First established in 2005, Groovin the Moo was built on a simple but enduring idea: bring major contemporary music line ups to regional centres and place those communities at the heart of the experience. Over two decades, the festival has become deeply embedded in Australia’s cultural landscape, shaping formative live music moments for generations of fans across the country.
This special Groovin the Moo Lismore edition will feature some of the biggest artists in Australia and a special guest from overseas with;
(A-Z)
BAKER BOY
DENZEL CURRY (US)
DOPE LEMON
KATH EBBS Presents COWBOY COUNTRY
MAPLE’S PET DINOSAUR
MATT CORBY
NINAJIRACHI
THE CHATS
THE TERRYS
TONES AND I
And (A-Z)
ANGEL WHITE
THE COLLIFLOWERS
Plus the HOMEGROWN HERO WINNER
Baker Boy steps into a bold new era with his sophomore album DJANDJAY (2025) — a powerful fusion of culture, pride and self-expression that cements his status as one of Australia’s most commanding rappers.
Fierce hip hop force Denzel Curry (US) returns to Australia for Groovin the Moo, bringing his explosive live show and genre-blurring sound that spans hip hop, jazz, punk and beyond.
Dope Lemon, the solo project of Angus Stone delivers his signature nocturnal grooves to Lismore, touring off the back of his 2025 album Golden Wolf. Northern Rivers favourite Matt Corby will bring his unmistakable voice and magnetic live presence to the stage.
Central Coast producer Ninajirachi continues her meteoric rise following her acclaimed debut I Love My Computer (2025), which earned multiple ARIA wins, the Australian Music Prize and Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards.
Global hitmaker Tones And I brings her unmistakable sound and uplifting live energy home after 18 months touring Beautifully Ordinary and collaborating with artists including David Guetta and Teddy Swims.
For something a little different Kath Ebbs will bring the wildly popular queer line dancing phenomenon, Cowboy Country and blistering rock arrives courtesy of The Terry’s, The Chats and Maple’s Pet Dinosaur.
Celebrating local Northern Rivers talent, Lismore’s The Colliflowers and 17-year-old Murwillumbah Indigenous singer-songwriter Angel White round out the lineup.
Finally, there’s the Homegrown Hero competition, where local artists are encouraged to enter and submit their music for a chance to perform. For more details, visit the Groovin The Moo website.
Staying true to its core values, Groovin the Moo Lismore will offer an all inclusive, all ages experience and some fundraising initiatives for great causes.
Information regarding camping and shuttle transportation will be provided online, with Groovin The Moo fans now able to register their interest in both camping and shuttles via the official festival sign-up form.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, “I’m thrilled that Great Southern Nights will feature in the return of Groovin the Moo in Lismore. Great Southern Nights is all about creating unforgettable experiences in local communities and driving visitation across the state, so it’s fantastic to be collaborating on the return of one of Australia’s most loved regional festivals and giving people a chance to come together through the joy of live music. Events like this showcase the strength of our regional offering and reinforce NSW as the nation’s home of world-class visitor experiences right across our state.”
ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Annabelle Herd celebrated the return of Groovin the Moo. “This is a genuinely special moment for Australian music. GTM has long been a rite of passage for artists and fans, and a powerful reminder of the role regional Australia plays in our live music ecosystem.”
“Its return reflects years of work rebuilding confidence and ambition in the sector and shows what sustained investment can deliver: iconic events back in the hands of fans, new opportunities for emerging artists, and lasting cultural and economic impact for regional centres like Lismore.”
GROOVIN THE MOO LISMORE
Oakes Oval, Widjabul/Wia-bal Country
9 May 2026
11AM to 10PM
Licenced/All Ages
TICKETS
General Admission from $129 + BF
Cream Of The Crop VIP from $199 + BF
Under 12 free when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian
Ages 12–17 $99.90 + BF when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian
MobTix for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Affordability tickets for select Concession
Card holders available to request $99.90 + BF
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS 2026 PROGRAM
Announced at the start of February, Great Southern Nights is returning for 2026 with a huge line up and new initiatives, like Live Fest in Dubbo and Tamworth, along with proudly presenting Groovin the Moo.
Get to know your Great Southern Nights 2026 line up, featuring in alphabetical order;
3% | AMBER LAWRENCE | AUGIE MARCH | BAKER BOY | BALL PARK MUSIC
BEDDY RAYS | BLISS N ESO | BOY SODA | CLOUD CONTROL | DUNE RATS
ELECTRIC FIELDS | EMMA DONOVAN | GENESIS OWUSU | GOLDEN FEATURES
GORDI | HANNAH JOY (Middle Kids) | HATCHIE | HELLIONS | JACK RIVER
JAGUAR JONZE | JAMES REYNE | JESS HITCHCOCK | JESSICA MAUBOY | JET | JK-47
JON STEVENS | KAH-LO (Nigeria) | KASEY CHAMBERS | KELI HOLIDAY | KITA ALEXANDER
KLP | LARISSA LAMBERT | LIME CORDIALE | LISA SIMONE (USA)
MADDY JANE | MAY-A | MEG MAC
MEMPHIS LK | MISSY HIGGINS | PANIA | PAUL KELLY
PEKING DUK | PETE MURRAY | PLAYLUNCH | REGURGITATOR | SARA BERKI
SHANE HOWARD + SHANE NICHOLSON + SARA STORER | SONS OF THE EAST
STEPH STRINGS | THE CAT EMPIRE | THE CRUEL SEA | THE GROGANS
THE JUNGLE GIANTS | THE LIVING END
THE TERRYS | THE VANNS | THE WHITLAMS (Orchestral)
THELMA PLUM | THEM & I | THUNDERCAT (USA) | TRIALS | VV PETE | WAAX
WHAT SO NOT | WILSN | YOUNG FRANCO
And more to be announced!
The diverse line up of artists coupled with the best live music venues across the state create the perfect occasion for visitors to turn a gig into an unforgettable weekend across Greater Sydney and NSW, exploring the state’s glittering coastline, thriving regional towns and stunning natural landscapes.
For tickets and more information, head to greatsouthernnights.com.au
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKOK | YOUTUBE
Please do not publish the below details;
Lodge media accreditation and interview requests here.
Assets are available here.
For Great Southern Nights enquiries, please contact
Janelle Morse | janelle@morsecodepr.com.au | jmorse@aria.com.au | +61 450 221 647
For Groovin the Moo enquiries, please contact
Sammie Walsh | sammie@beehive-pr.com.au
Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
About Destination NSW Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions for Sydney and regional NSW.
About ARIA
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is a national industry association with more than 190 members representing major and independent record producers, manufacturers, and distributors. ARIA acts as an advocate for the Australian music industry, administers the labelling code of practice, and compiles industry information and research. It also produces the ARIA Charts every week and the annual ARIA Awards. Most importantly, ARIA supports Australian music and creates opportunities for it to be heard.
About Great Southern Nights
The inaugural Great Southern Nights was launched in November 2020 by the NSW Government, through Destination NSW and in partnership with ARIA. Returning in March 2022, the event played a vital role in supporting the live music, entertainment, and hospitality sectors as they recovered from pandemic impacts.
Great Southern Nights continues to build on its success, providing a strong platform to collaborate with venues, artists, and music organisations. Together, we’re championing the importance of live performances as a key driver of the creative industries. As noted in A New State of Night, the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy, “live music, venues and events make communities more creative and connected, providing valuable employment opportunities and a more diverse night-time offering.”
We acknowledge First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and sovereign custodians of the lands on which we work, live and where our event takes place. We recognise their continued connection to Country and their respective nations across this continent and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also celebrate the unique and inspiring creativity and Songlines of the world’s oldest living culture and give thanks for the immeasurable influence First Nations People continue to have over the music and art we enjoy.
