In the six decades since the rodeo first began, the event has always captured people's imagination and has firmly established Mount Isa as "Australia's Rodeo Capital."

The hype is building around town, and we can't wait for Rodeo fever to take over. The Queensland Outback is tracking positively with visitor numbers and Mount Isa is set to welcome thousands of travellers as we open the chutes and get back on the red dirt of Buchanan Park.

We are very grateful for the loyalty and commitment of our valued sponsors and the thousands of volunteers who over the years have worked so hard to establish the rodeo as a bucket list event for all Australians who dream of making the trip. Many will visit for the first time this year, and many more will come back as they do year after year.

We take our commitment to make each event better than the one before very seriously and are looking forward to delivering a fantastic family and community focused event which is great value for money.

Rodeo Week officially starts with the Bell & Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball on Saturday, August 7. We sold out of tickets earlier this week (a record). Due to this unprecedented demand, we have added an additional 10 tables of 10, now available via our website. It's going to be a special night of live entertainment, great food and drinks, glamorous fashion, and a charity auction in the middle of the Buchanan Park Arena.

The sold-out sign has gone up for all reserved seating (Gold and Platinum tickets) over rodeo weekend, except for a small number that can be purchased as part of our ticket and accommodation packages which include the highly sought after Gold seats.

Our Rodeo Rock concerts are included in your rodeo pass. We are so excited to welcome the very talented Guy Sebastian to the Isa Rodeo for the very first time on Friday night, supported by Gold Coast-based country rock artist Casey Barnes.

Saturday night will see country legend Lee Kernaghan back by popular demand, supported by crowd favourite Mick Lindsay. From Tuesday night of rodeo week (August 10), Mount Isa City Council presents its Isa Festival over two nights, including a fantastic free concert headlined by Daryl Braithwaite.

We have some new entertainment on offer at the event this year including live shows by the highly entertaining Shank Brothers who will demonstrate their low and slow, hot and fast BBQ cooking styles, with the support of BCF equipment. Are you brave enough to take part in their Hot Wing Challenge on Saturday night, August 15 at 5.30pm?

The REX Fan Zone is back again - so don't miss your chance to meet your favourite competitors, Miss Rodeo Australia, homegrown rugby league legend Scotty Prince (courtesy of our rodeo partners DDGroup International), Queensland Master Bulls stars, our Isa Rodeo mascots Chainsaw and Blondie and other rodeo stars. The Fan Zone is sure to be a favourite of rodeo fans of all ages.

Don't forget there will be a free Mount Isa Coaches rodeo shuttle bus operating from Friday to Sunday between Buchanan Park and various drop off points within the CBD.