Katikati AvoFest 2026 to Go Country with Tami Neilson Headlining

The Katikati AvoFest is taking a fresh direction in 2026, with country music set to take centre stage at the Uretara Domain on 10 January. KatchKatikati events manager Kylie Watkins said the decision to pivot to a country theme came directly from audience feedback gathered through surveys of previous ticket-holders.

"Country music came out as the most popular genre," Watkins said. "It's about giving our audience the music they most wanted to hear."

Canadian-born Kiwi singer-songwriter Tami Neilson has been confirmed as headliner for the event, which is expected to draw a crowd of around 4000. Neilson has had a standout year — releasing her album Neon Cowgirl in July, featuring collaborators including Neil Finn, JD McPherson, Ashley McBryde and Grace Bowers. She also toured the United States alongside Willie Nelson, performed her APRA Best Country Music Song Award-winning track 'Beyond the Stars' alongside Bob Dylan, and toured Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).