Newcastle is getting a new country music showdown, with Howlin’ Country set to launch its Rock N Rodeo format on the Newcastle Foreshore in February 2027, headlined by Max McNown and Kasey Chambers.
Returning for its third year, Howlin’ Country is shaking up its format with two sessions, combining live country music with rodeo action and all-ages entertainment.
The new event is designed to bring the festival’s community-focused atmosphere to a bigger, more varied experience, with bulls, broncos and barrel racing joining the musical line-up.
The daytime session will run from 10am to 4pm and will be headlined by Australian country music icon Kasey Chambers.
With 15 ARIA Awards, 28 Golden Guitars and 13 studio albums to her name, Chambers brings decades of experience and a catalogue that has made her one of the country’s most celebrated performers.
From 4.30pm to 10.30pm, the action will shift into the night with American singer-songwriter Max McNown taking the headline spot.
The Oregon-born artist has built a huge online following, with more than 2.6 million TikTok followers, while songs including Better Me For You (Brown Eyes) and A Lot More Free have earned Platinum sales.
Both sessions will feature Brisbane four-piece The Wet Whistles, ARIA chart-topper Tori Darke and country-folk artist Ellis Undercover, with Cheap Whiskey DJs and international guests also joining the line-up.
Beyond the music, daytime punters can expect a Little Howlers play area, line dancing and a mechanical bull, while the evening session will add a rodeo ring and Silent Saloon to the mix.
Howlin’ Country presents Rock N Rodeo at the Newcastle Foreshore on Saturday, 13 February 2027. Tickets go on sale Friday, 18 September at 12pm local, with a Howlin’ Presale from Wednesday, 16 September at 11am. Find out more by heading to howlin.country.
