A country music lovers guide to the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025

This family-friendly festival has music for every country music fan
Toyota Park
Photograph: Supplied | Tamworth Country Music Festival
By Saskia Morrison-Thiagu for Time Out in association with Destination NSW
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Yeehaw! The biggest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere is back, and it’s a must for country music lovers around the nation. The Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival is a ten-day celebration running in January that will take over Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth. The best part about this festival is that it’s super family-friendly, with plenty of acts for old and young – even a one-of-a-kind performance from The Wiggles. So giddy up partners because we’ve got you covered with our festival top picks that are bound to get you boot-scootin’ in no time.

Tamworth Country Music Festival highlights

Bring the whole family down to Tamworth's Biggest Kids Country Show, Amber Lawrence Sings Tay Tay and More, for a fun and interactive musical experience. Swifties can rejoice, as Lawrence will be performing plenty of Taylor Swift’s biggest hits as well as oodles of other country favourites too. The show is packed with interactive elements, sing-alongs and opportunities for the little ones to shake it off. Catch this fantastic family show at 11am on January 19. Tickets are $20, which you can purchase here

Toot toot, chugga chugga, big red UTE? Yes, that’s right, instead of the big red car  The Wiggles are coming to Tamworth Country Music Festival in a big red ute. Performing live at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, this exciting show will bring all the energy and fun of a Wiggles performance, combined with the spirit of Tamworth. Catch this special performance on January 21, with two sessions at 10am and 4pm. Tickets are $48 and can be purchased here.

The current Golden Guitar winner for Best New Talent, Max Jackson, has been taking the country music scene by storm. Now, as the 2025 official Ambassador for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Jackson’s performance is set to be a highlight of this year’s festival. Experience firsthand why the country music world is predicting great things for this rising star. Catch this incredible show on January 23 at 2pm at The Longyard Hotel. Find your tickets here.

Fans of Australian Idol might recognise James Johnston for placing third in the show’s seventh season. Now, this rising country music star will bring his electrifying mix of heartfelt country storytelling and high-energy hits to Tamworth. Johnston will perform his chart-topping songs  live, accompanied by a full-band, for a show that promises to be a night to remember. Catch Johnston at Tamworth Town Hall on January 24, along with opportunities for a VIP meet and greet. Tickets range from $59-$249, so check the website for more info.

Multi award-winning country artist Travis Collins will light up Tamworth on January 25 with his show live at Town Hall.  Known for his dynamic energy and toe-tapping songs, this powerhouse performer is a must-see for any country music fan. Expect to hear all the classics like ‘Call Me Crazy’ and ‘Just Another Girl’ for this exciting show. Parents should keep in mind that it’s an 18 plus show – so take some time for yourselves and get a babysitter for the night. For more info and to buy tickets, head to the website.

If there’s one thing you definitely can’t miss at Tamworth Country Music Festival, it's the Golden Guitar Awards. This hallmark event is a celebration of the best of Australian country music, featuring live performances from top artists and nominees, as well as the prestigious award ceremony. This family- friendly event is your chance to experience the excitement of country music’s biggest night and see your favorite stars up close. This huge event is happening on January 25 at 7.30pm, with the red carpet from 5pm. There are multiple price tiers to choose from, so check the website for more information.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival runs from January 17-26, for more info about what’s on head to the festival website.

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