Lee Kernaghan & James Johnston Headline The Bend Classic 2026
The three-day festival also features performances from James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer and more.
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Australian country music giants Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston are headlining this year’s edition of The Bend Classic, South Australia’s biggest country music festival.
The three-day festival takes over Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October, with an all-star lineup of country stars spanning three generations taking to the Main Stage.
“When I said The Bend Classic had the makings of the Tamworth of the South, this is what I was talking about,” says Kernaghan. “You look down this line-up and it’s the whole story of Australian country music on one stage — the artists who built it, the ones topping the charts today and the next generation coming through.”
Johnston adds, “This is my first festival in South Australia and they’ve handed me a line-up like this — it’s going to be one hell of a day. SA crowds are some of the rowdiest going around, so bring your boots and bring your voice.”
Kernaghan and Johnston will be joined by James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Denvah across the October long weekend.
Along with the artists performing on the Main Stage, the party continues at the Coach Stage, where you can enjoy line dancing before the Old Town Country Road DJ keeps everybody moving late into the night. Over at the Acoustic Stage, local artists including El Coyote, Drew Akin, Jo Page and William Millard will be performing unplugged sessions for those looking for something a little more chill.
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While the music is a major drawcard, there’s so much more going down at The Bend Classic, including whip-cracking demonstrations, a ute muster, axe throwing, car displays, circuit racing and classic cars thundering down the Dragway in Saturday’s Nostalgia Drags, the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway at The Bend Track Championship, and a Sunday night drive-in family movie.
When it comes to food, some of the country’s best BBQ masters and food trucks will be slinging tasty treats down BBQ Alley, while Australia’s best pitmasters go head-to-head for $20,000 in prize money in a BBQ competition for the ages.
There’s a stack of great accommodation options available, but they are selling fast, with the Deluxe Tents already snapped up by eager punters. Check out what’s still up for grabs here.
Alistair MacDonald, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO, said the event was a long-term commitment to South Australian music fans.
“At a time when fans are losing festivals, we’re building The Bend Classic for the long haul. This October long weekend it will be the biggest music event in the state, and we’re only getting started.
“We have built an entire event around fan feedback — great live music, camping with your mates and a full weekend of entertainment — and we have delivered that and more.”
After the massive success of last year’s event, which featured performances from country icon Kasey Chambers and nine-time CMMA award winner Travis Collins, this year’s edition of The Bend Classic is shaping up as the best yet, so grab your tickets now before they’re sold out!
The Bend Classic 2026 is held at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October. Tickets on sale now via thebend.com.au.
The Bend Classic 2026 Country Music Festival
Lee Kernaghan
James Johnston
James Blundell
Andrew Swift
Robbie Mortimer
Tori Darke
Denvah
plus many more local artists
