Are you ready for the red dirt, because the bulls are, the broncs are, the barrel racers are, and the cowboys and cowgirls most certainly are! This year the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo becomes a FESTIVAL, from Saturday August 5 through to Sunday August 13, and includes celebrations marking 100 Years of Mount Isa.
Over nine days in the famous red dirt of the Australian Outback the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world, reigning rodeo champions will vie for back-to-back buckles, new champions will be crowned, juniors will experience world class competition, and legends will be made.
The rodeo action, combined with a buckle-blowing music lineup (Jess Mauboy, The Angels, The Screaming Jets!) means accommodation is booking out faster than a world record barrel ride!
After staging the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships last year, this event returns with organisers commissioning a spectacular artwork from local Kalkatungu artists Cungelella Art that will feature in posters, merchandise, on shirts and in a fashion showcase at the Opening Ceremony.
Cungelella Art founder Glenda McCulloch said the artwork is called Kalkatungu Country and represents their home.
“The country is very tough and rugged, the heat has twisted and folded back on itself, and the ochres have been pushed up from the depths with gold and silver and many other minerals which gives us the most unique mineral belt in the world. The peach covered skies mixed with the blues pinks and purples, paints us the well-known Kalkadoon sunsets,” she said.
“The harsh Spinifex that covers the hillsides, the ghost gums that flourish among the intense red dirt … it’s where our Kalkadoon warriors quarried famous green stone axes that were traded from the gulf to Adelaide to the west coast and the Daintree forest.”
In major entertainment news, the rodeo rock lineup features Jessica Mauboy on stage at the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships on Thursday evening, then on Saturday night at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo concert it’s Aussie rock royalty The Angels, supported by rodeo favourite Luke Geiger, and on Friday night, it’s The Screaming Jets and O’SHEA supported by Furnace and the Fundamentals. Oh, and the one and only Darryl Braithwaite stars in the Isa Street Festival on Wednesday August 8.
Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited said it was fitting the first Mount Isa Rodeo Festival be staged in 2023.
“This year Mount Isa marks its 100th anniversary, and for 64 of those years, the rodeo has been a highlight; a major event that brings together the city, the region and more recently, the country,” she said.
“Famed as one of the most electrifying events in the country, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is on the bucket list of many, has won numerous awards and generated millions of dollars in economic benefit to Mount Isa, Outback Queensland and Queensland, and now there’s even more reasons to come and more reasons to stay!”
Mount Isa Rodeo Festival highlights include:
Saturday 5th August: Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball
THE MOST glamorous country hoedown, held on the famous red dirt of the open-air rodeo arena, raising funds for Mount Isa-based charities. Prepare your rhinestones and sequins and get ready to boot scoot ‘til late!
Tuesday 8th August: Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ Dinner
Celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with four new inductees announced.
Wednesday 9th August: Isa Street Festival featuring Darryl Braithwaite
A street parade for the ages in Mount Isa, headlined by the man himself, Darryl Braithwaite, who will pay tribute to the horses of the rodeo with his most famous song.
Thursday 10th August: Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy
- The second year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated, before Jessica Mauboy takes to the stage, with DJ Deadly Jacob hosting.
- A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
- Don’t miss Dancing Dexter in the Red Dirt Arena, the crowd-pleasing Bull Fighter from last year’s Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships!
Friday 11th to 13th August: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
- Returning champions and contenders go ride for ride in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world.
- Entertainment includes The Angels, The Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, and Luke Geiger
- The Shank Brothers return with their infamous Hot Chilli Wing Challenge – register for one of their HEATS!
- NEW – Bell and Moir Toyota Kalkadoon Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner – a new dining offering which includes a two course menu prepared by Chef Jason Peppler, beer and wine and outstanding views of the rodeo arena hosted by Channel Seven’s Kimberley Busteed and a bunch of good friends. Bookings essential.
- An incredible 5m high inflatable boot as part of our Kids Zone – perfect for rodeo selfies!
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