With this year a celebration of our 60th rodeo and preparations underway for the opening of the Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame, it has been fascinating to look back over the event’s long history.

As many locals will know, the rodeo even inspired country music legend Slim Dusty to record a song called Isa Rodeo.

Our rodeo has a long proud history of providing entertainment outside the arena, from Saturday night dances on a slab of concrete laid specially at our earliest events to talent quests and busking competitions.

In 2016, we introduced our Rodeo Rock series featuring a purpose-built stage, and free nightly concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, where thousands of rodeo-goers kick up the dust with some of Australia’s favourite country rock artists.

We’ve welcomed artists ranging from O’SHEA, Busby Marou, Mick Lindsay to The McClymonts, Hurricane Fall and many more.

In 2018, we’ll hold our 60th rodeo concert inside the arena in a Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo first.

The Wardles arena stage will host a stellar lineup Jimmy Barnes, The Wolfe Brothers, James Blundell, Tania Kernaghan, Brewn and DJ Buxe, Australia’s leading country DJ playing in between sets.

This huge night of music will finish with a bang – literally – as a firework display lights up the sky over the magnificent Buchanan Park arena.

Tickets to the Sunday night concert are fantastic value at just $49 per adult.

They can be bought separately or as part of a rodeo pass. All details are on our website, www.isarodeo.com.au/tickets.

The Friday and Saturday night concerts are included in your rodeo ticket at no extra charge.

It’s going to be a huge weekend, with Shannon Noll and The Viper Creek Band playing Friday night and The McClymonts and Travis Collins rocking the Wardles Main Stage on Saturday night.

The Mount Isa Rodeo rinds from August 9-12, for more information about the rodeo phone 4743 2706 or email admin@isarodeo.com.au.

Tickets range from day passes to three day passes plus Rodeo Rock concert and many more options.