What’s happening?
Townsville’s The Barnyard Band has been announced as the headline entertainment for the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra in 2026.
The band will perform on Friday, 7 August and Saturday, 8 August 2026 during the three-day rodeo event at Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St and Sutton St, Mount Isa.
Frontman Laurence Sorbello, an award-winning crowd participation country entertainer and master showman, will lead the performances alongside the fiddle playing of Katisha Adelaide and their all-star five-piece band.
The show will feature a country concert experience paying tribute to some of the greatest country artists while also introducing new debut songs set for release 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 band would keep the energy going after the rodeo action finishes 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!”
The Barnyard Band is described as a Queensland-born travelling country concert experience designed to be highly entertaining, featuring crowd participation, humour and energetic performances.
The show also uses modern concert production, including playback, autonomous timecode lighting and visual entertainment to deliver a full country concert rock experience.
All entertainment performances are included in the rodeo entry price.
Why it matters
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is one of the largest rodeo events in the world and the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Each year, it attracts riders and fans from across Australia and internationally.
Entertainment plays a major role in the overall event experience, extending the atmosphere beyond the arena competitions.
The Barnyard Band’s performance adds a strong Queensland music presence to the program while bringing festival-style country entertainment to rodeo audiences.
Local impact
The rodeo plays a key role in promoting tourism and events in regional Queensland.
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
The event also brings large crowds to Mount Isa each year, supporting local tourism and hospitality businesses during the rodeo weekend.
By the numbers
- Since 1959, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo has been held annually and is now recognised as the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Crowds of more than 10,000 people have watched Laurence Sorbello perform at the Sydney Royal Easter Show during his live shows.
- The 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo runs for three days, from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August at Buchanan Park in Mount Isa.
Zoom in
Laurence Sorbello first gained national attention on Australian Idol in 2004, where he reached the Top 30.
His time on the show included 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 in 2015, strengthening his reputation as a powerful live performer.
Sorbello has since taken his music to some of the country’s major stages. His performances include appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and shows at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
He also recorded a category win at the Charters Towers Country Music Festival.
Throughout his career, he has shared stages with well-known Australian performers including Troy Cassar-Daley, Mental As Anything, the Kernaghan family, and Jimmy Little.
Zoom out
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is widely recognised as a major event in Outback Queensland.
For three days, the city becomes a gathering point for rodeo competitors and fans.
Events include bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping and other rodeo disciplines, with competitors chasing some of the sport’s most sought-after buckles.
The event has built a global reputation for both competition and atmosphere, drawing participants and spectators from across the world.
What to look for next
Tickets for the 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo are now available, with entry options for single days and full event passes.
Daily Entry Passes
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Adult (18+) $50
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Pensioner $35
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Child (8 to 17 years) $20
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Child (0 to 7 years) free
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Family Day Pass (2 adults and 3 children) $120, children must be accompanied by an adult
Three-Day Rodeo Passes
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Adult (18+) $120
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Pensioner $90
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Family $300, children must be accompanied by an adult
Camping
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Three-day unpowered site $200 for up to four people, additional charges apply per extra person
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Five-day unpowered site $300 for up to four people, additional charges apply per extra person
Camping prices remain the same as in 2025.
More information and tickets are available at www.mountisarodeo.com.au.
