What’s happening?
Tickets and camping for the 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra are on sale tomorrow Thursday December 18, from 9am.
The announcement marks the earliest ticket release in the event’s 67-year history, giving fans more time to plan their trip to Outback Queensland.
The rodeo will return to Kalkadoon Park from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026, continuing its place as one of the world’s most iconic rodeo events.
Alongside the early ticket release, organisers confirmed increased prize money for Open events and the return of NRL legend Sam Thaiday as Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador.
Why it matters
The early ticket release signals a confident step forward for the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo following a major turnaround over the past 18 months.
After entering voluntary receivership in 2024, the event was returned to community control and is now overseen by a new Community Board led by Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson.
The rodeo recorded a $750,000 profit after the 2025 event, marking the start of a new chapter built on local leadership, strong attendance, and renewed national and international interest.
Local impact
The rodeo remains a major economic and cultural driver for Mount Isa and Outback Queensland, drawing competitors and spectators from across Australia and overseas.
In 2025, reduced ticket prices, new stock contractors, and strong rider participation filled the stands and reinforced the event’s importance to the local community.
Organisers say keeping tickets affordable in 2026 will continue to support families, visitors, and the regional tourism economy.
By the numbers
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Prize money for all Open events in 2026 will increase by $5,000, taking the total payout for Open buckle winners to $20,000.
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The rodeo delivered a $750,000 profit after the 2025 event, following its return to community ownership.
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Daily adult entry passes for 2026 remain at $50, with three-day passes staying at $120, matching 2025 prices.
Zoom in
NRL icon Sam Thaiday will return in 2026 as the Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador.
This time, he will do so wearing his own Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle, a rare honour usually reserved for winning riders and extraordinary contributors to the sport.
The buckle was presented recently in recognition of his support and commitment to the rodeo community after embracing the inaugural ambassador role this year.
Zoom out
The 2025 rodeo featured record prize pools across all divisions, reduced ticket prices, and the introduction of a Family Pass that included three children.
Riders competed from every Australian state except the ACT, as well as New Zealand and the United States, highlighting the event’s international reach.
The strong turnout and renewed energy confirmed the rodeo’s standing as the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world.
What to look for next?
More announcements are expected in the new year, with organisers hinting at further updates ahead of the 2026 event.
“To keep rodeo accessible and affordable for families, all 2026 ticket types and prices will remain the same as this year, after we slashed them in 2025,” Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson said.
“Daily entry passes for adults will stay at $50, the three-day pass remains $120, and the Family Pass with three children returns as well.”
“We made the decision to increase the Open event prize money to $20,000 in order to make Isa Rodeo worthwhile for competitors across the globe – and we have incredible interest from international riders after this year’s success – and to keep attracting the best of the best.”
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Kalkadoon Park in 2026, and we’ve got plenty more news coming in the new year, so buckle in!”
