Bailey Zimmerman Tops Bill For Huge New Aus Country Festival Ridin’ Hearts

The team behind the epochal CMC Rocks festival have returned to the drawing board and whipped up the country music event of the spring: a brand new festival called Ridin’ Hearts, hitting showgrounds in Naarm/Melbourne and Eora/Sydney this November.

Topping the bill is none other than Louisville legend Bailey Zimmerman, returning Down Under after his mammoth arena shows here back in March (when he opened for Morgan Wallen at two shows each in Melbourne and Sydney). He’s since dropped his rousing debut album Religiously, so we know for sure we’ll be in for a couple of incredible performances.

Also appearing on the lineup are fellow American heavyweights Danielle Bradbery, Sam Barber, Matt Schuster, Alana Springsteen and VAVO, as well as local favourites Zac & George, Seaforth and Sara Berki. Additionally, both events will feature “experiential bars”, market stalls and a swathe of culinary delights.

Sydney is up first on the itinerary, with the inaugural Ridin’ Hearts festival going down at Sydney Showground on Saturday November 4. Melbourne will follow immediately after on Sunday November 5, when the same lineup hits a pair of stages at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Both events are 18+ too, so you won’t have to worry about knocking over any young’n’s when you’re yee-ing the hell out of those haws.

Tickets go on sale at 10am AEST next Wednesday (August 2). A 24-hour presale for Frontier Touring members and “heartbreakers” – aka people who sign up to this mailing list – will also run from 10am next Monday (July 31). GA tickets will run you an impressively cheap $179, and VIP tickets (dubbed “Jolene’s Diamond Tickets”) will cost $379; the latter option comes with access to an exclusive bar, viewing area, phone charging facilities, premium toilets and powder stations, as well as a complimentary welcome cocktail and a souvenir laminate.

In a press statement, Chugg Music’s eponymous Michael Chugg said of Ridin’ Hearts: “This festival is a first of its kind, a unique opportunity to witness the domination of country music in Australia. We're thrilled to bring together a mix of established country artists and emerging talents, creating an unforgettable day of music, fun and authentic country experiences.”

The sentiment was shared by Susan Heymann – chief operating officer at Frontier Touring – who added: “The popularity of country music is no longer a secret; the audience is growing and is more far reaching than ever, so it's time for something for the fans in the city. Ridin’ Hearts is a fresh festival experience for long-time country loyalists and the country curious. Alongside CMC Rocks, Ridin’ Hearts is set to become another unmissable event for Australian country music fans and the perfect stage for international artists, to play in front of Australia's most passionate music fans.”

RIDIN’ HEARTS FESTIVAL 2023

LINEUP

Bailey Zimmerman (USA)
Danielle Bradbery (USA)
Sam Barber (USA)
Matt Schuster (USA)
Seaforth
Alana Springsteen (USA)
Sara Berki
Zac & George
VAVO (USA)

Tickets: frontiertouring.com