Troy Cassar-Daley, Jackson Dean Lead First Announcement For 2025 Groundwater Country Music Festival

The Gold Coast’s free-to-attend, beloved event, the Groundwater Country Music Festival, returns for its twelfth year this October.

Leading the first artist announcement is Australian country royalty Troy Cassar-Daley and American star Jackson Dean, returning to the festival following his incredible 2023 debut.

Shane Smith & The Saints will make their Australian debut at this year’s Groundwater, while Australian singer-songwriters and groups such as Brad Cox, The Wolfe Brothers, The Buckleys, Max Jackson, Lane Pittman, and Sara Berki will perform, as well as Tyla Rodrigues, Minor Gold, Bo’Ness Brothers, Claudia Tripp, and 2025 Star Maker winner Felicity Kircher among this year’s performers.

You can see the first artist announcement below.

More artists are set to be announced ahead of the festival, taking place from Friday, 17 October to Sunday, 19 October.

Produced by Experience Gold Coast, Groundwater Country Music Festival is free to attend, with just a “first-in, best-dressed” policy for punters looking to get to the front row. It’s a non-ticketed event in Broadbeach that you can enjoy at your leisure.

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Festival Director Mark Duckworth said of this year’s edition of Groundwater, “We’re building something special here — a celebration where country music thrives annually by the beach.”

Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel added, “The Gold Coast continues to raise the bar when it comes to attracting the biggest artists and headline acts to our annual Groundwater Country Music Festival. This free family event aligns with our plans to be recognised as one of the best live music destinations in Australia. It’s time to dust off the Akubra and celebrate in October.’’

Jackson Dean said of his return, “Stoked to get back to Goldie and see all you beautiful people. It's been too long since we've got to share our color [sic] of country music in the wild land Down Under.”

Troy Cassar-Daley added, “I’ve played Groundwater Country Music Festival quite a few times over the years — huge crowds all with one thing in common, their love of country music.

“This festival has the ability to bring out massive international acts, putting our established and young, up-and-coming artists right there alongside them. What I love about Groundwater is the way it brings the community together — on the streets, on the verandahs, in the parks — it’s packed with love. I can’t wait to come down to play.”

Sara Berki said, “There's something very special about Groundwater, with its mix of surf, sun, country music and thousands of fans coming together in the heart of the Gold Coast. There is no other country festival quite like it, and I'm feeling very fortunate to be back for the second time!”

Teasing a brand-new set, she continued, “We have a brand-new set that we’ll be bringing to the stage, which we're so pumped about. To be able to mix Australia's best with exciting international artists in this amazing location is truly a weekend you won't want to miss!”