Groovin The Moo is back for special one-off show

GTM moves into Lismore!

This special event will be part of Great Southern Nights, a NSW Government initiative in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and supported by Destination NSW. For over two decades, GTM has been a celebrated fixture in the Australian festival landscape, known for bringing top-tier contemporary music to regional centres and ensuring local communities are at the heart of the experience.

Groovin The Moo Lismore

When: 9 May 2026, 11 am – 10 pm

Where: Oakes Oval, Widjabul/Wia-bal Country, Lismore

All ages event

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First held in 2005, Groovin The Moo’s commitment to regional Australia has made it a beloved cultural touchstone. The 2026 Lismore show will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the festival, presented as a single-day, single-stage event. This carefully considered return serves as a foundational step in crafting a sustainable long-term model for the festival’s future, prioritising the unique needs of regional communities while navigating the evolving landscape of the festival industry.

Adelle Robinson, CEO of Fuzzy, the event’s organiser, stated, “This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for. The festival belongs to regional Australia, and this one-off show allows us to focus on bringing it back with care and responsibility. Lismore, a community known for its resilience, reflects the spirit that has defined Groovin The Moo from the start.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added, “I’m thrilled to see Groovin The Moo return as part of Great Southern Nights in Lismore. The event will not only bring people together through live music but will also showcase the strength and vibrancy of regional NSW. It’s a testament to the cultural richness of the state and a great way to encourage visitors from across the country to experience the best of our local communities.”

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd echoed the sentiment, celebrating GTM’s return as a significant moment for the Australian music industry. “Groovin The Moo has long been a rite of passage for artists and fans alike. Its return reflects the resilience of the festival scene and the ongoing importance of regional Australia in our live music ecosystem. It’s an exciting opportunity for emerging artists and a chance to reignite the cultural and economic vibrancy of regional centres like Lismore.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg hailed the event as a major milestone for the city. “Hosting Groovin The Moo is a defining moment for Lismore as we continue to grow as a contemporary regional centre. The event will energise the local economy and further solidify Lismore’s position on the national events map, showcasing the city’s creative strength and passion for live music.”

The city of Lismore, known for its creative energy and strong sense of community, was chosen as the host for its cultural significance in the Northern Rivers region, as well as the recovery it has made after recent challenges. The event will not only offer a major live music experience but will also contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community spirit.

In line with its community-focused ethos, Groovin The Moo will partner with Our Kids, the official charity partner for the event. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the organisation, which supports local children and families in need of medical care. “We are thrilled to be the charity of choice for this iconic Australian event,” said Rebekka Battista, Fundraising Coordinator at Our Kids. “Groovin The Moo’s community-minded approach aligns perfectly with our mission to help local families stay close to home when seeking medical treatment.”

The event will take place at Oakes Oval, Widjabul/Wia-bal Country, from 11 am to 10 pm, with tickets available in several categories, including general admission, VIP, and discounted options for youth and concession holders. A special Homegrown Groovers presale will also give Lismore locals exclusive access to early tickets.

The artist lineup and ticket sales details will be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more updates. Groovin The Moo Lismore promises to be a memorable day of music, culture, and community spirit, marking a new chapter for one of Australia’s most cherished regional festivals.

For presale sign up, head here.