Groovin The Moo is set to return in 2026 with a one-off show in Lismore, marking a carefully staged comeback for one of Australia’s most recognisable regional music festivals after a two-year hiatus.
The festival did not proceed with its 2025 event, saying at the time it was working on “finding the most sustainable model for Australia’s most loved regional touring festival.”
That announcement came exactly one year to the day that the 2024 line-up had been revealed. In 2024, however, just two weeks later organisers axed the festival, stating: “Ticket sales have not been sufficient to deliver a regional festival of this kind.”
Now, organisers have confirmed Groovin The Moo will return on 9 May 2026 at Oakes Oval in Lismore, presented by Great Southern Nights with support from the NSW Government through Destination NSW and in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association.
First established in 2005, Groovin The Moo was built on a simple idea: bring major contemporary music line-ups to regional centres and put those communities at the heart of the experience. Over two decades it has become a rite of passage for generations of fans and artists, deeply embedded in Australia’s live music culture.
The 2026 event will be delivered as a single-stage, single-day show, described as the first step in a long-term sustainable model for the festival.
Adelle Robinson, CEO of Fuzzy, said the return had been carefully considered.
“This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” she said.
“The festival belongs to regional Australia. Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure.”
“We are so thrilled to come to Lismore, a place that reflects the spirit and resilience of the communities that Groovin The Moo has supported from the beginning.”
“We thank Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government, Destination NSW and ARIA for their support. Without that support this return of GTM would not be possible.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the event would be a highlight of the Great Southern Nights program.
“I’m thrilled that Great Southern Nights will feature in the return of Groovin’ the Moo in Lismore,” he said.
“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.”
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg described the announcement as a major milestone for the city.
“Hosting Groovin the Moo marks a defining moment in Lismore’s continued growth, signalling our return as a confident, contemporary regional centre that is firmly back on the national events map,” he said.
“Our city has a proven track record of delivering major events, underpinned by passionate audiences, deep creative talent and the infrastructure to support large-scale experiences.
“We’re excited to partner with the Groovin the Moo team to deliver an outstanding event that attracts visitors, energises the local economy and showcases Lismore as a vibrant destination where music, arts and regional life thrive.”
Lismore was selected for its strong creative identity and cultural significance in the Northern Rivers, as well as the challenges the region has faced in recent years. Organisers say the event is designed not only to deliver a major live music experience but also to contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community.
Groovin The Moo will partner with Our Kids as official charity partner, donating $2 from every ticket sold.
“Our Kids is thrilled to be the charity of choice for this iconic Australian event that is coming to Lismore,” said Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator.
Groovin The Moo Lismore will run from 11am to 10pm on 9 May 2026 at Oakes Oval on Widjabul/Wia-bal Country. It will be an all-ages event, with the artist line-up and ticket on-sale details to be announced in the coming weeks. More details and pre-sale sign up available on their website.
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