New Country Cocktail Experience - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 22nd of May 2026

(Information, photos and graphics provided by the Northern Beef Producers Expo)

A brand-new social event, Cattle & Cocktails is set to hit the Northern Beef Producers Expo (NBPE) this year on June 6.

To host the event, NBPE are teaming up with Howdy Global, an Australian-made rural social and dating platform designed to connect people living in regional, rural and remote communities.

The 18+ event will include live music, entertainment, food vans, giveaways and interactive activities.

To learn more about Cattle & Cocktails, the Q&A below submitted by the Northern Beef Producers Expo provides an informative look into the new social event.

Northern Beef Producers Expo Cattle & Cocktails Q&A

Q - For those who are not familiar, what is the Cattle and Cocktails event? What will it involve?

A - Cattle & Cocktails is a brand-new social event being introduced as part of the 2026 Northern Beef Producers Expo program. It’s designed to give people a really fun night out while bringing together locals, visitors, industry representatives and young and old from across the region in a relaxed country atmosphere.

The event will feature live music from the Trent Bell Band, MC entertainment with Tate Van Wel from Full Noise Production, prize giveaways thanks to W Titley and Co, Yowy, and the Charters Towers Rodeo, bar facilities, food, and some light-hearted interactive activities including the Yowy Ringers Challenge and icebreaker-style entertainment. It’s all about creating an enjoyable, welcoming night that celebrates rural lifestyle and community connection.

The event is being held in the arena at the Charters Towers Equestrian Centre, so we’re encouraging people to embrace the “country cocktail” dress code — boots included.

Q - What inspired the creation and inclusion of this event in the Northern Beef Producers Expo?

A - The Northern Beef Producers Expo has always been about more than just cattle and trade displays — it’s about supporting and celebrating the northern beef industry and the communities behind it.

We wanted to introduce something that would broaden the event experience, attract new audiences, and create more reasons for people to stay involved across the entire weekend. Rural communities thrive on connection, and events like this help create opportunities for people to socialise, network and simply enjoy themselves.

There’s also been a growing demand for quality social events in regional areas, particularly ones that feel modern, inclusive and genuinely fun. Cattle & Cocktails is about bringing that energy to Charters Towers while still staying true to the event’s rural roots.

Q - How did the Northern Beef Producers Expo come to partner with Howdy Global?

A - Howdy Global was a really natural fit for the event. They’re Australia’s rural dating app and are passionate about supporting rural communities and helping create genuine connections for country people.

When discussions started, both organisations could see strong alignment in wanting to create an event that was social, welcoming and uniquely rural. The partnership has allowed us to add another layer of entertainment and engagement to the night while also helping promote the event to new audiences across regional Australia.

Whilst they are a dating app, you DO NOT have to be single to attend – at the end of the day you may just have a great night out with your mates or make some new ones, and maybe win some prizes

Q - For those interested in attending, how can they purchase tickets?

A - Tickets are available online now, and we encourage people to book early as numbers are limited. People can head to the Northern Beef Producers Expo social media pages or visit the website at nbpe.com.au for ticket links and event information.

Q - What is your message to the Charters Towers community?

A - We’d really encourage the Charters Towers community to get behind the Northern Beef Producers Expo, including the Cattle & Cocktails event; come along for what promises to be a fantastic night.

The Northern Beef Producers Expo is a volunteer-driven event that aims to showcase the strength of our region and support the northern beef industry, and community support plays a huge role in making that happen.

Whether you’re involved in agriculture or simply looking for a great night out with friends, the entire event is designed to be something everyone can enjoy.

Q - Anything else to add

A - This is the first year we’ve introduced Cattle & Cocktails, and we’re really excited about the potential for it to become a standout feature of the Northern Beef Producers Expo moving forward.

We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and partners who continue to support the Expo and help us bring new ideas to life. We’d encourage everyone to keep an eye on the Northern Beef Producers Expo Facebook page and website for updates, announcements and ticket information in the lead-up to the event.