Key Facts:
THE BEND CLASSIC PACKS MORE PARTY FOR YOUR DOLLAR
Monday, 21 September 2026: The Bend Classic is giving fans more bang for their buck this October long weekend, adding a Dolly Parton tribute, $5 pies and a bid for a state line dancing record.
The new attractions join a seven-star Australian country music line-up headlined by Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston, a rodeo under lights, motorsport and trackside camping.
Tori Darke will bring some Dolly magic to the main stage, performing '9 to 5' in a tribute to one of country music's most influential women.
"Dolly has always been my idol. The voice, the songwriting, the humour and the sheer determination to do things her own way - she opened doors for so many women in country music," Darke said.
"Her songs made everyday lives matter. 'Coat of Many Colors' found pride and love in growing up with very little, while '9 to 5' gave working women an anthem. She could put something people had felt their whole lives into a song and make them feel heard.
"This tribute is made for a big singalong. I want everyone up, singing and having the time of their lives. Bring a little Dolly attitude and I'll bring the music."
Saddle & Stomp, SA's home of line dancing, is calling on country fans to pull on their boots and join the challenge on Saturday 3 October.
Owner and director Eleni Giagos, who runs the state's largest line dancing events, said she had witnessed South Australia's country music boom firsthand.
"Line dancing is a great way for people who love this music to come together and build a community," Ms Giagos said.
"One of the biggest events we worked on had 800 fans learning to line dance, and I want us to beat it at The Bend Classic on Saturday."
Fans can get a head start with a free stepsheet and video tutorial for 'Strummingbird', a routine by Australian choreographer Maddison Glover set to James Johnston's 'One More', ahead of the event. See fact sheet for links.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said the event's affordability promise extended from the ticket booth to the table.
"Come for a day or settle in for the long weekend," Mr MacDonald said. "With great camping facilities across the precinct, you can cook your own meal at your campsite or grab a five-dollar pie at the Welcome Centre. The choice is yours.
"We want people spending their weekend making memories with their mates and families, without stretching the household budget."
Saturday's country music marathon runs from 12.30pm to the last encore, with three generations of country music artists on stage. Denvah, Andrew Swift, Tori Darke, James Blundell and Robbie Mortimer will build the party before the two headliners bring it home.
Kernaghan has described The Bend Classic as having "the makings of the Tamworth of the South".
Friday swaps horsepower for bull power as Woodall Rodeo Promotions brings cowboys and cowgirls together to chase $19,000 in prize money. Bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel racing will keep the action coming, alongside rising riders and junior competitors.
At the BBQ Village, Australia's best pitmasters will compete for $20,000 and a place at the 2027 world championship in Las Vegas, with live-fire demonstrations adding to the spectacle.
Across the park, historic and vintage racing, Nostalgia Drags, the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway Track Championship and hillclimb action will share the program with a ute muster, rare and classic car displays, whip cracking and axe throwing.
The weekend finishes with a Sunday night drive-in screening of Smokey and the Bandit - one last dose of horsepower before heading home.
Fans can stay and play with Turn 1 camping packages for tents and swags starting at $189 per adult, including three-day event admission, with camping open from Thursday 1 October to Monday 5 October. Limited sites remain at the wildly popular Start Line ($515 for two people) and Horizon ($475 for two people) camping areas, with both packages including two three-day GA passes.
Three-day general admission is $149 for adults, $139 concession and $20 for kids aged 5-15. Friday admission, including the rodeo, is $45 for adults, $40 concession and $10 for kids aged 5-15. Saturday admission, including the country music concert, is $119 for adults, $114 concession and $10 for kids aged 5-15. Children aged four and under enter free with a paying adult.
Proudly presented by Burson Auto Parts, The Bend Classic runs 2-4 October 2026 at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Tickets and camping: classic.thebend.com.au.
