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HOWLIN’ COUNTRY
reveal set times for 2026 event

Extra artists added to
this years lineup including
KASHUS CULPEPPER,
PAUL DEMPSEY & more

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Kaitlin Butts Howdy | Credit: Thomas Crabtree

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Returning for a brand new year of country music goodness out on the gorgeous Newcastle Foreshore, HOWLIN’ COUNTRY is prepared to usher in a whole new wave of memories for music fans and the local community alike on Saturday 14 February.

Headlined by US country superstar LAINEY WILSON and featuring Newcastle’s own global country icon MORGAN EVANS, on a lineup stacked with talent including US performers KAITLIN BUTTS and FLATLAND CAVALRY; and Australian favourites ADAM NEWLING and TYLA RODRIGUES, this year’s edition of HOWLIN’ COUNTRY was positioned early as one of the most anticipated large-scale music events this side of 2026. 

With the lineup now complete with the addition of more stellar talent including Alabama Country-Soul artist KASHUS CULPEPPER, PAUL DEMPSEY – who will be bringing SHOTGUN KARAOKE to the event, Melbourne’s SWEET TALK, Brisbane’s THE WET WHISTLES, Ballarat’s LEWIS LOVE and local Novocastrians, GRAND PRICKS and SHARNEE FENWICK; Attendees can now start planning their day at HOWLIN’ COUNTRY, with set times now released.

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Flatland Cavalry

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There’ll be no shortage of action at Howlin’ this year, with a stacked lineup of on-site activations making it a true all-day experience for music lovers, families, and festival roamers alike. With the festival landing on Valentine’s Day, love is well and truly in the air with the Love Truck selling roses for those who forgot, along with our Lil’ Howlers stalls with handmade friendship and love bracelets, alongside a speed-dating tent hosted by popular podcast Ladies Love Country.

Official beer partner Tooheys will fire things up with a crowd-favourite bungee run and plenty of prizes, while Traveller Whiskey will be bringing their sampler truck to the festival for those who want to taste some of Chris Stapleton’s finest. Bundy Rum takes over the sold-out Howlin’ Hotel VIP tent with secret DJ sets popping up throughout the day, and Country Trucker Hats will be on site serving up the sharpest country lids going around.

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Adam Newling | Credit: Charlie Hardy

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Howlin’ have the Little Tackers covered this year with the Lil Howlers kids zone, featuring free face painting, yard games, ride-on pony cycles and a classic jumping castle. Last but not least, Howlin’s revamped second stage The Bale House will be showcasing top local Australian acts by day before transforming into a late-night honky-tonk beer garden. Cheap Whiskey DJs will be bringing the house down in the evening, and if you fancy a bull ride after a boogie, they’ll have a mechanical bull running all night at The Bale House.

Tickets for HOWLIN’ COUNTRY are selling fast, with the music festival expected to bring a boost in tourism and community strength to Newcastle across the February weekend. Proudly 100% owned and operated, HOWLIN’ COUNTRY has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting local producers and business owners in Newcastle.

Not only is HOWLIN’ COUNTRY giving local artists the opportunity to share the stage with globally recognised and renowned artists, but the festival has opened its arms in embracing local vendors, staff and community business right across the event, from the ground up.

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Tyla

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This has been key to the development of HOWLIN’ COUNTRY, as festival promoter MOE MATTHEW explains, “We are excited to be bringing Howlin’ back for a second year in Newcastle. Being promoters who live in Newcastle, it’s important for us to support as many local businesses as we possibly can when putting Howlin’ on. This year we are spending around 80% of our event costs with local suppliers, and also have five artists from Newcastle on our line-up!”.

HOWLIN’ COUNTRY remains dedicated to offering music fans the best experience possible, with a number of ticket packages available to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all ages. But don’t wait around! HOWLIN’ COUNTRY is on track to match its debut year, and sell fast for 2026.

HOWLIN’ PREMIUM: Best seats in the house alongside your own bar & toilets + selected pastries from CRUMB Bakery. Howlin’ Premium has a few surprises up for grabs for the ticket holders. Make sure you get your raffle ticket on the way in, because you could be standing on the side of the stage watching your favourite artists.

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Lainey Wilson

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HOWLIN’ COUNTRY 2026

 Newcastle Foreshore NSW
Saturday 14 February

TICKETS: HERE

HOWLIN’ HOTEL / VIP TICKETS: SOLD OUT
YOUTH TICKET: Available for 16 & 17 year olds wishing to attend without parents/guardians.
KIDS UNDER 16: Allowed to attend with a parent/guardian.
KIDS UNDER 3: Free!

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HOWLIN’ COUNTRY
artist announcement

LAINEY WILSON
MORGAN EVANS
FLATLAND CAVALRY
KAITLIN BUTTS
KASHUS CULPEPPER
PAUL DEMPSEY’S SHOTGUN KARAOKE
ADAM NEWLING
GRAND PRICKS
LEWIS LOVE
SWEET TALK
THE WET WHISTLES
TYLA RODRIGUES
SHARNEE FENWICK
CHEAP WHISKEY DJs 

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Morgan | Credit: Chady Awad

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Follow HOWLIN’ COUNTRY
Website – Facebook – Instagram
Youtube – Tik Tok

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AMNPLIFY – DB