Stock Route Music Festival Postponed For 2025

Last year, the country music event, the Stock Route Music Festival, hosted a massive event in the New South Wales city of Dubbo. Unfortunately, the festival won’t return this year but will come back in 2026.

Festival organisers shared the news on social media yesterday (16 February), writing: “2025 has been postponed, but exciting plans for 2026 are in the works—stay tuned for updates!

“Still looking for a weekend getaway in Dubbo? Don’t miss Lazy River Estate’s Oktoberfest this October long weekend—it’s going to be massive! Featuring The Oompah Loompah Band - a fun filled family day out!”

The message accompanies an image that reads, “STOCK ROUTE MUSIC FESTIVAL – SEE YOU IN 2026.”

The Stock Route Music Festival returned last April with an event headlined by Canadian country singer Dan Davidson and Australia’s own Travis Collins. The pair were joined by Ashleigh Dallas and the legendary band The Bushwackers, 2022 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson, and up-and-coming artist Robbie Mortimer. The festival also hosted an emerging talent competition for local acts in the country music scene.

• Stock Route Music Festival: Celebrating Global Talent In Dubbo

The festival, launched in 2022 by Lazy River Estate owners Mat and Krissy Smith, spotlights the NSW region as a tourist destination and its music.

Mat and Krissy said about last year’s event in late 2023, “We are incredibly excited to bring back the Stock Route Music Festival next year, bigger and better than ever before.

“Our collaboration with international artists like Dan Davidson is a testament to the festival's growing reputation. We can't wait to welcome everyone to this spectacular celebration of country music in the heart of Dubbo.”

The postponement of this year’s Stock Route Music Festival comes at a time when Australia’s festival scene is struggling.

2024 saw the end of Mona Foma, the cancellations from some of Australia’s biggest festivals—Splendour In The Grass and Groovin The Moo—and the struggles of boutique and newer events, including Coastal Jam, Tent Pole, ValleyWays, Now & Again, and Fairbridge. Last month, festival organisers confirmed Splendour In The Grass wouldn’t return this year. Meanwhile, the Woodford Folk Festival has asked for attendees’ support, which it requires more than ever.