Calling riders both indigenous and non-indigenous to the first ever NAIDOC Rodeo & Music Festival
Bulls * Broncs * Barrels * Beats at Buchanan Park, Mount Isa
Saturday July 11, 2026
The call has gone out for rodeo riders both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to step up for the inaugural NAIDOC 4B Rodeo and Music Festival, a powerful new celebration of culture, connection and country during NAIDOC Week’s 50th anniversary year. Images here
Leading the rider charge is Kalkadoon and Pitta Pitta cowgirl Lareece Daley-Kennedy who heads to the rofessional Youth Roughstock Association World Finals in Oklahoma and the World Championship Mini Bulls World Finals in Texas after rinding at Mount Isa next weekend!
For the first time ever, the red dirt of the iconic Kalkadoon Arena will come alive with a full-day fusion of rodeo action, live music, dance, storytelling and community celebration, uniting adrenaline and culture in one groundbreaking event.
Held under the national NAIDOC Week theme “50 Years of Deadly”, the festival honours five decades of strength, survival and pride, paying tribute to Elders, leaders, artists and communities who have carried culture forward across generations.
A FULL DAY
The day will begin with “Rodeo 101 – Back to Basics” from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, offering an information session for aspiring and new competitors covering rodeo fundamentals including rules, dress standards, preparation and entry pathways into competition.
GATES OPEN AT 2:00pm: with rodeo commencing at 3:30pm - the NRA-affiliated points rodeo will feature a full competitive program including:
- Open division ($5,000 prize pool)
Bull Ride, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Ladies Barrel Race - 2nd Division / Novice ($2,000 prize pool)
Bull Ride, Saddle Bronc - Junior division ($500 prize pool)
Junior Barrel Race, Junior Steer Ride
FROM 6.15pm - MUSIC, CULTURE & CELEBRATION
- 6:15–7:15 — Tess Fapani
- 7:15–8:15 — Coloured Stone
- 8:15–9:15 — Normey Jay
- 9:15–10:15 — Lil Mase
The lineup also includes performances from Big Eye Theatre Dancers and Mornington Island Dancers, adding powerful cultural storytelling and movement to the night’s program. Singer-songwriter Tess Fapani brings a soulful, roots-infused sound shaped by lived experience in Far North Queensland and strong cultural connection.
11pm – THE AFTERPARTY
An official afterparty will take place from 11:00pm to 5:00am at the Overlander Hotel. Entry to the afterparty is strictly limited to patrons who purchase a combined event and afterparty package, available via pre-purchase only.
CALLING ALL COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS!
Nominate via the NRA website: nationalrodeoassociation.com.au
Rodeo Events: Open: $5,000.00 prize money
- Bull Ride
- Saddle Bronc
- Bareback Bronc
- Ladies Barrel Race
2nd Division (Novice): $2,000.00 prize money
- Bull Ride
- Saddle Bronc
Junior: $500 prize money
- Junior Barrel Race
- Junior Steer Ride
TICKETS
Tickets are available via TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com/DMHTC
Pricing includes:
- Adult GA: $40; Adult GA + Afterparty: $75 (pre-purchase only)
- Senior GA: $35; Senior GA + Afterparty: $65
- Child (7–17): $10
- Child (0–6): Free
- Family GA (2A + 2C): $80
- Accessible Adult GA (admits 2): $40
4B RODEO & MUSIC FESTVAL
Saturday July 11, 2026
Buchanan Park, Mount Isa – gates open 2pm
https://www.trybooking.com/DMHTC
For media interviews or imagery, please contact Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493
Contact details:
For media interviews or imagery, please contact Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493