Sheppard headline all-star music line-up at Penrith Carnival of Cups

24 September 2026

Australian pop favourites Sheppard are returning to the Carnival of Cups stage, headlining a huge night of free entertainment when the series rolls into Penrith on Saturday, January 30.

It will mark Sheppard’s first Carnival of Cups appearance since their memorable performance at Young two years ago, with the hitmakers set to bring their energetic live show to the Penrith Paceway.
Sheppard will headline a strong line-up featuring some familiar Carnival of Cups favourites alongside exciting newcomers.
Australian rock stalwarts Boom Crash Opera will return to the series after featuring last season, while Bachelor Girl are also back on the Carnival of Cups bill and ready to deliver a set packed with hits.
Solo star and social media sensation Pace Randolph will make his Carnival of Cups debut, bringing his talents to the stage for the first time, while emerging western Sydney band Mitch and the Cadets will have the honour of getting the hometown crowd warmed up.
“We’re so excited to be heading to Penrith for Carnival of Cups in January. We know just how much energy this event has - the crowd really gets behind it and creates such an incredible atmosphere,” Sheppard lead singer George Sheppard said.
“We’ll be bringing a big show packed with all the favourites, from hits like Geronimo and Coming Home to our brand new single Night Drive. We can’t wait to get up there, have a massive night with everyone in Penrith and kick off 2027 in style!”
The entertainment will complement another huge night on the track, headlined by the $100,000 Renshaw Cup, one of the time-honoured feature races on the New South Wales harness racing calendar.
Penrith will also host the Metropolitan Final of the TAB Regional Championships, bringing together some of the region’s best horses and participants on one of the biggest nights of the season.
The Carnival of Cups has developed a reputation for combining elite harness racing with major live music and free family entertainment, and Penrith will again deliver all the colour and pageantry that has become synonymous with its leg of the series.
There will be rides for the kids and plenty of activities for the whole family, creating an event that extends well beyond the action on the racetrack.
Best of all, general admission is FREE, with patrons simply required to register for their tickets in advance at www.carnivalofcups.com.au.
Those looking to take their night to another level can purchase a ticket into the Carnival Crib, the premium hospitality marquee that has become the benchmark for the Carnival of Cups circuit.
The Carnival Crib provides patrons with an upscaled way to enjoy the event, combining premium hospitality with a prime position to soak up the racing, music and atmosphere.
With Sheppard, Boom Crash Opera, Bachelor Girl, Pace Randolph and Mitch and the Cadets providing the soundtrack, a $100,000 feature race on the track and a huge range of free entertainment for families, Penrith is set for another memorable night of Carnival of Cups action.
EVENT DETAILS
Penrith Carnival of Cups
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Penrith Paceway
Music: Sheppard, Boom Crash Opera, Bachelor Girl, Pace Randolph and Mitch and the Cadets
Racing: $100,000 Renshaw Cup and Metropolitan Final of the TAB Regional Championships
Admission: FREE – registration required
Tickets and information: www.carnivalofcups.com.au
Premium Hospitality: Carnival Crib tickets available