Country Music Festival Kicks Off This Weekend In Gore

Gore is tuning up for a high-energy, star-studded celebration as Bayleys Tussock Country – New Zealand’s Country Music Festival opens for the fourth year this weekend. With a packed programme of 72 events over 10 days, near sold-out shows, and visitors arriving in droves, the Southland town is primed to host one of the nation’s most exciting emerging events.

The festival launches with the Country Music Honours, a glittering opening night showcasing national songwriters and headliners Tami Neilson, Mel Parsons, and Barry Saunders. The evening will also welcome key representatives from across the New Zealand music industry, including NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, and the New Zealand Music Commission — making it one of the most significant nights on the kiwi country music calendar. The event is all but sold out, with just a handful of tickets remaining.

By Saturday, the town will be alive with music, workshops and community activity. The daytime schedule offers a range of health, songwriting and industry information workshops tailored for musicians looking to grow their craft and careers, alongside line dancing and the community welcoming event Saturday Saloon Social.

And when the sun goes down, Gore will light up with a triple-header Saturday night that showcases the festival’s diversity and depth.

MITCHELL at the St James Theatre is a one-time, full band concert featuring a Gore musical family, the Mitchells. Led by Ron Mitchell—a farmer, Tui nominee and three-time MLT NZ Songwriting Award finalist—joined by daughters Jenny, Maegan and Nicola Mitchell. Jenny, who first caught national attention at age 14 on NZ’s Got Talent, has gone on to win an Aotearoa Music Award for Best Country Artist and earn two Australian Golden Guitar nominations. She returns home from a 30-date tour with Australian country music icon Kasey Chambers to perform in this heartfelt family show. The Mitchell Twins, an award-winning duo known for their tight harmonies and connection to te ao Māori, round out the lineup. This multi-generational showcase of story and song promises to be one of the standout events of the 2025 festival.

Hailing from the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Sassafras is bringing their infectious blend of traditional bluegrass and progressive Newgrass to Gore’s Little Theatre. With deep roots in the Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs tradition and a love for pushing boundaries, Sassafras infuses their set with country, folk, western swing, and fresh originals. Their soulful musicianship and Southern charm make them a must-see act for bluegrass lovers and curious newcomers alike.

Rounding out the night’s entertainment, Tussock Country Late Night at the Croydon Lodge is the party event of the weekend, serving up a powerhouse lineup of southern talent with Brad Staley, Jaydin Shingleton, and The Dollys.

Patrons can expect a rollicking night of foot-stomping originals and all the classic and chart-topping covers they know and love. With the amps turned up and the energy sky-high, this is the ultimate chance to dance, sing, and celebrate everything that makes Tussock Country unforgettable. Seated and early bird tickets have sold out, but general admission passes are still available online.

With no vacancy signs up across the region, selected local cafés and eateries extending their hours, and Gore’s streets humming with anticipation, the town is ready to welcome thousands of visitors from around the country – culminating in the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards 50th anniversary celebrations, set to round out the festival over Kings Birthday Weekend.

“We’re witnessing this festival evolve from a local celebration to a national destination,” said Jeff Rea, Chairperson of Bayleys Tussock Country. “This first weekend really captures what the festival is about—extraordinary talent, grassroots pride, and a whole lot of fun. Gore is ready to shine.”

Bayleys Tussock Country runs from 23 May to 1 June 2025. For full programme details and ticket info, visit www.tussockcountry.nz.

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