Chart-toppers, homegrown heroes and first-time internationals saddle up for Groundwater Country Music Festival 2025
Country’s biggest names — and brightest rising stars — are heading to the Gold Coast this October, with the first lineup now revealed for Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) 2025.
Leading the charge are celebrated Australian icon Troy Cassar-Daley, US chart-topper Jackson Dean, and beloved Aussie artist and songwriter Brad Cox joined by the likes of Shane Smith & The Saints, The Wolfe Brothers, and fast-rising stars Lane Pittman, Sara Berki, and 2025 Toyota Star Maker winner Felicity Kircher.
“I’ve played Groundwater Country Music Festival quite a few times over the years — huge crowds all with one thing in common, their love of country music,” said Troy Cassar-Daley, who recently took home five Golden Guitars at the 2025 CMAA Awards, including Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Between the Fires, bringing his total to a record-breaking 45 Golden Guitars.
“This festival has the ability to bring out massive international acts, putting our established and young, up-and-coming artists right there alongside them. What I love about Groundwater is the way it brings the community together — on the streets, on the verandahs, in the parks — it’s packed with love. I can’t wait to come down to play.”
Jackson Dean, the US breakout star behind the Yellowstone-featured hit Don’t Come Lookin’, returns to Groundwater CMF after a powerful 2023 debut. Since then, he’s gone Platinum, topped the Billboard Country chart, and shared stages with country greats including Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn.
“Stoked to get back to Goldie and see all you beautiful people. It's been too long since we've got to share our color of country music in the wild land down under,” said Dean.
Making their highly anticipated Australian debut, Shane Smith & The Saints will bring their electrifying blend of country and Americana to the Groundwater CMF stage for the very first time.
18-year-old sensation from Tamworth, Lane Pittman, will also be joining the line-up. Rapidly becoming one of Australia’s most talked-about country artists, he first captivated audiences on The Voice Australia in 2022, and has gone on to support US superstar Luke Combs on tour, win New Talent of the Year at the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards, and take out Song of the Year at the Countrytown Awards for his breakout single Love In A Country Town.
Sara Berki has fast become one of Australia’s most talked-about new country artists, after her viral Gabba performance of Take Me Home, Country Roads (over 7 million views), two Top 3 singles on the Countrytown Hot 50, a #1 on the CMT Australia charts, and three tracks in last year’s KIX Country Top 50 — the only female artist to achieve the feat.
Berki said being part of Groundwater is both personal and powerful.
“There's something very special about Groundwater, with its mix of surf, sun, country music and thousands of fans coming together in the heart of the Gold Coast. There is no other country festival quite like it and I'm feeling very fortunate to be back for the second time!” said Berki.
“We have a brand-new set that we'll be bringing to the stage which we're so pumped about. To be able to mix Australia's best with exciting international artists in this amazing location is truly a weekend you won't want to miss!”
They’ll be joined by a stellar line-up of artists bringing heart, harmony and a whole lot of energy to Broadbeach, including Max Jackson, The Buckleys, Minor Gold, Tyla Rodrigues, the Bo’Ness Brothers, Claudia Tripp, Round Mountain Girls, The High Street Drifters, Hutch, and the ever-popular Beachside Line Dancing with Chris Watson.
Set against the backdrop of sun, surf and streetside stages, Groundwater is a festival like no other — where you can catch a world-class country line-up from beachside parks, lively venues, balcony verandahs, or over a drink at the Big Top Bar. This year’s free festival features a massive mix of international icons, Aussie legends, and exciting new voices in country music.
Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said Groundwater Country Music Festival showcases the Gold Coast’s growing reputation as a home for major music events and national talent.
“The Gold Coast continues to raise the bar when it comes to attracting the biggest artists and headline acts to our annual Groundwater Country Music Festival,’ said Acting Mayor Hammel.
“This free family event aligns with our plans to be recognised as one of the best live music destinations in Australia. It’s time to dust off the Akubra and celebrate in October.’’
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said Groundwater continues to grow as a signature event for the Gold Coast, creating a unique home for country music by the coast.
“We’re building something special here — a celebration where country music thrives annually by the beach,” said Duckworth.
Now in its twelfth year, Groundwater Country Music Festival continues to shine a spotlight on the best in country music — from grassroots performers to global chart-toppers — all set in one of the most iconic beachside destinations in Australia.
With more artists still to be announced, the 2025 festival promises three unforgettable days of live music, good vibes and true country spirit from 17–19 October in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
Groundwater Country Music Festival is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.