The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend is set to deliver a trifecta for country music fans - great live music, camping with friends and a full weekend of entertainment all in one location - when it hosts The Bend Classic this October long weekend.
Some of the biggest names in Australian country music will perform at the three-day festival, including headline acts Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston, along with James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Denvah.
The seven-artist bill spans three generations of Australian country music - the pioneers who built the genre, today's biggest chart-toppers and its fastest-rising new stars - across three stages over an action-packed stay-and-play weekend.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said The Bend Classic was more than just a one-off event.
"At a time when fans are losing festivals, we’re building The Bend Classic for the long haul," Mr MacDonald said.
"This October long weekend it will be the biggest music event in the state, and we’re only getting started."
Australian star James Blundell (pictured) will bring more than three decades of hits to the stage, along with tracks from his latest chart-topping album Patience Wins.
Three-time Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift will perform fan favourites from his No. 1 album Lucky Stars, while Robbie Mortimer is set to deliver the high-energy country-rock performances that have made him a festival highlight around the country.
Internationally recognised artist Tori Darke, fresh from securing appearances at major festivals in the UK and USA, joins one of Australia’s fastest-rising country voices, Denvah, whose Australian Idol success has helped introduce him to a new generation of fans.
Australian country music veteran Lee Kernaghan, whose catalogue includes more than 30 chart-topping singles, will perform before winner of the Golden Guitar for Australia’s Top Selling Country Album James Johnstone, in his first-ever South Australian festival appearance.
A host of local country artists, including El Coyote, Drew Akin, Jo Page and William Millard, will also perform throughout the weekend.
Other entertainment will include line dancing sessions, a DJ party, a national barbecue competition, food stalls, and live-fire cooking demonstrations. There will also be whip-cracking displays, a ute muster, axe throwing, car exhibitions, circuit racing, classic car showcases, drive-in movie and Nostalgia Drags.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the full festival experience, trackside campgrounds, dedicated tent and swag areas, free parking, and shuttle services make it easy to settle in and enjoy the entire weekend.
The Bend Classic will be held from 2-4 October 2026. Tickets and camping packages are available now at thebend.com.au.
