The homegrown country music festival is back in 2027
After two huge years on Newcastle Foreshore, Howlin’ Country is saddling up for something a little different in 2027.
On Saturday February 13, the locally owned and operated festival will return with Howlin’ Rock N Rodeo – a new two-session event combining live country music with a fully-fledged rodeo on Newcastle Foreshore.
This time around, festival-goers can choose between a family-friendly daytime session headlined by Australian country music icon Kasey Chambers, an evening session led by rising US singer-songwriter Max McNown, or settle in for the full day with a Howlin’ Pass.
And yes, there’ll be an actual rodeo.
Partnering with PBA Australia, both sessions will feature rodeo action alongside a growing lineup of Australian and international country artists.
Kasey Chambers leads the daytime session
Running from 10am–4pm, the daytime session has been created with the whole family in mind, bringing a more accessible ticket price and an all-ages lineup to the Foreshore.
Leading the bill is 15-time ARIA Award winner Kasey Chambers, bringing one of Australian country music’s most recognisable voices to Newcastle.
Joining Kasey are Tori Darke, The Wet Whistles, Ellis Undercover and Cheap Whiskey DJs, with more international artists still to be announced.
Tickets for the daytime session start from $49 for kids and $99 for adults.
Max McNown takes over after dark
From 4.30pm, Howlin’ Rock N Rodeo switches gears for its nighttime session.
American singer-songwriter Max McNown will headline the evening, joined by The Wet Whistles, Tori Darke and Cheap Whiskey DJs, with further international acts still to come.
The rodeo action will continue into the evening, with PBA Australia bringing the arena experience to Newcastle Foreshore alongside six hours of live music and entertainment.
The nighttime session runs from 4.30pm–10.30pm, with tickets starting from $99 for kids and $129 for adults. The event remains all ages.
Or go Howlin’ all day
Can’t decide between Kasey Chambers and Max McNown? You don’t necessarily have to.
The Howlin’ Pass gives festival-goers access to both sessions, taking you from the first rodeo action and daytime performances right through to the nighttime headline set.
Adult Howlin’ Passes start from $165 plus booking fees, with kids’ passes starting from $129 plus booking fees.
The new format marks the next chapter for Howlin’ Country, which has spent the past two years bringing major international names, Australian country favourites and emerging talent to Newcastle Foreshore.
Now, the homegrown festival is adding a little more rodeo to the mix.
Howlin’ Rock N Rodeo
When: Saturday, February 13 2027
Where: Newcastle Foreshore, Newcastle
Daytime session: 10am – 4pm
Nighttime session: 4:30pm – 10:30pm
Cost: Daytime from $49 kids / $99 adults; Nighttime from $99 kids / $129 adults; Howlin’ Pass from $129 kids / $165 adults + booking fee
To book, visit Caves Coastal Beer, Food & Wine Festival
