Under the golden July sun, the Groundwater Country Music Festival is set to return to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October. The free‑admission event, now in its 13th year, will host more than 30 acts across multiple stages, weaving Australian country, Americana, bluegrass and folk into a single weekend.

Kasey Chambers will headline the three‑day program. The Australian country star—who has released 12 studio albums and earned 14 ARIA Music Awards—will perform with her full band, drawing from her extensive catalogue and newer material. “I’ll be bringing my full band and playing a bunch of my old songs in my set as well as a few new ones and favourite covers,” Chambers told reporters.

New Zealand singer‑songwriter Kaylee Bell, the 2013 Toyota Star Maker winner, will return after recent international success. Bell’s single “Keith” reached #12 on the US Billboard chart, and she supported Ed Sheeran on his Mathematics World Tour. She expressed enthusiasm for the Queensland venue: “So excited to be playing Groundwater again. Queensland is our favourite place to play, and we can’t wait to see all our Gold Coast fans again.”

The Wolfe Brothers—an Australian duo that finished second on Australia’s Got Talent and has collected 15 Country Music Awards of Australia—will also headline.

The lineup is packed with Australian talent: Beccy Cole, James Blundell, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen, Tyla Rodrigues, Kingswood, Austin Mackay, Dear Tommie, Jarrad Wrigley (2026 Toyota Star Maker winner), Henry Wagons, Pete Denahy & The Surreal McCoys, Midnight Chicken, Andrew Swift, Sweet Talk and Sterling Drake.

International guests include Canadian two‑time JUNO Award winner Ruth Moody—making her Groundwater debut—Canadian Josh Stumpf, and American honky‑tonk performer Jake Penrod.

Groundwater’s free‑admission model lets audiences wander between outdoor stages, local hospitality venues and beachfront performances throughout the weekend. The Broadbeach precinct will host a Bluegrass Breakfast with Huxley & Friel, a Country Calling Showcase, beachside line‑dancing sessions led by Chris Watson, and DJ Colonel’s Country Music Cottage.

Festival Director Mark Duckworth said the 2026 programme reflects the diversity now found within country music. “The lineup brings together everything from current pop country and Americana to bluegrass, folk and traditional honky‑tonk and even a little outlaw,” Duckworth said.

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell projected more than 63,500 attendances and a contribution of close to $17 million to businesses throughout Broadbeach, the Gold Coast and wider Queensland.

Gold Coast Acting Mayor Cr Mark Hammel added that the festival has grown into one of Australia’s leading country music events. “Bringing country music to the beach was ambitious but it has paid big dividends and Groundwater is now one of Australia’s premier country music festivals,” Hammel said.

Since its launch in 2013, Groundwater has become a significant fixture on Australia’s live‑music calendar, offering a free alternative to ticketed country festivals. The event’s free admission, mixed‑genre lineup and beachfront setting have attracted both dedicated country‑music fans and holidaymakers.

The 2026 festival continues that tradition, presenting a broad mix of contemporary country, traditional country, Americana, folk and bluegrass artists. The lineup showcases established Australian artists, international guests and emerging performers, reinforcing Groundwater’s role as a showcase for the country‑music community while providing a substantial economic benefit for the Gold Coast tourism sector.

The festival will run from 16 to 18 October 2026 in Broadbeach, Gold Coast, with free admission for all attendees.