The Bend Classic is throwing a full rough stock rodeo into its October long weekend festival in South Australia.
The Bend Classic runs 2 to 4 October at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, combining country music, motorsport and camping across the long weekend. A rodeo has now been added to the program, kicking off on 2 October from 5pm under lights.
Bull rides, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel racing make up the card, with $19,000 in prize money spread across open events, second division and junior categories for riders under 18.
The Bend Classic
- When: 2–4 October 2026 (camping from 1 October)
- Where: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend SA
- Rodeo: 2 October, 5pm–9pm, $19,000 in prize money
- Music (3 October, from 12.30pm): Denvah, Andrew Swift, Tori Darke, James Blundell, Robbie Mortimer, Lee Kernaghan, James Johnston
- BBQ competition: $20,000 prize pool, with a spot at the 2027 world championship in Las Vegas
- Tickets: Three-day GA from $129 (early bird pricing ends 2 September at 11.59pm)
- Camping: From $189 including a three-day event pass
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70 years of rodeo experience
Woodall Rodeo Promotions will run the show, led by 83-year-old Ron Woodall. The veteran promoter has been involved in rodeo for more than 70 years and puts on over 30 events across SA, Victoria and NSW annually. The family’s rodeo pedigree is hard to match — sons Jack and Tony are both past Australian and state champions, while grandson Sam Woodall recently moved to fifth in the national standings following a strong showing in Melbourne that netted him $10,400 and 246 national points from two eight-second rides.
The rodeo isn’t the only competition worth watching at The Bend Classic. Down BBQ Alley, Australia’s best pitmasters go head to head for $20,000 and a spot at the 2027 world barbecue championship in Las Vegas, with live-fire demonstrations adding to the atmosphere. Combined with the rodeo purse, close to $40,000 in total prize money is up for grabs across the festival.
Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston
On the music side, seven country artists spanning three generations share the main stage on 3 October. Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston headline, with Denvah, Andrew Swift, Tori Darke, James Blundell and Robbie Mortimer filling out the bill from 12.30pm through to the final encore. The new Texas Club offers a premium tier with ringside rodeo seating on 2 October and artist access on 3 October, alongside a private bar and hospitality area.
Beyond the core attractions, two racetracks host historic and vintage racing, Nostalgia Drags and the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway Track Championship. There’s also a ute muster, whip cracking, karting, a rare and classic car display and a drive-in screening of Smokey and the Bandit at the Dragway on 4 October. Camping opens from 1 October across five precincts, though deluxe tent sites have already sold out. Three-day GA passes start at $129 on early bird pricing, which closes 2 September at 11.59pm, with camping packages from $189 including a three-day event pass.
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