Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival

How do you distill the essence of a good time? We reckon we’ve cracked it.

Consider this your personal invitation to sway the week away in Gore at Tussock Country - NZ’s Country Music Festival.

It’s a vibrant celebration of Kiwi culture embracing music, heritage, classic vehicles and top-notch hospitality.

Gore is world-renowned as the home of country music in New Zealand, and the closest thing to Nashville you’ll find on these shores. 

With more than 30 events, including the legendary Gold Guitar Awards, that old line ‘there’s something for everyone’ has never been truer.

An unrivalled gathering of the best and brightest Kiwi country talent.

Next event date:  23 May – 1 June 2025

Keen to learn more: www.tussockcountry.nz

Tussock Country is the energetic beating heart of the fresh, new country-crossover movement in New Zealand.

Think Jenny Mitchell. The most contemporary of singer-songwriters, yet seemingly timeless. 

Get front-row at Top Paddock, the headline event that kicks off the festival, delivering a dynamic line-up of national stars. 

It’s authentic song-writing on show, with musicians telling uniquely Kiwi stories – from love songs to joyous harmonies expressing connections to our land. 

That sweet spot where song-writing and storytelling meet, creating a truly memorable experience as you connect with an artist’s inner most thoughts. ‘Bearing their souls’, as Johnnie Cash put it.

Inspiration is on tap at the Green Bird Café Sessions where musicians gather to sing a few acoustics tunes. You never know who might roll up and jam out a few songs.

You might even feel inspired to join in the Open Mic Session - go on, whip your name up on the blackboard and show us what you’ve got.

Polished stars shine. Raw talents emerge.

Be the envy of your friends – when you say: “I saw her before she made it big.”

Explore the host of different festival venues nestled around the town - clubs, restaurants and bars, theatres and street fronts.  

Listen to street buskers while you’re out and about during the ‘Freeze Ya Bits Off’ competition, then park up in a courtyard - outdoor heaters blazing - mulled wine in hand, taking in the street party vibe.

But don’t think all the entertainment happens after the sun goes down.

Fly in a vintage aircraft, view world-class art, browse fashion boutiques, sample Hokonui moonshine or take a stroll in Gore’s native bush surrounds – all in the shadow of the beautiful Hokonui Hills.

There’s even a parade of rigs big and small, gleaming paintwork and shiny bumpers, lighting up the main street – be sure to get a good spot.

We know you dance to your own tune, we’d love you to come dance to ours.

• Location: Gore A & P Showgrounds Bury Street, Gore (40 powered sites)
• Utilities: Showers, Toilets, Laundry, and Dump station
• Fees: Please see website for rates
• Bookings: Essential, please contact Dawn Ross on 027 644 9909.
• Pets: Must be on leads at all time 
• Enquiries: Phone Dawn Ross on 027 644 9909