What’s happening?
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, presented by Akubra, has announced a major new act for its 2026 program, with trick rider Dayna Bradshaw set to perform at Buchanan Park.
Known as Cowgirls With Wings, Bradshaw will travel almost 2,000 kilometres from the country of New South Wales near Inverell for the event.
She will arrive with five performance horses and Popcorn the Roman Goose, a crowd favourite known as a Cowgoose.
The 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo will run from Friday, 7 August to Sunday, 9 August 2026 at Buchanan Park Events Complex in Mount Isa.
Tickets are already on sale through the official rodeo website.
Why it matters?
Bradshaw’s booking adds something different to one of Australia’s biggest rodeo events.
She is Australia’s only female trick rider performing the full American-style act, including backbends, handstands and gymnastic stunts at full gallop.
That gives this year’s program an extra entertainment draw alongside the rodeo competition itself.
The announcement also builds on recent news that Townsville’s The Barnyard Band will headline entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, August 7 and 8.
Together, the acts broaden the event’s appeal for rodeo fans, families and visitors heading to Outback Queensland.
Local Impact
For Mount Isa, this adds more excitement to a major tourism and community event.
The rodeo has long been a key part of the city’s identity and visitor economy, drawing crowds to the famous red dirt arena each year.
Fresh entertainment announcements can help build momentum ahead of August and give people more reasons to make the trip.
The event also keeps Mount Isa in the spotlight as a destination for major regional entertainment and sport.
By the numbers
- Bradshaw will make an almost 2,000-kilometre round trip to perform in Mount Isa, underlining the scale of the event’s national pull.
- Five performance horses will be part of the act, with Bambi, Macey, Piper, Magic and Dodge all set to appear.
- The rodeo will run for three days, from 7 to 9 August 2026, continuing a tradition that has been part of Mount Isa since 1959.
Zoom In
Bradshaw said performing at Mount Isa has been a long-held goal.
“This has been my dream rodeo to perform at since I was 16,” she said.
“Finally stepping into the famous red dirt arena at Mount Isa will be a career highlight, and I can’t wait to share the magic with everyone.”
The performance will feature Bradshaw and her partner riding five champion horses, with Bambi named as the star of the show.
Popcorn the Roman Goose will also be part of the act, dressed in full cowgoose regalia and appearing in Meet and Greet sessions after the show.
Bradshaw has worked as a professional entertainer for almost a decade and has performed across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Canberra and the Northern Territory.
Zoom Out
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is billed as the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world.
It remains one of Outback Queensland’s best-known events, bringing together top riders, returning champions and rising stars.
The rodeo features bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping and more, with riders competing for some of the sport’s most sought-after buckles.
This latest announcement follows confirmation that The Barnyard Band will lead the live entertainment across Friday and Saturday nights.
Frontman Laurence Sorbello will be joined by Katisha Adelaide and an all-star five-piece band for a two-night country concert spectacular.
The group will pay tribute to some of country music’s biggest artists while also performing debut songs due for release in 2026.
What To Look For Next?
As August draws closer, the growing entertainment line-up is set to add even more buzz around Buchanan Park.
