It’s a fortnight until Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) returns to Gold Coast, 17-19 October, with 40-plus artists performing across 10-plus stages and venues in Broadbeach.
With the line-up delivering the full spectrum of country music – from bluegrass to American rockabilly, folk to pop, and everything in between – the 2025 Groundwater CMF edition is highlighted by ‘Don’t Come Lookin”, ‘Fearless’ and ‘Trailer Park’ hitmaker American Jackson Dean.
Australian country music royalty Troy Cassar-Daley will also venture to the Goldie alongside The Highway Queen Nikki Lane (first Australian dates in 11 years) and Texan troubadour Vincent Neil Emerson (‘Road Runner).
“Looking forward to playing Groundwater CMF in Gold Coast, Australia! October 18 & 19. See ya there 🤝,” Vincent Neil Emerson says.
There’s also a stack of established Aussie artists too like Amy Sheppard (whose debut solo album ‘Born To Be Country’ drops next week), Brad Cox (who just released his new album ‘Endemic Intelligence In Multiple Dimensions’), and local OG Casey Barnes (who has a new single titled ‘Rough Around The Edges’).
“I want to write about things that I really give a sh.t about,” Brad Cox shares about his new creative direction. “It’s not enough anymore just writing about driving down a dirt road or sitting around having a great time drinking beers, as right now there’s people dying on the street because they can’t pay the rent and that upsets me, you know? It’s important to me.”
Then there’s Josh Setterfield (who recently showcased at BIGSOUND), Lane Pittman (who’ll be playing Stagecoach in California next year after opening for Luke Combs at the start of 2025), Sara Berki (who released her second EP ‘In The Neon’ in July), The Buckleys (fresh from playing Gympie Music Muster), and festival regulars who always bring the party The Wolfe Brothers.
“Groundwater will always hold a special place in my heart for so many reasons,” Casey Barnes says. “It was one of the first festivals to give the band and me a go when it all began, it’s right here in my own backyard on the Gold Coast and some of my all-time favourite memories onstage have happened at Groundwater.
“We’re beyond pumped to be part of the massive 2025 line-up and can’t wait to bring another huge show to fans this October!”
Festival Director Mark Duckworth says Groundwater CMF’s 2025 line-up highlights the event’s commitment to showcasing the diversity of country music, while reinforcing the Gold Coast’s growing status as a national destination for the genre.
“Groundwater is more than just music, it’s about creating space where country can thrive, from traditional roots to bold new directions,” he says. “We’re building a home for country on the Gold Coast that celebrates Aussie talent and welcomes the world.”
2025 Groundwater Country Music Festival (Gold Coast) takes place 17-19 October.
Groundwater Country Music Festival 2025 Line-up
Aaron D’arcy
Abbie Ferris
Ally Row
Amy Sheppard
Andy Penkow
Beachside Line Dancing with Chris Watson
Bluegrass Breakfast with Huxley & Friel
Boness Brothers
Brad Cox
Brewn
Brooke Supple
Casey Barnes
Cassidy-Rae
Chloe Marks & The Mayhem
Chloe Styler
Claudia Tripp
Col Finley
Country Music Cocktails
DJ Colonel’s Country Music Cottage
Don Rogers Band
Duncan Toombs
Dylan Wright
Emily Grace Taylor
Felicity Kircher (2025 Star Maker)
Greer Sullivan
Harmony Breen
Hayley Jensen
Haystack Mountain Hermits
Jackson Dean
Josh Setterfield
Lane Pittman
Liam Brew
Max Jackson
Michael Honan
Minor Gold
Nikki Lane
Piper Rodrigues
Rachel Bostock
Rex G Miller
Round Mountain Girls
Ruby Shay
Sara Berki
Seajem Sounds
Shane Smith & the Saints
Sons Of Atticus
Sykamore
Tane-Rua
Tate Cole
The Buckleys
The High Street Drifters
The Honky Tonk Swingers
The Pickups
The Pleasures
The Tony Q Band
The Wolfe Brothers
Troy Cassar-Daley
Tyla Rodrigues
Vincent Neil Emerson
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