The October long weekend is about to get a whole lot louder, with The Bend Classic adding a Dolly Parton tribute, $5 pies and a bid to break a South Australian line dancing record to its already packed program.
The three-day event will return to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend from Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, bringing together motorsport, country music, rodeo, camping and plenty of old-school family entertainment.
While cars remain at the heart of The Bend Classic, this year’s event is shaping up to be as much about the party as it is about the racing.
Australian country artist Tori Darke will take to the main stage on Saturday for a tribute to Dolly Parton, performing the iconic hit 9 to 5.
“Dolly has always been my idol,” said Tori. “The voice, the songwriting, the humour and the sheer determination to do things her own way, she opened doors for so many women in country music. Her songs made everyday lives matter. ‘Coat of Many Colors’ found pride and love in growing up with very little, while ‘9 to5’ gave working women an anthem.
“This tribute is made for a big singalong. I want everyone up, singing and having the time of their lives. Bring a little Dolly attitude and I’llbring the music.”
Saturday’s country music line-up will kick off from 12:30pm, with Denvah, Andrew Swift, Tori Darke, James Blundell and Robbie Mortimer taking to the stage before headliners Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston.
Lee has already described the event as having “the makings of the Tamworth of the South.”
And if the music gets you in the mood to pull on your boots, Saddle & Stomp is hoping to get more than 800 people onto the dance floor for a massive line dancing record attempt on Saturday, October 3rd.
South Australia’s largest line dancing events organiser will teach fans the routine Strummingbird, choreographed by Maddison Glover to James Johnston’s One More.
Saddle & Stomp owner and director Eleni Giagos said, ” Line dancing is a great way for people who love this music to come together and build a community. One of the biggest events we worked on had 800 fans learning to line dance, and I want us to beat it at The Bend Classic on Saturday.”
For those who prefer horsepower to hoedowns, there will be plenty happening across the two racetracks, including Nostalgia Drags, historic and vintage racing, hillclimb action, classic speedway demonstrations and the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway Track Championship.
Friday will bring something completely different, with Woodall Rodeo Promotions taking over the venue for a night of bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel racing under lights.
There’s $19,000 in prize money up for grabs, with rising riders and junior competitors also taking part.
The BBQ Village will see some of Australia’s best pitmasters competing for $20,000 and a place at the 2027 world championship in Las Vegas.
Away from the main events, visitors can check out the ute muster, rare and classic cars, whip cracking, axe throwing, karting and live music across the precinct. There’s even a Sunday night drive-in screening of Smokey and the Bandit to finish the weekend.
The Bend is also promising to keep things relatively easy on the wallet, with $5 pies available from the Welcome Centre.
“Come for a day or settle in for the long weekend,” shared Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald. “With great camping facilities across the precinct, you can cook your own meal at your campsite or grab a five-dollar pie at the Welcome Centre. The choice is yours.
“We want people spending their weekend making memories with their mates and families, without stretching the household budget.”
For those wanting to make a full weekend of it, camping packages start from $189 per adult and include three-day event admission, with camping available from Thursday, October 1st through to Monday, October 5th.
Three-day general admission starts at $149 for adults, while kids aged five to 15 can attend for $20.
The Bend Classic will run from October 2nd to 4th at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, with the October long weekend offering a mix of country music, rodeo, motorsport, camping and family entertainment.
The Bend Classic
When: Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th
Where: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend
Price: From $45 for Friday, $119 for Saturday or $149 for three days
For more information, click here.
