Images: supplied
Country music fans, this one’s for you!
A huge line up of seven-artists spanning three generations of Australian talent are taking centre stage this October long weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston will headline the three-day festival, along with James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Australian Idol breakout star Denvah.
From October 2 to 4, The Bend Classic will bring a mix of camping, motorsport, live music and more, across two racetracks, three stages and five camping areas.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said the festival had been developed as a long-term addition to South Australia’s events calendar.
“At a time when fans are losing festivals, we’re building The Bend Classic for the long haul.
“This October long weekend it will be the biggest music event in the state, and we’re only getting started.”
“We have built an entire event around fan feedback, great live music, camping with your mates and a full weekend of entertainment, and we have delivered that and more,” Mr MacDonald said.
The main country music program will run from midday until the final encore on Saturday, bringing iconic Australian names together with some of the genre’s fastest-rising performers.
Lee Kernaghan will take to the stage as the sun goes down on Saturday night, followed by Golden Guitar winner James Johnston, who will make his South Australian festival debut.
“When I said The Bend Classic had the makings of the Tamworth of the South, this is what I was talking about,” Lee Kernaghan said.
“You look down this line-up and it’s the whole story of Australian country music on one stage, the artists who built it, the ones topping the charts today and the next generation coming through.”
A new limited-capacity Texas Club VIP experience will give fans premium front-of-stage viewing, access to a private bar and facilities, and selected artist meet and greets with Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston.
Away from the main stage activities across the grounds will feature line dancing, a late-night DJ party and stripped-back performances at the Acoustic Stage.
Beyond the music, some of Australia’s leading pitmasters will compete for $20,000 in prize money, while BBQ Alley will offer food stalls and live-fire cooking sessions.
Also on the wider program is whip-cracking demonstrations, axe throwing, a ute muster, car displays, circuit racing, Saturday’s Nostalgia Drags and a Sunday night drive-in family movie.
So whether you’re in it for the music, dancing or cars, it’s set to be a wild long weekend this October.
The Bend Classic
When: October 2nd to 4th, 2026.
Where: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend
For more info and tickets, click here.
