Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra is turning up the volume in 2026, announcing Townsville's own, The Barnyard Band as the headline entertainment across Friday and Saturday nights, August 7 and 8.
Front and centre is Laurence Sorbello, award-winning crowd participation country entertainer and master showman, paired with the explosive fiddle brilliance of Katisha Adelaide and their all-star five piece band, delivering a two night country concert spectacular that pays homage to the greatest country artists of all time as well as showcasing their debut songs being released in 2026..
"It has been an absolute dream of mine since I was very young to headline the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo and this year it's coming true! So you can bet your ass we are coming to put on a show!"
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo's Mark 'Thommo' Thompson said The Barnyard Band would ensure the action and entertainment continue long after the chutes close each night. "This is exactly the kind of high-energy, modern country sound that matches the spirit of Rodeo. When the arena closes, we want The Barnyard Band pumping from start to finish, and this band knows how to bring the party!"
Laurence Sorbello first made his mark on the Australian music scene through major talent competitions, reaching the Top 30 on Australian Idol in 2004, highlighted by a grand final performance on the steps of the Sydney Opera House singing Boys from the Bush. He later returned to national television as a finalist on The X Factor (2015), further cementing his reputation as a powerful live performer.
Since then, he has taken his music to some of the country's biggest stages, including performances to crowds of more than 10,000 at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, multiple appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and a Category Win at the Charters Towers Country Music Festival. He has also shared stages supporting Australian favorites Troy Cassar-Daley, Mental As Anything, the Kernaghan family and Jimmy Little, building a career defined by high-energy country performances and big festival crowds.
Created to be wildly entertaining, with plenty of crowd participation, exploding energy and humor, The Barnyard Band is a Queensland-born traveling country concert experience, that embraces the latest technology in playback autonomous timecode lighting and visual entertainment and delivers a true blue country concert rock show experience..
The Barnyard Band will perform on Friday and Saturday nights at the 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, August 7th and 8th with all entertainment included in the entry price.
2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra
Fri 7th August – Sun 9th August 2026
Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
ABOUT Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – it is the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world. It's where champions return to defend their titles, rising stars carve their names into history, and eight electrifying seconds can feel like an eternity. For three adrenaline-fueled days, Mount Isa in Outback Queensland comes alive with the raw power of bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping and more, as the world's toughest cowboys and cowgirls battle for some of the most coveted buckles in rodeo. Since 1959, the red dust of Mount Isa has risen beneath hooves, boots, and the roar of the crowd. The rodeo is the heartbeat of Outback Queensland, and an event that welcomes riders and fans from all over the globe.
Daily Entry Passes – Friday 7th August, Saturday 8th August and Sunday 9 August 2026
Adult (18+) $50
Pensioner $35
Child (8-17 years) $20
Child (0-7) free
Family Day Pass (2 adults + 3 children) $120 children must be accompanied by an adult
Three Day Rodeo Passes
Adult (18+) $120; Pensioner $90 and Family $300 all Children must be accompanied by an adult
Camping – same prices as 2025
- Three day unpowered – ($200 per site) up to 4 people, then additional charge per person
- Five day unpowered – ($300 per site) up to 4 people, then additional charge per person
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
