Howlin' Country 2026 Line-up

Image caption: L-R to to bottom: Morgan Evans, Lainey Wilson, Kaitlin Butts

Details: By Staff Writers; Aug 10

Staff Writers

Our eclectic team of writers from around Australia – and some beyond.

10 August 2025

After the massive response to its inaugural sold-out event in 2025, Howlin' Country returns to the Newcastle Foreshore in 2026 with a US country megastar as well as a returning son headlining.

A 16-time ACM Awards, 9-time CMA Awards and Grammy Award winner, Lainey Wilson will make her only festival appearance – and Newcastle debut – on her Australian tour at Howlin' Country, which takes place 14 February.

With eight #1 songs in her catalogue, including '4x4xU', 'Watermelon Moonshine' and 'Heart Like A Truck', Lainey made her acting debut in 'Yellowstone', and has collaborated with the likes of Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Dolly Parton as well as these tracks: 'Save Me' (with Jelly Roll), 'Wait In The Truck' (with Hardy) and 'Nosedive' (with Post Malone).

Her current single is the nostalgic-sounding 'Somewhere Over Laredo'. "When I'm flying between shows I catch myself looking out the window, talking to God, dreaming, or even reminiscing," Lainey says.

"'Somewhere Over Laredo' tells a story that speaks to that. I've always been inspired by putting myself into other peoples' shoes and telling stories from others' perspective, but I've found a new creative avenue with this one putting myself back into a pair of shoes that I wore years ago."

For the first time since 2023, Newcastle local turned Nashville star, ARIA Award-winning artist Morgan Evans will be tearing the house down with his world-renowned live show.

Currently living in Texas and continuing work on his new record, Evans has already amassed 800 million streams worldwide with such hits as 'Kiss Somebody', 'Day Drunk', 'Over For You' and 'Dance Wit Me' (with Kelsea Ballerini). Read our review of Morgan's Gold Coast 2024 concert.

Howlin' Country will welcome more overseas visitors, with Texan folk-rock, Americana band Flatland Cavalry joining the action. The sextet have shared stages with the likes of Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, and Midland while racking up 500 million streams.

Their catalogue of hits includes 'Sleeping Alone', 'Mountain Song', 'Missing You', 'One I Want' and 'A Life Where We Work Out', the latter a collaboration with Kaitlin Butts, the wife of frontman Cleto Cordero, who will also make an appearance at Howlin' Country.

A deep affinity with country music's more theatrical side – the extravagant storytelling, dazzling showmanship – the Tulsa native will bring her 2024 album 'Roadrunner!' to life; a 17-track high-concept album that acts as a modern-day reimagining of the soundtrack to her all-time favourite musical, 'Oklahoma!'.

The first round of artist additions is completed by a couple of emerging Australian talents led by Newcastle-favourite Adam Newling. One of the most unique voices in Australian music today, Adam's blend of rock-country and Australiana folk-punk has captured the hearts of fans and the industry alike with his poetic lyricism and unruly, heartfelt vocal style.

Then there is Tyla Rodrigues, a remarkable new talent in the realm of country music hailing from Brisbane, with a refreshing appreciation for classic country storytelling, paired with thoroughly modern charisma.

A 100 per cent locally owned and operated festival, Howlin' Country has a strong commitment to the Newcastle community – whether that be through locally sourced vendors, staff or its commitment to showcasing some of the region's best local talent.

"It's great to have Howlin' back for another year. From day one, the festival was built to support our local music scene, artists, and businesses," Howlin' Country promoter Moe Matthew says.

"Each year, we put a strong focus on showcasing homegrown talent, and having Adam Newling and Morgan Evans on the line-up this year really captures what Howlin' is all about.

"We still have a few more artists to add to the line-up, but so far it feels like it's shaping up to be a fun day out in an awesome city, and one you can enjoy with the whole family."

Tickets on sale from 1pm (local time) on 15 August.

Howlin' Country takes place at Newcastle Foreshore on 14 February.