Newcastle’s Howlin’ Country has dropped its full set times and a jam-packed list of festival activities, giving fans a first look at everything happening on site this year.
From big-name performances to family zones, bungee runs, whiskey tastings and late-night honky-tonk chaos, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be completely action-loaded.
With the festival landing on Valentine’s Day, organisers are leaning into the romance. The Love Truck will be selling roses for forgetful sweethearts, handmade friendship and love bracelets will be available at the Lil Howlers stalls, and a speed-dating tent run by the Ladies Love Country podcast promises plenty of meet-cutes.
Young families will also be catered for with the Lil Howlers kids zone offering free face painting, yard games, pony cycles and a classic jumping castle.
Tooheys returns as the official beer partner, rolling in with its always-popular bungee run and a haul of prizes. Whisky fans can make tracks to the Traveller Whiskey sampler truck to sip some of Chris Stapleton’s finest throughout the day.
Howlin’s sold-out VIP zone, the Bundy Rum-backed Howlin’ Hotel, is set to host secret DJ sets, while Country Trucker Hats brings its country-approved lid lineup to the grounds.
For those chasing more space and perks, Howlin’ Premium is nearly exhausted, with fewer than 200 tickets left and the option for existing GA ticketholders to upgrade.
The Bale House returns in revamped form as the festival’s second stage, showcasing homegrown talent by day before morphing into a honky-tonk beer garden after dark.
On the music front, Tyla Rodrigues kicks off the main stage, followed by sets from Adam Newling, Kashus Culpepper, Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke, Kaitlin Butts, Flatland Cavalry and Morgan Evans, before Lainey Wilson closes the night.
The Bale House features Sharnee Fenwick, Grand Pricks, Sweet Talk, Lewis Love, The Wet Whistles and Cheap Whiskey DJs.
The second edition of Howlin’ Country will hit Newcastle Foreshore on Saturday, 14 February 2026. Tickets and upgrade options are available now via the festival’s official website.
