Australia’s premier country music festival CMC Rocks QLD is set to return to Willowbank in 2026, bringing with it a stellar lineup over three days of unforgettable live music.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city is ready to once again welcome CMC Rocks QLD, one of Ipswich’s biggest annual events that draws growing crowds each year and delivers major economic benefits to the region.
“CMC Rocks is Australia’s biggest international country music festival, and we are thrilled to welcome it back to Willowbank, where more than 23,000 visitors kicked up their boots in 2025,” Mayor Harding said.
“Since 2015, Ipswich has been the proud home of the festival, which has grown into a powerhouse event, attracting country music’s biggest names and injecting around $10 million into our local economy.
“Council is proud of its long-standing association with the event and its contribution to putting Ipswich on the map as a go-to destination for great entertainment.”
From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March 2026, headline acts Jordan Davis, Old Dominion and Riley Green will lead a dynamic lineup of international stars and homegrown favourites.
Joining them on stage will be Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Gavin Adcock, Tyler Braden, Hudson Westbrook and Aussie legends James Johnston and Casey Barnes.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said that CMC Rocks QLD is a standout on Queensland’s events calendar.
“Queensland is proud to host the biggest international country festival in the Southern Hemisphere,” Minister Powell said.
“From chart-topping superstars to emerging talent, CMC Rocks brings the world’s best to our backyard and showcases why Queensland is the ultimate destination for music, mateship and unforgettable experiences.”
Following its pre-sale launch earlier this week, the festival has once again demonstrated the strength and loyalty of its fanbase.
Chairman of Chugg Entertainment Michael Chugg said that nearly half the crowd travels from interstate each year. In 2025, 67 per cent of surveyed attendees were returning fans, many with more than a decade of CMC weekends under their belt.
“Year after year, the loyalty of this crowd blows me away. That kind of commitment is rare in live music and it’s why we work so hard to keep delivering world-class lineups,” Mr Chugg said.
“2026’s bill is stacked with incredible talent – big international names, Aussie favourites and the next generation coming through. It’s going to be one hell of a weekend at Willowbank.”
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy a range of experiences including dining at The Boatshed Restaurant, shopping at the music shop, exploring market stalls featuring local and handmade goods, and completing their festival look at Ariat and Outback Traders.
With a stacked lineup and thousands of loyal fans set to return, CMC Rocks QLD 2026 will shine a national spotlight on Ipswich as a must-visit destination for live music lovers.
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