Your weekend guide to Hats Off to Country
This July 11–13, Tamworth will come alive with the sounds of country music during the Hats Off to Country Festival. This mid-year celebration offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to the January festival, featuring a blend of free and ticketed performances across town
🎶 Friday Night – Kicking It Off in Style
Start your festival weekend early:
- 🎓 CMAA Junior Academy Graduation Concert – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar
See the future stars of Australian country music as graduates from the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music take the stage Friday night. Always a crowd favourite, this showcase gives you a taste of tomorrow’s headliners, today. - ✍️ Lawrie Minson’s Songwriters Night – The Press
Are you a budding songwriter or just love hearing the stories behind the songs? Head over to The Press on Friday evening for Lawrie Minson’s intimate Songwriters Night, where some of the country’s best songwriters will share their music and the stories behind their hits.
🎤 Saturday – Live Music All Day (and Night!)
Saturday is stacked with incredible performances across Tamworth. Here are just a few must-see acts:
- 🥁 The Bushwackers – Lunchtime Set at Wests Leagues Club
Australian folk-country legends The Bushwackers will bring their high-energy, stomp-along show to West Tamworth Leagues Club at lunchtime. Get in early and expect a room full of dancing, fiddles, and Aussie storytelling at its finest. - 🤠 Travis Collins – 7:30 PM Saturday Night
One of Australia’s biggest country stars, Travis Collins, takes the stage Saturday night at 7:30 PM. Don’t miss this powerhouse performer delivering hit after hit with his signature country rock. - 🍻 Post Office Hotel Live Music
Keep the party going with a stacked night of live country at one of Tamworth’s best-loved pubs:- 4:30 PM – A top-tier '90s Country Tribute Band TWANG brings nostalgia and classics that’ll have you singing along.
- 8:00 PM – Late – Tamworth’s own BoltonCrook take over with a high-energy set to carry you into the night.
🌟 And There’s More…
The Hats Off to Country weekend is packed with fantastic local acts performing at venues across the city — from classic pubs and clubs to relaxed open-air gigs and songwriter circles. Be sure to check out the full program for updates, pop-up performances, and more surprises.
Bring a jacket for the chilly nights but expect gorgeous winter sunshine through the day.
