Wairarapa Country Music Festival 2020

We have an incredible lineup of country music legends for our 2020 festival as well as a brand new collaboration with the classic car rally, Cruise Martinborough.

The Wairarapa Country Music Festival at Tauherenikau is fast becoming recognised as a weekend full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. The 2020 festival is set to be the biggest event yet with an epic lineup of Kiwi talent that is sure to get you kicking up your heels. Hosted at the iconic Tauherenikau race course, the Wairarapa Racing Club once again looks forward to welcoming visitors from all over the country to the picturesque grounds at the base of the Tararua ranges.

Legendary band The Warratahs are set to headline the 2020 festival, bringing their classic Kiwi style to our Saturday night show. Returning after a great reception in 2019, Bevan Gardiner (of John Denver tribute fame) alongside James Davy will perform some of the legend’s greatest hits as well as plenty of country music classics. Bevan had never performed in the Wairarapa until last year so we are honoured to have him return to our festival a second time.

Joining them over the course of the weekend we will have New Zealand Country Entertainer of the Year for 2018, Ainslie Allen. All the way from Nelson, duo Dust and Gold (who opened for UB40) will be hitting the stage along with Jackie Bristow who has returned home from Nashville to enjoy some time in the homeland. Tui award nominees, Melissa & The Dr will be playing a collection of stripped-down classic country duets as well as alt-country and Americana tunes and local artist Sue Dyson will be playing tracks from her debut EP. Last but definitely not least, Grandaddy of Country, Wayne R. Heath will play his Nashville to New Zealand show that celebrates his, more than, 50 years in show business.

The 2020 festival will take place on January 24th – 26th. In previous years the festival has been a joint affair between Kidnappers Country and the Wairarapa Racing Club. However, next year Kidnappers are returning to the Bay in early January while the Wairarapa Country Music Festival at Tauherenikau will be held on January 24th to 26th the week after the Marton festival.

Mark the date in your diary to visit one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. While you’re here, why not take a few extra days to visit some of our wonderful attractions such Martinborough, one of the finest winemaking regions in the country, or Castlepoint and Cape Palliser whose magnificent rugged coastlines are a must see.

Cruise Martinborough

We are excited to announce that for the first time ever the prestige classic car rally, Cruise Martinborough, will be on site for the Saturday afternoon from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. Our guests will have the chance to see hundreds of classic and muscle cars while enjoying our afternoon show. The rally brings together the best classic and muscle cars all in one place with lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with these magnificent machines.

Check them out on Facebook and on their website for more information.

Check out the lineup

From classic country to original music and alternative tunes. The stars of our 2020 festival all bring a unique sound to the stage, check out more about them below.

Tickets & pricing

Below is a list of all pricing options for the Country Music Festival. Please note, with the exception of the Family Pass all prices listed are for one adult unless otherwise stated.

Tickets are available through EventFinda.

Alternatively, you can book directly with us, send us an email with your name, address and how many tickets you would like and we will be happy to help.

Motorhome and Caravan Packages

Galleries

View images from all of the previous festivals right back to 2016!