Immerse yourself in the heart of the Australian country music scene without breaking the bank!

While the festival is famous for its incredible lineup of ticketed shows, there’s a whole range of free or low-cost activities that are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. Here’s our pick of the top eight ways to keep it affordable, but still soak up the incredible vibe of Tamworth this January.

Hands of Fame induction ceremony

Hands of Fame induction ceremony

Established in 1977 to honour individuals who have made a significant and ongoing contribution to Australian country music, inductees to the Hands of Fame have had their hands imprinted at a ceremony on the second Saturday morning of the festival. See how your hands measure up to these country music legends! 

Discover Tamworth’s “Boulevard of Dreams”

Discover Tamworth’s “Boulevard of Dreams”

Keith Urban, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and Beccy Cole all started their careers busking on Peel Street at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and each year, hundreds of hopeful’s flock to the Country Music Capital dreaming of following in their footsteps. Take a walk through the Tamworth CBD to discover talented musicians performing on street corners and in parks and tip your favourites to show your support!

Toyota FanZone

Toyota FanZone

The ultimate destination for country music fans and located in the heart of the Tamworth CBD, Toyota FanZone hosts free live music along with artist signings and surprise meet and greets. It’s a great place to hang out, enjoy music from both industry stalwarts and exciting up-and-comers, and you never know… you might even come face-to-face with a country music legend!

Roll of Renown

Roll of Renown

Established in 1976, the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown is one of the most prestigious country music industry awards, recognising artists who have made a lasting and significant contribution to the local industry. Each year, the winner is announced at the Golden Guitar Awards before a ceremony is held on the front lawn of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) the following morning. Head along to see them unveil their plaque and you’ll likely be rewarded – recent recipients have included Keith Urban, The Bushwackers, Joy McKean, James Blundell and Kasey Chambers.

Country Music Parade

Country Music Parade

This festival favourite is a must-do for fans eager to soak up the atmosphere without breaking the bank! Join the crowds on the last Saturday of the festival and gather along the edges of Peel Street to celebrate the heart and soul of Australian country music as the stars parade through the heart of Tamworth.

The Big Golden Guitar

The Big Golden Guitar

You can’t visit the Country Music Capital without stopping in at the iconic Big Golden Guitar! Located at the southern entrance to town at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, this impressive monument stands at 12m tall and is a replica of the statues handed out at the Golden Guitar Awards each year. If you didn’t get a photo at the Big Golden Guitar, were you even in Tamworth?

Winners Walkway

Winners Walkway

Take a stroll along Tamworth’s Peel Street in the centre of town, where plaques in the pavement along Winners Walkway honour and celebrate past winners of the Golden Guitar Awards.

Toyota Park

Toyota Park

Tamworth’s picturesque Bicentennial Park is transformed each January into Toyota Park for 10 nights of entertainment. And it’s totally. free. You’ll see Australian and international country music artists under the stars and discover some of the industry’s most exciting up-and-comers (some playing for a crowd for the very first time!). All you need to do is bring a camp chair or picnic rug, snag a spot on the grass and soak it all in!