Groovin The Moo will make a deliberate return in 2026, staging a one-off show in Lismore on 9 May. Presented by Great Southern Nights with support from the NSW Government through Destination NSW and in partnership with Australian Recording Industry Association, the event marks a measured first step in rebuilding one of Australia’s defining regional festivals.
Since its launch in 2005, Groovin The Moo has operated on a simple premise: bring major contemporary line-ups to regional centres and put those communities at the centre of the experience. Across two decades, the festival became embedded in Australia’s live music identity, creating formative moments for generations of fans outside capital cities.
The 2026 edition will unfold as a single-stage, single-day show at Oakes Oval on Widjabul/Wia-bal Country, running from 11am to 10pm and open to all ages. The scaled-back format is intentional. CEO of Fuzzy, Adelle Robinson, described the return as a way to honour the festival’s regional roots while acknowledging the financial pressures currently shaping the live sector. Starting with one carefully executed event allows space to rebuild sustainably.
Government and industry stakeholders have framed the announcement as both cultural and economic. NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper positioned the event as a driver of visitation and regional vitality, while ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd described it as a meaningful signal of renewed confidence in Australia’s live music ecosystem.
Lismore’s selection is equally deliberate. The Northern Rivers city carries a deep creative identity and has faced significant challenges in recent years. Hosting Groovin The Moo is positioned as both a cultural statement and an economic boost, reinforcing Lismore’s place on the national events map.
The 2026 event will also partner with Our Kids as official charity partner, with $2 from every ticket donated to support children and families requiring medical care in the region.
Groovin The Moo Lismore
Oakes Oval, Widjabul/Wia-bal Country
9 May 2026
11am to 10pm
All ages
Pre-sale HERE.
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