Gold Guitar | May 29-31, 2026

Celebrate Aotearoa’s biggest country music weekend as Gore comes alive with the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards. 

For more than 50 years, hundreds of musicians from across the country, and the world, have travelled to the country music capital to compete for the coveted Gold Guitar.

Across three huge days, enjoy open auditions, junior/intermediate and senior finals, and the Classic Final, which includes a special Country Music Hands of Fame induction. 

Performers can compete in solos, duets, groups and a range of country genres, all aiming for a prize package designed to kickstart a country music career.

Friday 29 May - Sunday 31 May, 2026
Gore Town & Country Club, RSA, Gore Baptist Church & Calvin Church

Find out more at goldguitars.co.nz

New Zealand’s longest-running and largest country music competition is a must‑see celebration of talent, storytelling and classic Kiwi country spirit.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about concert announcements, exclusive competitions, free tickets, a round-up of the latest country news, and more!