Thursday, November 27, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Boots, Buckles And Big Voices

Country Jam Festival Hits Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is set for a country music takeover from December 5–7 as the Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival returns to the Airlie Beach Hotel. Free entry and three days of live entertainment make it one of the biggest country weekends of the year.

The festival kicks off Friday night with a high-voltage performance from Ally Friendship, fresh from her stint on The Voice, where she chose team Richard Marx. Her performance on The Voice gained a standing ovation and displayed her powerful vocals to a national audience. Known for her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, Ally will deliver a mix of rock and country classics from Eagles to Chris Stapleton and Bon Jovi in the Sports Bar from 7–10pm. Her performances are a rare treat in a live festival setting, blending evening show energy with a sports bar atmosphere that’s perfect for fans wanting an up-close, intimate experience.

Saturday afternoon, the spotlight moves to the Bistro stage for the Australian Shania Twain tribute show, Let’s Go Girls!. Ally transforms into the ultimate Country Queen, belting out hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much” with authenticity and flair.

As the sun sets, the party atmosphere ramps up with the Trucker Hat Appreciation Society Tailgate Party in the Sports Bar from 7–10pm. The Tailgate is a festival highlight, with boots, buckles, and honky-tonk energy as the band covers country hits from Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson to Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. This lively evening show pairs perfectly with the festival’s daytime tribute performances, giving fans a full spectrum of country fun in one venue. It's a combination of all of the best in modern country music and all for free too.

Sunday afternoon keeps the energy rolling with the Luke Combs Hurricane tribute in the Bistro from 2–5:30pm. Fans can sing along to all the hits, capping off a weekend packed with country spirit.

For those looking to add some two-step to the weekend, Tropical Boots is offering free line dancing lessons in the Sports Bar Saturday and Sunday which is perfect for getting your boots festival-ready.

With live music day and night, ice-cold Jack Daniel’s, and a mix of tribute shows and tailgate energy, the Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival promises a weekend of unforgettable country fun for fans of all ages.

WHAT: Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel (Sports Bar and Bistro)
WHEN: Friday 5 December – Sunday 7 December

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