Casey Barnes, Nikki Lane, And Amy Sheppard lead second wave of artist announcements for Groundwater Country Music Festival 2025
From double sets and country evolutions to genre-defining international talent, the Gold Coast based festival is doubling down on its commitment to bring the best of country culture to the beach.
Joining Groundwater Country Music Festival team of 2025 are…
CASEY BARNES | NIKKI LANE | AMY SHEPPARD | VINCENT NEIL EMERSON | THE PLEASURES DUNCAN TOOMBS | HAYLEY JENSEN | ABBIE FERRIS | DYLAN WRIGHT | COL FINLEY DJ COLONEL’S COUNTRY MUSIC COTTAGE | SYKAMORE | EMILY GRACE TAYLOR MICHAEL HONAN | THE PICKUPS | RUBY SHAY | AARON DARCY | BREWN COUNTRY MUSIC COCKTAILS | ALLY ROW | ANDY PENKOW | GREER SULLIVAN DON ROGERS BAND
ARIA Award-winner Casey Barnes, US alt-country favourite Nikki Lane, and pop powerhouse turned country star Amy Sheppard are turning up the volume on Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF), unveiled today as headline additions to the already stacked 2025 October line-up.
“Groundwater will always hold a special place in my heart for so many reasons,” said Casey Barnes.
“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 on stage 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!”
Barnes is set to deliver not one but two standout moments at Groundwater CMF with a full-band set and a special solo appearance.
It marks another major milestone in an already blockbuster year for the ARIA winner, who took home the 2025 Golden Guitar for Contemporary Country Album of the Year, added another chart-topping release tohis name with Mayday, and brought his electric live show to international stages including Stagecoach Festival in the U.S.
With a string of #1 country radio hits, Gold certification for fan favourite God Took His Time On You, and over 65 million streams worldwide, Barnes continues to cement his place as one of Australia’s most successful and consistent country artists.
Together, Barnes and Groundwater CMF are proving that country music is thriving by the water on the Gold Coast.
Making her long-awaited return to Australia for the first time in 11 years, Nikki Lane will bring her outlaw grit, vintage style, and country swagger to the Groundwater CMF stage this October. A genre-defying alt-country force, Lane has carved out a global reputation for bold lyricism and fearless Americana soul.
Having recently opened for Chris Stapleton and fresh off the release of her new single Mind Made Up, her addition to the lineup signals Groundwater CMF’s continued ambition to elevate all corners of country culture from around the world to stages by the sea.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said the second wave announcement reflects Groundwater CMF’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,” said Duckworth.
“We’re building a home for country on the Gold Coast that celebrates Aussie talent and welcomes the world.”
Also announced in this second lineup are acclaimed duo The Pleasures (Catherine Britt and Lachlan Bryan) rising Central Coast talent Ruby Shay, Texas troubadour Vincent Neil Emerson, The Voice alum and ARIA #1 artist Duncan Toombs, and independent force Abbie Ferris, who continues to turn heads with her bold blend of country and rock.
In another exciting development for 2025, the Groundwater CMF precinct is expanding with more artists and venues, including support partner The Star Gold Coast, which will host a performance by powerhouse vocalist Hayley Jensen, with further artists to be announced.
They join a first announcement already stacked with country favourites and international stars including Troy Cassar-Daley, Jackson Dean, Sara Berki, Shane Smith & The Saints, Brad Cox and Felicity Kircher, as the festival strengthens its commitment to showcasing the very best of country culture by the beach.
The lineup also welcomes for the first time, a handpicked collective of Gold Coast’s finest musicians The Pickups as the official house band of Groundwater Country Music Festival. This is supported by the EGC Arts Fund, underscoring the festival's ongoing support for emerging talent.
The second lineup brings the number of artists set to perform across the three-day celebration from 17-19 October to more than 40.
Set against the backdrop of sun, surf and streetside stages, Groundwater CMF is a festival like no other where world-class country acts light up beachside parks, balcony verandahs, bustling bars and open-air venues.
Now in its twelfth year, Groundwater Country Music Festival continues to champion the full spectrum of country music, from grassroots storytellers to international heavyweights, all from one of the most iconic coastal settings in Australia.
Groundwater Country Music Festival is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Broadbeach, Gold Coast
17 – 19 October 2025
THE LATEST
News
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.