What is on site
Facilities
- Family area
About Howlin' Rock N Rodeo (formerly Howlin' Country)
Howlin' Rock N Rodeo is a one-day country music and rodeo event on the Newcastle Foreshore in Newcastle East, New South Wales, presented by Howlin' Presents. It grew out of Howlin' Country, a one-day country music festival held on the foreshore in February 2025 and again on 14 February 2026. For 2027 the event has been renamed and expanded around a rodeo arena.
The 2027 edition is on Saturday 13 February, with gates open from 1pm to 10:30pm. American country singer Max McNown and Australian singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers headline, with The Wet Whistles, Tori Darke, Ellis Undercover and Cheap Whiskey DJs also on the bill and more acts to be announced. Live music runs from 1pm until late, covering country, outlaw country and honky tonk rock.
PBR Australia is producing the rodeo program, which features bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing in the arena. Around the grounds there is a Silent Saloon dance floor with three headphone channels, free line dancing lessons throughout the day, a mechanical bull, and the Lil' Howlers kids area with pony rides, face painting and hay-bale hideouts. Food and drink includes barbecue, frozen margaritas and a country bakery.
The event is licensed and open to all ages, and is pitched at families, country music fans and rodeo fans. Adult tickets are $129 plus a booking fee ($137.20 in total through Oztix). Junior tickets for ages 3 to 17 are $49 plus a booking fee, and children under three attend free. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Accessibility versions of the adult and junior tickets are also available. Attendees can bring their own chairs and small eskies with snacks, but rugs are not allowed.
City of Newcastle approval for the 2026 event covered Shortland Lawn at 32 Wharf Road, with the event running from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday 14 February 2026.
Howlin' Rock N Rodeo (formerly Howlin' Country) lineup
6 artistsAccessibility
Accessibility versions of adult and junior tickets are offered on Oztix; the official FAQ includes sections on an accessible area and accessible parking.
Frequently asked
When is Howlin' Rock N Rodeo 2027?
Saturday 13 February 2027 at Newcastle Foreshore, Newcastle East NSW. Gates are open 1pm to 10:30pm.
Who is headlining?
Max McNown (USA) and Kasey Chambers, with The Wet Whistles, Tori Darke, Ellis Undercover and Cheap Whiskey DJs. More acts are to be announced.
How much are tickets?
Adults $129 plus a booking fee, juniors aged 3-17 $49 plus a booking fee, and children under three free, through Oztix.
Can kids attend?
Yes. It is an all-ages, family-friendly event, but under-18s must be with a responsible adult. There is a Lil' Howlers kids area.
Is there a rodeo?
Yes. PBR Australia produces the rodeo, with bull riding, broncs and barrel racing.
Can I bring chairs or an esky?
Bring your own chairs and a small esky with snacks; rugs are not allowed.
Contact the festival
Last verified 2026-10-20. Dates, prices and lineups change — always confirm on the official festival site before booking.