Lightning & Rhinestones Brings Alt-Country Chaos to Castlemaine

The gold rush centre is getting the bedazzled treatment!

This January, Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Taproom is about to get a serious dose of dust, denim, and downright good vibes as Lightning & Rhinestones rolls into town. On Sunday 25 January, the hottest alt-country festival this side of the Nullarbor transforms the Taproom into a one-day, toe-tapping, heart-thumping mini-festival that promises music, dancing, tattoos, and more than a few surprises.

Lightning & Rhinstones

When: Saturday 25 January

Where: Shedshaker Brewing Taproom, The Mill Castlemaine

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The line-up is shaping up to be the festival’s best yet, says Graham ‘Bowie’ Bowman. Ben Mastwyk and His Millions kick things off with cosmic ’70s-inspired country, psychedelic soul, and pedal steel swagger, straight from the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Bad Bitch Rodeo, the all-star quartet of Laura Baxter, Cat Canteri, Esther Henderson, and Bec Goring, brings grit, groove, and unstoppable energy, while Castlemaine’s own Bad Debts lay down open-sky roots with rock ’n’ roll grit.

If that isn’t enough to get your boots moving, Freya Josephine Hollick will serenade festival-goers with folk-tinged alt-country and even run a live country karaoke session, because why not belt your heart out under the sun? Melbourne’s No Sleep Till Texas, paired with Honkytonk HQ, will teach the classic two-step, ensuring that even the most rhythmically challenged of us leave with a little more sway. And spinning between sets, DJ Golden Ash will keep the vibes rolling with the perfect musical mix.

Lightning & Rhinestones isn’t just about music. The Taproom will host market stalls stocked with locally made hats, boots, clothing, records, and western gear from Blue Rose Western. There’s personalised chain stitching from No Hassles, Just Tassels, flash tattoos from Forest Creek Tattoo, and plenty of pop-up surprises to make the day feel like a proper country carnival. Badge-making, artist merchandise, and more will be scattered throughout the festival floor for those who like their country with a side of shopping.

Event partner Fionna Allan of Lady Adventurer says Castlemaine was the perfect next stop for Lightning & Rhinestones. “Our town is full of folks who love great music and any excuse to put on their dancing boots,” she says. From market stalls to live music, country karaoke, and two-step lessons, it’s all designed to get the community moving, singing, and celebrating together.

Graham Bowman adds, “Honkytonk HQ will take everyone through a two-step class with a live band so we can hoot and holler across the floor all day.” Whether you’re there to perfect your footwork, soak in the cosmic country vibes, or get inked with a flash tattoo to mark the occasion, the festival guarantees memories, laughter, and a little mud on your boots.

Lightning & Rhinestones: Castlemaine Edition runs from 3 to 9pm on 25 January 2026 at the Shedshaker Taproom. Early bird tickets are extremely limited through Humanitix, so if you want a day full of dancing, music, tattoos, and the kind of alt-country energy that makes you feel alive, this is your moment. From cosmic country riffs to powerhouse female voices, two-step lessons, and market treasures, it’s a festival that wears its heart on its rhinestoned sleeve.

So grab your boots, polish your belt buckle, and head to Castlemaine for a day of music, mayhem, and plenty of country charm. Lightning & Rhinestones is ready to remind us all that the alt-country scene isn’t just alive – it’s thriving, sparkling, and ready to dance.

Find out more here.