More "Business In Front, Party In The Back" As Mulletfest Goes On Tour

Kirsty Lee Akers mentioned the spectacle when she shared five things about her hometown in her My Countrytown feature. Now, the global sensation that is Mulletfest returns to what feels like its ancestral home – Dubbo. It's all happening at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday, August 20. Entrants will head to head to find the best locks in town, raise much-needed money for the Mark Hughes Foundation and win a chance to compete in the Grand Final in December.

The term mullet was popularised by American hip-hop group The Beastie Boys, who used ‘mullet’ and ‘mullet head’ as epithets in their 1994 song, Mullet Head. They became popular in the height of the 80s, partially thanks to the popularity of Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart. Basically, if you were alive in the 80s, you or someone you know probably rocked a mullet!

The festival's creator, Laura Johnson has become the go expert on all things Mullet-related. The spark that kicked off Mulletfest in its inaugural year (2018), happened over a beer at the Chelmsford Hotel at Kurri Kurri. Looking for a way to have some clean family fun and create a tourism injection to a town that was struggling after losing a large generational employer.  

The event, which was planned as some fun for the locals, turned into an international sensation. Attracting entrants from all over the country and stories running in media as outlets as far afield as Russia, The UK, North America, and Ireland, the event continued to grow. In 2020, Mulletfest had 247 entrants from all over Australia and 7 guys from the international category arrived in person to compete from Canada, the US, and Norway.  

What began as an annual event in Kurri Kurri has now turned into Mulletfest on tour in 2022 following the COVID pandemic. This new format allows crowds to remain more localised while still fostering the sense of community.

The 2022 tour began on stage at Summernats in Canberra and Perth followed by Kurri Kurri, Albury, Rockhampton, and Glenreagh. Now it's Dubbo's turn. Over the next few months details will be revealed of ways to get involved, with exclusive giveaways and auction items from Bundaberg Rum and Volley, and ways for you to be part of the entertainment for the day. 

All competition entrants are judged on their haircut, overall presentation and stage presence, and the person with the “Best Mullet of them All” is crowned on the day and takes home that worthy honour. Entrants can compete in a range of categories including – everyday, grubby, ranga (red hair), vintage (over 50s), extreme, international, and junior (0-18 years).

Head to mulletfest.com.au for more information!

MULLETFEST ON TOUR 2022

Commercial Hotel, Dubbo, NSW
August 20

Red Centre Nats & Monte's Lounge, Alice Springs, NT
September 2 and 3

White Hart Hotel, Murrurundi, NSW
October 15

Gladstone Dookie Hotel, Dookie, VIC
 October 22