The inaugural LONGHAUL country music festival is set to make its debut in January 2027, bringing a star-studded lineup headlined by Grammy Award-winning artists Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown to three major Australian cities. This ambitious new event promises to be a significant moment for the country music scene Down Under, offering a diverse and expansive program that reaches beyond traditional genre boundaries.
LONGHAUL will kick off its three-city, one-weekend blitz on Friday, January 22, at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The festival then moves to Sydney Showground on Saturday, January 23, before concluding at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds on Sunday, January 24. These performances mark the only Australian dates for both Brown and Musgraves, positioning them as the undeniable draws for the festival’s inaugural year.
The festival’s organizers, LONGHAUL Touring in partnership with TEG Live, aim to capitalize on the growing appetite for country music in Australia. The event’s curated lineup reflects a broader interpretation of the genre, blending established international headliners with acclaimed Americana artists, emerging global talents, and a robust contingent of Australian country music talent. This approach signals a commitment to showcasing the multifaceted nature of contemporary country music.
A Diverse Lineup for a Growing Market
Beyond the marquee names of Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown, the LONGHAUL festival boasts a compelling roster of supporting acts. The international bill includes rising American artist Charles Wesley Godwin, a key figure in the genre’s current wave, and the celebrated Americana singer-songwriter Margo Price. Emerging talents Maddox Batson and Ava Hall, alongside the popular Canadian group James Barker Band, round out the international contingent.
Australia will be well-represented by a selection of its own homegrown country music stars. Beau Shearer, Denvah, Nathan Lamont, Taylor Moss, and Tyla Rodrigues are slated to perform, underscoring the festival’s dedication to fostering and highlighting local talent. This blend of international superstars and domestic favorites aims to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.
Tim McGregor, global head of touring at TEG Live, expressed his excitement about the festival’s launch. "We have been working very hard on this festival concept for a number of years and so it is incredibly exciting to finally launch the inaugural LONGHAUL Festival with an awesome lineup of international and domestic artists, headlined by superstars Kane Brown and Kacey Musgraves," McGregor stated. He further emphasized the long-term vision for the event, noting, "LONGHAUL Touring is just getting started with this flagship festival and there is a lot more in the pipeline to share with you all very soon. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming fans to LONGHAUL Festival next January for what will be a great summer’s day out in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane."
Headliners Bring Significant Chart and Award Pedigrees
The inclusion of Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown as headliners brings considerable star power and significant musical achievements to the LONGHAUL festival. Both artists have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, with substantial followings in Australia and globally. Their participation is expected to draw a large and diverse audience to the inaugural event.
Kane Brown’s career trajectory has been marked by unprecedented chart dominance. In 2017, he made history by becoming the first artist to simultaneously top all five of Billboard’s major country charts. This remarkable feat included leading Top Country Albums, Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, Country Digital Song Sales, and Country Streaming Songs in the same week, a testament to his widespread appeal and influence across various facets of the country music landscape.
Kacey Musgraves arrives with an equally impressive resume, boasting multiple Grammy Awards and a consistent presence on the Billboard charts. Her 2024 album, Deeper Well, debuted at number one on several key Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Top Country Albums, Americana/Folk Albums, Vinyl Albums, Top Current Album Sales, and Tastemaker Albums. Her 2018 album, Golden Hour, achieved the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2019 Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a genre-bending artist with broad critical and popular appeal.
The Evolving Landscape of Country Music in Australia
The introduction of the LONGHAUL festival arrives at a time when the country music genre is experiencing a significant surge in popularity and visibility in Australia. Organizers are tapping into a growing fanbase that is increasingly receptive to both traditional and contemporary sounds within country and Americana music. The festival’s carefully crafted lineup aims to reflect this evolving landscape, offering a broader definition of country music that encompasses various subgenres and influences.
The decision to feature a mix of arena-level U.S. artists, beloved Americana figures, promising international newcomers, and established Australian acts highlights a strategic move to appeal to a wide demographic. This inclusive approach positions LONGHAUL as a platform for the diverse expressions of country music, moving beyond the confines of a single, traditional festival lane. The festival’s programming suggests a commitment to showcasing the genre’s dynamic present and future.
Charles Wesley Godwin, for instance, has rapidly emerged as one of country music’s fastest-growing live performers, known for his authentic storytelling and engaging stage presence. Margo Price continues to be a vital voice in the Americana scene, celebrated for her distinctive sound and insightful songwriting. Maddox Batson represents a younger generation of artists who are leveraging digital platforms to build significant global audiences, indicating a shift in how artists connect with fans and cultivate their careers in the modern music industry.
Ticketing Information and Future Prospects
For fans eager to experience the inaugural LONGHAUL festival, ticketing details have been announced. Afterpay is serving as the official presale partner, with their exclusive presale window opening on Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. local time and concluding on Monday, July 27, at 12 p.m. local time. Following the Afterpay presale, other presales will commence on Monday, July 27, at 1 p.m. local time. General ticket sales are scheduled to begin on Friday, July 31, at 2 p.m. local time, exclusively through Ticketek.
The launch of LONGHAUL represents a significant investment in the Australian music market and a clear indication of the burgeoning strength of country music Down Under. The festival’s organizers have expressed optimism about its potential for growth and expansion. Tim McGregor’s comments suggest that this is just the beginning for LONGHAUL Touring, with further festival concepts and events anticipated in the future. The success of this initial event will undoubtedly set the stage for future iterations and further solidify Australia’s position as a key destination for international country music tours and festivals. The promise of a "great summer’s day out" in each of the three major cities underscores the festival’s ambition to be more than just a concert, but a memorable cultural experience for attendees.
