Get ready for the biggest Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) yet, celebrating 10 years of country music on the Gold Coast this 20-22 October.
Music fans will gather at one of the country’s most popular beachside destinations, Broadbeach, to enjoy an epic lineup featuring more than 50 artists across 15 stages and venues.
With over 20 additional artists joining the already stacked lineup, as well as three new venues, don’t miss this opportunity to experience this star-studded celebration of the best in country music. Refreshingly, 50% of this year's lineup are female or include a female in a band.
“The Gold Coast has been a proud host of this award-winning country music festival for the past decade, and every year it delivers an exceptional line up of talent and a unique experience,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“Make room for tens of thousands of country music fans dusting off their Akubras and hitting Broadbeach to dance the day – and nights – away.
The best news is it’s free, so see you there as we come together to celebrate everything that’s great about the Goldie.” Said Mayor Tom Tate
Friday 20 October
The festival kicks off on Friday 20 October with headliner Casey Barnes returning to Groundwater CMF. Following a knockout year in 2022 where he won the ARIA Award for Best Country Album, Casey kicked off 2023 by winning two Golden Guitars for his album ‘Light it Up’. Earlier this month, he was also nominated for a prestigious Country Music International Award.
Also taking the stage on Friday, the not-to-be-missed debut of Rhinestoned, the new country trio formed by multi-award-winning Australian country music legend Kirsty Lee Akers.
Saturday 21 October
Saturday 21 October will be packed with international stars sure to transport audiences right to the heart of the American south.
On The Surf Parade Stage, rising US star 22-year-old Jackson Dean, who has been making waves in the international country scene, will undoubtedly have country lovers mesmerised by his soulful voice and gritty songs.
Playing at The Kurrawa Big Top, the 10-time Grammy Award-winning US supergroup Asleep at the Wheel will make their long-awaited Australian debut after 50 years of touring the world. The legendary band features stalwart member and founder Ray Benson and original member and longtime Australian resident Lucky Oceans, plus current stars of the Americana genre, Joshua Hedley and Brennen Leigh.
Saturday will also see Tassie legends The Wolfe Brothers take to the stage. The band’s electrifying performances have earned them six Golden Guitar awards and the coveted P&O Cruises People’s Choice Awards at Groundwater CMF 2021.
Groundwater CMF also welcomes Australian country music legends Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, who will be performing their hugely popular Great Country Songbook show.
A fresh highlight of the program this year is the introduction of the KIX Live at Groundwater ‘Songwriters’ taking place at The Kurrawa Big Top on Saturday, featuring prominent artists from the lineup. With more details to come, country music aficionados will want to check out this exciting new offering to the 2023 experience.
Sunday 22 October
Sunday 22 October provides a spectacular finale, as we welcome the King and Queen of Country Lee Kernaghan and Amber Lawrence to The Surf Parade stage. Favourites at Groundwater CMF, both artists boast incredible decade-spanning careers, and their shows will perfectly round out the three fun-filled days of great music and celebration.
Markets and Activities All Festival Long
There’s plenty more than music on offer with the return of Groundwater CMF’s Country Fair and markets held across the three days. The whole family can find something they’ll love.
Festival goers can try their luck at the Cornhole Arena or take a ride on The Big Slide (parents welcome too!) and help support Aussie farmers and their communities by donating to Drought Angels.
Groundwater CMF is proud to welcome back Drought Angels as the festival’s Official Charity Partner in 2023. Festival fans can show their support by making a donation when they ride, at the festival merchandise point of sale, or on the dedicated Groundwater CMF and Drought Angels webpage.
There is no reason to miss any of the great music or entertainment on offer in 2023 with the official festival app available to download and plan your Groundwater CMF experience. Attendees can easily find all the information they need about the artists, stages, venues, live updates and more.
With 10 years of country music to celebrate, Groundwater CMF is set to be one heck of a party. Music lovers will want to make sure they’re free for the three-day spectacular of country music on the Gold Coast. With an unbeatable location and an unmissable lineup, Groundwater CMF continues to prove why it’s one of the Australia’s most popular country music festivals.
The full Groundwater Country Music Festical program can be accessed via the official Groundwater CMF app, or via the website here.
