General News
26 August, 2025
Narromine’s Dolly Parton Festival
Grab your Akubras, dust off your boots and polish up those rhinestones on your best denim jacket: The countdown is on to the fourth annual Dolly Parton Festival which is now just six weeks away.
The township of Narromine will officially (well, almost!) become “Dollymine” on the weekend of October 11-12, welcoming country music fans from around the region and beyond.
There are two separate and distinct programs on Saturday, October 11, which festival organisers Narromine Shire Council believe offers something for everyone.
The festival officially commences on the Saturday morning with the famous street party that showcases the talents of local performers, many of whom are schoolchildren.
Kimmie, Little But Proud, and Terry Leonard will join the Narromine Line Dancers, a local Gospel Band, and the highly regarded Narromine High School Concert Band and other school acts.
“In 2025 we will be adding a second stage to the street party,” council general manager Jane Redden said.
“The second stage will be at the Nymagee Street crossing and will feature outstanding local talent,” she added.
The Street Party also promotes local businesses, pubs and clubs, while also offering market stalls and a variety of food and drink vendors.
Headlined by Donna Campbell of “Rags to Rhinestones: The Dolly Parton Story” fame, other talent that will rock the festival’s evening concert at Narromine’s Cale Oval includes The Country Legend Tribute Experience, central west rockers Ballz n All Band, and Dubbo’s own songstress Tanya Andrew, who has performed at the festival every year since its inception.
In the best news for festival fans ever, this year’s evening concert will - like last year - be free to enter and family-friendly.
Tickets must be shown to enter the event, however, and can be obtained from the central west’s own ticketing platform, 123Tix.
Buses will also run to Narromine from Dubbo and Trangie for the evening concert but must be booked in advance. Details are on the booking platform.
With daylight saving underway for the festival weekend, the evening concert will enable families to enjoy a significant part of the event before darkness descends.
“Overall, the family atmosphere and the [additional] daylight has proven to be an added benefit for the festival,” Ms Redden said.
“It provides the opportunity for kids to participate and have an afternoon and evening event, but still allows the party to continue into the night. Finishing around 10pm also provides the opportunity for pubs and other venues to host ‘after parties’ which was popular in 2024,” she added.
Narromine Shire Council is still keen to hear from local businesses that would like to be involved and from community members who might like to give their time to support the event as an official “Dolly Volly”.
“Members of the youth council are also keen to host an event and help with the street party,” Ms Redden said.
Narromine mayor Ewen Jones encourages everyone to participate in this year’s Dolly Parton Festival.
“Narromine Shire Council invites everyone to join in the fun, colour, and music of this year’s celebrations,” Cr Jones said.
“Whether you’re dressing up, hosting an activity, performing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, your participation is what makes the Dolly Festival so special.
“This is a festival for all ages, and a time to showcase the pride, spirit, and hospitality that makes Narromine unique. Let’s come together, celebrate our community, and make this year’s Dolly Festival one to remember,” the mayor concluded.
