October is here, bringing a vibrant lineup of events that celebrate the best of country music, racing, and unforgettable experiences.

From the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Country Music Festival to the Murray Bridge Gold Cup, there’s a day out to suit everyone.

Dive into our event calendar and start planning your next adventure!

Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October

Don’t miss an unforgettable weekend from 25-27 October as The Bend Classic takes on a country twist! Legendary country music icon Lee Kernaghan headlines a star lineup that includes Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, and Beccy Cole.

Set against the backdrop of the newly created Podium Park, this event promises to be a thrilling celebration of cars, country music, and camping.

Kicking off on Friday, October 25, experience adrenaline-pumping action with the “Bull Throttle” Bikes and Bulls Rodeo Show, where freestyle motocross meets bull riding at The Dragway.

The excitement continues Saturday with Nostalgia Drag Racing, featuring classic drag cars and high-octane action on the main circuit, including Historic Touring Cars and Formula 5000s.

There’s limited on-site accommodation available, but you can still snag a BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park unpowered site for three nights that can fit up to six people.

River Shack Rentals offer beautiful properties in the Wellington Marina that sleep up to 12 people.

Friday 18 – Sunday 20 October

That’s not all, Dragway at the Bend will also be hosting the Spring Nationals this month! The Australian Top Fuel Championship is returning as a headliner, alongside a bumper field of National Drag Racing Championship Group 1, Nitro Funny Cars and Sportsman racers.

The Coorong District Council is hosting a twilight street party on Friday 18 October to fire up festivities. Stop into the Tailem Bend main street for food stalls, alongside local working trucks and static displays of vintage, classic, muscle, and drag cars.

Saturday, 12 October

Glitz, glamour and gourmet food – one event in Murray Bridge has it all: the Murray Bridge Gold Cup.

Get a taste of the best the region has to offer with the Carlton Draught Classic Package, which includes a delectable four-course lunch and five-hour premium beverage package starring local wines. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the lush lawns of the track from your reserved seating in the Bridges Event Centre – a stunning, multi-million-dollar complex that’s big on both comfort and style.

The Bleasdale Wine Stables Package will secure you reserved seating inside the exclusive Bleasdale Stables marquee, greeting you with oysters on arrival. Enjoy a three-course lunch, paired with a Bleasdale wine experience, and live acoustic music from Luke Dunkerley.

Sunday, 27 October

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? The Halloween themed Murray Bridge Marathon Festival is a fun day of community spirit on Sunday, 27 October, offering a range of distances to challenge yourself (or just go for a walk with family and friends). Take your pick from a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and a fun 5km run/walk.

The course starts and finishes in front of the Bunyip at Sturt Reserve, taking in the Murray Bridge scenery along the way (they even close off the Historic Twin Bridges).

You can expect an energetic atmosphere with pre-race festivities, athlete dinners, and post-race celebrations at Sturt Reserve. Plus, since it’s the Halloween edition, make sure you come dressed ready to spook –  awards will be given to best dressed on the day!

If you’re looking for some more experiences to add to your getaway, there’s a mammoth range of bucket list-worthy activities on offer.

With the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve on our doorstep, take the rare opportunity to stargaze and see the Milky Way in all its natural glory with Juggle House Experiences.

Otherwise, what about an up-close wild animal encounter at Monarto Safari Park? Or a helicopter ride to Swan Reach?

For nature lovers, get out and explore the Coorong National Park with Spirit of the Coorong on a range of their nature-based adventure tours.

There’s plenty of fun to enjoy in the Murray River, Lakes, and Coorong – so come and visit!