Tickets on sale next week amid exciting news for 2026 Festival
Published on 28 November 2025
Flinders Shire Council is excited to announce that the 2026 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies will take place from 1–3 May 2026, promising another spectacular celebration of arts, culture, and community under the vast Outback skies.
The announcement follows a major milestone for the Festival, which won Bronze in the QTIC State Tourism Awards – Festivals & Events category in its first year entering.
The Hughenden event placed behind two long-established events – Abbey Medieval Festival (Gold) and Rockynats (Silver) – making the achievement particularly significant.
Mayor Kate Peddle said the result reflects the Festival’s rapid growth and strong community backing.
“To be recognised among Queensland’s best events in our first year entering is an outstanding achievement,” Mayor Peddle said.
“This Bronze award is a testament to our community, volunteers, partners, and the unique experience we offer here in Hughenden.”
Mayor Peddle also congratulated Festival partners recognised in the awards:
- Queensland Music Trails – Silver (Cultural Tourism)
- Western Spirits – Bronze (Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries).
“We congratulate our partners and all award recipients contributing to Queensland’s vibrant tourism industry,” she said.
Tickets for the 2026 Festival will go on sale on Monday (1 December) on the festival website, giving festival-goers plenty of time to plan their trip to Hughenden for one of Outback Queensland’s fastest-growing destination events.
The Festival has also received a major boost with confirmation of support through the Queensland Government’s Homegrown – Queensland’s Destination Events Fund, delivered by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ):
- $75,000 in Destination Signature Investment funding has been secured across 2026, 2027, and 2028. This support will fund a dedicated site operations manager for the next two years, building skills and knowledge transfer to local organisers, and a strategic planning process in 2028 to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of the festival.
- $25,000 in Destination Indigenous Events Investment funding will support the involvement of the Yirendali Dance Group, who will lead the development of a culturally rich performance, sharing stories that reflect their deep connection to Country as part of the Sunday program.
Mayor Peddle said the new funding and partnerships will help take the Festival to the next level.
“We are delighted with this recent announcement of Homegrown funding, which demonstrates the Queensland Government’s strong commitment to regional events,” she said.
“Importantly, it provides a solid financial base for festival planning and operations while also ensuring skills, knowledge, and cultural traditions are passed on locally.
“The support and enthusiasm of our community has been instrumental in developing the new Festival sub-group structure, and we want to thank everyone who has contributed ideas and energy so far.
“It is this sense of ownership and pride that will make next year’s festival our best yet.”
The Festival is also excited to be working with Queensland Music Trails, an initiative designed to showcase music in unique locations across the state, to elevate programming and attract new audiences to Hughenden. More information will be released in the lead-up to the event.
A major highlight in 2026 will be the return of the Hughenden Bull Ride, championing the region’s strong country identity and creating new opportunities for skilled local riders and volunteers to be part of the action.
“The bull ride is bringing an exciting new element to our popular opening night,” said Mayor Peddle.
“What was once just the thrill of the bull ride now expands to include bronc riding, offering even more action and adrenaline.
“This event, like so many of our annual festivals, showcases the potential of what we can achieve while celebrating our deep-rooted identity in the West.”
Mayor Peddle said the Council was also incredibly grateful to the people of Flinders who have generously volunteered their time on the festival steering committee and sub-groups.
“This festival truly belongs to the community, and it’s inspiring to see the ownership and creativity from our hardworking and passionate volunteers,” she said.
“Their dedication fills me with great excitement for what next year’s events will bring!”
Council encourages anyone who would like to volunteer or join a festival sub-group to get involved and be part of the team bringing the festival to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to join us under the outback skies in 2026,” Mayor Peddle added.
Council would like to thank the 2026 Festival sponsors already confirmed:
- Platinum Sponsors: Tourism & Events Queensland, Iberdrola Australia
- Gold Sponsor: Windlab
- Silver Sponsors: Hughenden Freight & Industrial, Preston Law
- Bronze Sponsors: Ergon Energy, Coward & Co.
Businesses and organisations still have the opportunity to get involved, with a range of sponsorship packages available.
The 2026 Sponsor Prospectus can be downloaded via the Festival website.
Stay tuned on the festival website and socials for further announcements: