CMC Rocks QLD has unveiled a star-studded artist line-up for its 20-year celebration in Ipswich in 2027.
American icons Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church and Ashley McBryde will headline the festival at Willowbank from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 March 2027.
The headliners lead an all-star line-up featuring some of country music’s hottest international talent and homegrown favourites, including Kameron Marlowe, Parker McCollum, Turnpike Troubadours, Blake Whiten, Lanie Gardner, Kaylee Bell, Lane Pittman and more.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city will be ready to tip its hat to thousands of country music fans and global artists as CMC Rocks QLD returns to Willowbank next year.
“CMC Rocks has become one of Ipswich’s signature events, and we are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest names in country music and thousands of visitors back to our city for another unforgettable festival,” Mayor Harding said.
“More than 25,000 people travelled to Ipswich for CMC Rocks in 2026, generating an estimated $13-$15 million for local businesses and tourism operators and putting Ipswich on the map as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.
“Ipswich has proudly been the home of CMC Rocks for a decade, and our community is ready to dust off our boots for another incredible weekend of music, entertainment and country hospitality in 2027.”
Festival Director and Chairman of Chugg Entertainment Michael Chugg said the 20-year celebration will offer country-music fans an event like no other.
“Brooks & Dunn were one of the first US acts that our festival founder, the late Rob Potts, ever toured in Australia almost 20 years ago, so it feels fitting to have them headline CMC Rocks’ 20-year bash in 2027,” Mr Chugg said.
“We have lots in store for next year. It will be a mega celebration – our biggest and most ambitious festival yet – and we can’t wait to kick it all off in March.”
There will be plenty more to discover beyond the main stage with festival favourites bringing the country spirit to life all weekend long.
The Songwriters Show returns for an intimate Nashville-style ‘in the round’ session, where four artists swap songs and stories in an acoustic setting.
Nifty’s Sports Bar will offer plenty of fun between sets with bingo, trivia, rodeo fashion runways, social games, ’90s disco and live sport on the big screens.
Big Time Charlie’s is CMC Rocks’ ‘honky tonk of your dreams’, serving drinks and tunes all weekend.
For late-night campers, the Amazon Music After Party will see country DJs spinning tracks under the Tailgate Big Top.
Back Forty will once again turn the spotlight on emerging local talent on stage across the Cowboy Campground and Great Northern House.
Plus, there will be a range of activities to keep the next generation of country music lovers entertained at Lil’ Buckaroos at the Tailgate Stage.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland’s future by securing major events that attract visitors, support businesses and create jobs.
“Queensland is open for business, open for visitors and open for the biggest events on the calendar,” Minister Powell said.
“CMC Rocks has become a Queensland success story, drawing thousands of visitors to our regions, supporting local businesses and giving people another reason to choose Queensland.
“Through Destination 2045, we’re backing the events that grow our visitor economy and cement Queensland as Australia’s events capital.”
Local MP Jon Krause said the region was proud to remain the home of one of the country’s biggest music festivals.
“Every year CMC Rocks puts the spotlight on our region, bringing visitors, filling local businesses and delivering real economic benefits right across our community,” Mr Krause said.
“This commitment gives local businesses confidence for the future and shows the Crisafulli Government is serious about backing regional Queensland and the events that support local jobs.”
From the inaugural 2008 event in Thredbo, through the Hunter Valley, Townsville and now Willowbank, CMC Rocks QLD has grown into one of the most iconic country music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ipswich is looking forward to welcoming the country music community back to Willowbank in March for another chapter in the 20-year story.
Tickets for CMC Rocks QLD 2027 go on sale from 10am Friday 25 September 2026.
For more information and to book, visit the CMC Rocks website.
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