be celebrated on the 26th, eliminating the automatic long weekend. By this point, the festival had expanded into a 10-day event.

Until the early 2000s, school holidays ended at the end of January. The idea of shifting the date has been examined, but nowhere in the year can it fit ten days. The Awards are more fitting to be held at the start of a year to honour the previous year's successes, and they are the festival's cornerstone.

Where Should I Buy the Ticket to the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

Tamworth Country Music Festival offers an experience unlike any other! The Festival is not fenced, so you do not need to buy a ticket.

Everyone may enjoy free shows in the park every night and buskers, stalls, children's activities, and street entertainers! Over ten days, you may choose from thousands of free and ticketed acts in Tamworth's pubs, clubs, and hotels. Tamworth is in full festival flow!

The first round of concert tickets will be released on July 3 and go on sale on July 8, 2024. Check out the websites for Wests Entertainment Group, Entertainment Venues, and The Pub Group to discover what performances are now on sale!

Contact 02) 6767 5200 or +61 2 6767 5300 (international sales) to purchase tickets for Entertainment Venues performances. Purchase in person during the festival at The Capitol Theatre. The box office is located in Centerpoint Plaza on Peel Street in Tamworth. In contrast, the Festival Headquarters is located at 17 Fitzroy Street. And the several venues around Tamworth.

Where Can I Find the Performing Artists Information?

Check out their Venues page for upcoming and festival-related gigs. The Official Guide is available for pre-purchase in December and during the Festival at Festival HQ and select news agencies (see more here). You may also see the event feed on What's On from July to January each year.

Are All Events 18 Years and Over?

The Tamworth Country Music Festival offers several family-friendly events and activities for youngsters under 18! Yes, you can bring the entire family! The Tamworth Country Music Festival is family (and pet) friendly, with free concerts in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park), the Toyota Country Music Fanzone stage on Fitzroy Street, busking, and live entertainment for all ages. Check out our Family Zone, which will have rides, entertainment, and more on Kable Ave during the Festival.

Is there an App for the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

There is presently no official app, but if you visit the What's On page throughout the festival, you will get an online guide to what's going on. There are several options for filtering events to see who is playing and when. Alternatively, you can buy an Official Guide at the festival. For further information, see the Official Guide page.

Peel Street for Tamworth Country Music Festival

The primary retail street, Peel Street, is exclusively accessible to pedestrians during the music festival. Buskers are mandated to register with the local council in this region. Additionally, there is a competition among these registered buskers to determine the festival's top busker. Numerous complaints and disputes have arisen regarding utilising boisterous PA systems during acoustic performances.

During performances, council officers are known to stroll the street with decibel metres. The city truly comes to life at night, as it is a summer month with daytime temperatures consistently hovering around 38 °C. People flock to the downtown area to consume, dance, and generally party while various bands perform along the main street.

2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival Artists Lineup

Adam Harvey

Aleyce Simmonds

Amber Lawrence

Andrew Swift

Ashleigh Dallas

Beccy Cole

Brian Cadd

Colin Buchanan

Fanny Lumsden

Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham

Graeme Connors

Hurricane Fall

John Williamson

And more

How to Prepare for the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

You enjoy music. You're always seeking the most significant ways to listen to your favourite music, and you've finally chosen to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival. You're excited yet slightly worried; attending the festival might be difficult. There are people everywhere, many stages, and your feet are probably already sore. The following are tips and steps to help you prepare for the coming music festival.

Step 1: Do Some Research First

Music festivals can vary significantly from one another. We're talking about many things, including performances, locations, how established and well-managed music festivals are, who attends them, and so on. 

• Taking some time to research the ones you're thinking about going to will help you:
• Avoid attending a gathering with music (and people) that aren't your jam.
• Choose a music festival with an optimal location (and one that won't leave you stuck somewhere if you need to leave suddenly for any reason).
• Avoid sketchier music festivals that have a negative reputation.

Once you decide where to go, book your tickets as soon as possible. If you delay, you risk missing out on tickets or paying extra. Music festivals are not for everyone. Persons in the same friend circle can have highly different musical tastes. So, choose mates who are:

• Into songs that will be presented in the festival.
• In agreement with you when it comes to experiencing the experience.
• Trustworthy and reliable (so you're not constantly babysitting them).

Step 2: Plan Your Budget

It's no surprise that you'll spend money at a music festival, but you might be surprised by how much you can spend - especially if you don't consider everything you'll have to pay for. So, while you get your cash ready, here are some of the things to consider in your spending: 

• Travel expenses (to and from the festival - airline, rental car, gas, Uber, etc.)
• Hotel or campsite expenses (for multi-day events)
• Food, beverages, and/or bags of ice
• Festival swag
• Special experiences, such as VIP access or sideshows.
• ATM fees (if you need to withdraw cash during the event)

Some festivals are cashless, which means you'll have a wristband to load money onto and use instead of cash or credit cards. Other festivals will require you to bring money. Make sure to keep your money in a safe place and spread it out throughout the festival. Spending all of your money on the first day implies you'll have to rough it for the rest of your time there.

Step 3: Pack Light for the Music Festival

Pack intelligently because you will be at a music festival all day — and possibly for several days.

Because the Tamworth Country Music Festival takes place throughout the summer months, remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, every day. A sunburn on the first day creates an uncomfortable and frequently miserable experience for the rest of the festival. Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun's rays. 

There's no denying it: festivals are filthy. We're talking about muck, sweaty bodies, and "the dreaded toilets" grimy. Showers are sometimes accessible (for a price), although their appeal isn't guaranteed. You might opt to take the risk, but chances are you'll be running away in terror at the sight of them. Wet wipes and sanitiser will save you. You won't be spotless, but you will feel a little better. Clean enough to cope and ready to tackle the day.

While everyone enjoys a burger or an essential noodle-based cuisine bowl, festival food can be extremely pricey, especially if you stay for a few days. So, take as much food as you can. Fruit, crackers, and cereal bars are all portable snacks that give you energy throughout the day.

If you're going camping, consider carrying a tiny stove. It will undoubtedly save you money on larger dinners, and gathering around the stove and making food together is enjoyable. Just make sure to verify the camping rules before you leave.

Step 4: Plan Your Outfit for the Music Festival

Comfort is essential when walking around and standing for long periods during the day and night. So, while deciding what to wear to a music festival, consider more than just style. Think about apparel that will be:  

• Lightweight
• Easy to layer
• Breathable
• Easy to move around

Bathing suits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts, and tank tops are excellent selections. So are comfortable tennis shoes or flip flops. Also, remember to tie a lightweight sweatshirt or hoodie around your waist so you can easily cover up if it gets cold. That will comfortably transition you from day to night wear.

Step 5: Take A Portable Power Supply

Your phone's battery will likely run out of charge—at least three times. You'll want it charred and alive, ready to shoot that ideal photo or video of that live show you've longed to witness.

So bring a portable charger or power bank, like a Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station. It usually lasts the entire festival. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.75kg. It is effortless to transport in a backpack.

The Jackery 300 Plus is a power bank that simultaneously supports rapid charging for multiple devices and offers various charging options, making it convenient for music festival charging. It has a capacity of 288Wh and an output of 300W power, with dual PD ports that can produce up to 100W output.

If you worry about draining the Explorer 300 Plus, its multiple recharging options can make it easier to refuel. You can pair it with a SolarSaga 80W solar panel to recharge with solar energy for 6.3 hours, or you can recharge it by wall outlets for 2 hours, carport for 5.5 hours, and USB charging for 4 hours.

The Jackery 300 Plus guarantees the safety of all your electrical appliances by delivering a pure sine wave and a constant voltage. It boasts a ten-year longevity with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery. The innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power output safeguard against potential equipment damage.

Step 6: Print the Festival Schedule

Unreliable transportation can ruin your weekend before you even reach the festival grounds. Before you hit the road, ensure your vehicle is current on any necessary tune-ups or service appointments.

Printing a map and artist schedule is a wise decision. The last thing you want to do is miss your favourite performer on stage. Checking out the map before you travel is an excellent way to get oriented. You may locate crucial facilities such as bathrooms, first-aid stations, lost property, information sites, etc.

If you can't print them beforehand, you can get one when you arrive. Just give enough time to look around before the party begins.

Step 7: Keep Hydrated

It's easy to forget to stay hydrated when you're having fun in the sun, dancing, and drinking a few drinks. But since you'll be walking a lot in the summer heat, the last thing you want is to become dehydrated, which will ruin the enjoyment. Dehydration can cause low blood pressure, decreased cognitive ability, and, in severe situations, medical crises.  

So, make sure you stay hydrated. Remember that you will most likely have to wait in long lines to buy pricey bottled water. So consider bringing your refillable water bottle; it's less expensive, better for the environment, and will save you time in line. 

Step 8: Enjoy the Music Festival

Going to a music festival for the first time can be exciting and overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it's easy to forget to care for oneself. That is why it is critical to plan to ensure that you have a fun time while being safe and healthy.

Partying and late nights may be the norm at a music festival, but that doesn't mean you have to run into the ground or be unwell to have a good time. So, try to take care of yourself.

• Drinking plenty of water, especially outside in the sun.
• Applying sunscreen and wearing a hat.
• Getting sleep whenever you can.
• Partying responsibly.
• Making safe decisions.

Remember, festivals are supposed to be enjoyable, so have a good time! After all, it is the memories you will treasure for years. So dance, sing, and enjoy the moment.

You might even find your new favourite singer or genre of music. With these tips and tricks, you'll have an unforgettable first-time festival experience. So go out and enjoy the celebrations!

Music Festival Camping Tips

The Tamworth Country Music Festival lasts many days, and camping is a fantastic option if the venues are in more remote locations! It's enjoyable, reasonably priced, and easy to arrange. These ideas will help ensure that your festival camping experience is the best.

Tip 1: Pack Light

At a festival, carrying a lot of heavy camping gear is the last thing you want to do. Pack sparingly and ensure everything can be set up and taken down quickly. While air mattresses are pretty cosy, sleeping mats are just as good and much easier to handle in a tent. Compared to standard tents, backpacking tents are significantly lighter and packed down relatively tiny to facilitate transportation. 

Make sure you pack your camping basics wherever you go. I always ensure I have additional clothes, a water filter, a first aid pack, and a solar-driven lantern. These basics equip you to meet whatever the weekend presents!  

Tip 2: Choose a Wise Camping Spot

Although they're great fun, music festivals can sometimes be quite demanding. If you wish to keep maximising your festival experience, you will need a decent night's sleep. Therefore, you should find a good position for your tent such that it will be a hike back to the event in the morning rather than too near to the stage or another tent. Additionally, be careful to review any camping rules and festival posts.

Tip 3: Water Is Essential

As I indicated already, music events may get quite hot! Bring more than enough water if you are camping to last the weekend. Your health depends much on your water intake. Hence, pack at least one 5-gallon water bottle in your tent or car. Find out where water replenishment stations are, too.

What Other Things to Do in Tamworth?

The Tamworth Country Music Festival will last for a few days, so in your spare time, you can do more things in Tamworth. 

Visit the Big Golden Guitar

The Big Golden Guitar, one of Australia's numerous "big" landmarks, is located at the southern entrance to Tamworth, New South Wales, on Goonoo Goonoo Road (New England Highway). Slim Dusty unveiled it in 1988. It stands 12 metres and weighs half a tonne.

The Big Golden Guitar is a symbol of the world-renowned annual Tamworth Country Music Festival and a replica of the renowned Golden Guitar Award. It is a must-see attraction during your visit to Tamworth or if you are passing through. The Golden Guitar is illuminated at night and is accessible 24 hours a day for the obligatory photograph.

Visit the Hands of Fame Park

In 1977, the Country Music Hands of Fame was established in Tamworth as a tribute to individuals who had established a reputation in Australian country music. The Hall of Fame, on behalf of the Tamworth Regional Council, determines the inductees. The imprinting will occur on Saturday morning following the cavalcade during the TCMF. The Country Music Hands of Fame Cornerstone is a free experience available year-round at Brisbane Street and Kable Avenue in Tamworth.

Visit Australian Country Music Hall of Fame

The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, which includes the Walk a Country Mile exhibit, showcases an unparalleled collection of memorabilia from Australian country music artists.

Numerous examples are featured, including clothing, musical instruments, and other memorabilia from the earliest pioneers of Australian country music, including Tex Morton, Buddy Williams, and Smoky Dawson. There are numerous examples, from June Holms and Shirley Thoms to contemporary artists such as Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence, and Beccy Cole.

The displays are updated regularly. Rodney Walker's "One Man Band" and the Hadley Recording Studio are among the current exhibits.

Tamworth Country Music Festival FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

1. Who is playing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025?

An ungated event of ticketed and free performances will occur from January 17 to 26, 2025, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Numerous acts will headline in 2025, including Kasey Chambers, Suzi Quatro, Travis Collins, Fanny Lumsden, Amber Lawrence, and many others.

2. Do you need a ticket for the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

No other festival offers an experience like the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Attendance is not contingent upon the acquisition of a ticket, as it is not gated. There is something for everyone, from free performances every night in the park to buskers, stalls, kids' activities, and street performers.

3. What is the biggest country festival in Australia?

CMC Rocks QLD is the largest international country music festival in Australia. Bringing the most prominent country superstars in the world to Ipswich!

4. Isthe Tamworth Country Music Festival good?

The Tamworth Country Music Festival was included in the Top 100 Australian Things to Do or See list and published in numerous travel periodicals.

5. What rides are at the Tamworth Country Music Festival?

Dodgem cars, a Ferris wheel, the sound wave attraction, a Mega Drop, teacups, and other activities are available to the entire family. The hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Final Thoughts

The Tamworth Country Music Festival is the premier event for country music lovers, attracting fans from around the world to Tamworth, NSW. Celebrating the best in country music, TCMF 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of artists performing live at iconic venues like Wests and Diggers. You can learn more details and get some tips for preparing for this music festival from this guide now!