Musicians Invited To Immerse In Tussock Country 2026

Aspiring and established musicians are being called to the heart of country music this May as Tussock Country, New Zealand’s Country Music Festival, returns to Gore from 22 to 31 May 2026.

Recognised as New Zealand’s Capital of Country Music, Gore will host ten days and more than 80 events, offering performers, songwriters and musicians a unique opportunity to step forward, be heard and become part of the Tussock Country festival family.

The festival provides a platform for artists at every stage of their journey, with key opportunities including the MLT NZ Songwriting Award, the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards and the lively Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking competition. These events place emerging talent in front of industry leaders, engaged audiences and the wider country music community.

Alongside performance opportunities, Tussock Country 2026 features an expanded programme of artist-focused workshops designed to support skill development and career growth. New sessions include Inside Aussie Country – Insights for Emerging Artists, hosted by Australian country musician Linc Phelps, and The Singers Toolkit Workshop with Hollie Longman. Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) will also host Going Local, a free networking session connecting artists with industry professionals and fellow musicians.

With insights from music industry experts, real-world experiences shared by local artists, and performance opportunities ranging from intimate showcases to large stages, Tussock Country offers a rare environment to learn, connect and grow.

For information on how to take part, visit www.tussockcountry.nz