Anyone scrolling through Instagram since yesterday afternoon likely saw a shock Story on the Groovin The Moo account: asking the simple question, “moo?” Accompanied by the sideways-looking emoji.
Groovin The Moo via Instagram Stories
Organisers haven’t left us hanging, today announcing that the beloved festival will return in 2026—but not as a travelling festival. After a two-year hiatus, Groovin The Moo will take place as a one-off event in Lismore this May.
On Saturday, 9 May, the festival returns to Oakes Oval, Widjabul/Wia-bal Country for an all-ages, all-day event, presented by Great Southern Nights with the support of the NSW Government through Destination NSW and in partnership with ARIA.
The line-up and ticketing details will be announced in the coming weeks. You can sign up for pre-sale ticket access here.
Groovin The Moo last took place in 2023. In 2024, the travelling festival was cancelled just two weeks after announcing its line-up, citing insufficient ticket sales. In January 2025, organisers announced that the festival wouldn’t go ahead last year.
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The 2024 bill featured numerous international acts, including The Kooks, The Beaches, Armani White, GZA & The Phunky Nomads, Jessie Reyez, Meduza, Melanie C, Mura Masa, and Stephen Sanchez.
In terms of local talent, the festival was set to feature Alison Wonderland, DMA’S, The Jungle Giants, Jet, King Stingray, Mallrat, San Cisco, The Rions, Nerve (performing alongside ECB and Cloe Terare), The Grogans, and more.
Groovin The Moo ran its first-ever edition in 2005, running every year until 2019. 2020 and 2021 were the first years to be cancelled.
Since its inception, Groovin has grown to be one of Australia’s most memorable festivals, booking the likes of Billie Eilish, Denzel Curry, alt-J, Wolf Alice, Disclosure, Nothing But Thieves, City And Colour, Architects, and many more to regional locations across the country.
The forthcoming event marks a “deliberate and considered return,” with the single-show format representing the first step of a “long-term sustainable model” for Groovin The Moo. Returning with a single-stage, single-day show allows the beloved festival to rebuild with care while honouring its regional roots.
“This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” said Adelle Robinson, CEO of Fuzzy.
“The festival belongs to regional Australia. Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure. We are so thrilled to come to Lismore, a place that reflects the spirit and resilience of the communities that Groovin The Moo has supported from the beginning.”
Robinson continued, “We thank Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government, Destination NSW and ARIA for their support. Without that support, this return of GTM would not be possible.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added, “I’m thrilled that Great Southern Nights will feature in the return of Groovin’ the Moo in Lismore. Great Southern Nights is all about creating unforgettable experiences in local communities and driving visitation across the state, so it’s fantastic to be collaborating on the return of one of Australia’s most loved regional festivals and giving people a chance to come together through the joy of live music.
“Events like this showcase the strength of our regional offering and reinforce NSW as the nation’s home of world-class visitor experiences right across our state.”
ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Annabelle Herd expressed delight at the return of Groovin The Moo. Herd said, “This is a genuinely special moment for Australian music. GTM has long been a rite of passage for artists and fans, and a powerful reminder of the role regional Australia plays in our live music ecosystem.
“Its return reflects years of work rebuilding confidence and ambition in the sector and shows what sustained investment can deliver: iconic events back in the hands of fans, new opportunities for emerging artists, and lasting cultural and economic impact for regional centres like Lismore.”
Lismore was selected as the host city for Groovin The Moo’s long-awaited return due to its creative identity and cultural significance, as well as the ongoing changes the Northern Rivers region has faced in recent years. Not only will it deliver a special live music moment, but the festival will also meaningfully contribute to the local economy and community.
As part of its commitment to the region, Groovin The Moo will partner with Our Kids as this year’s Official Charity Partner, donating $2 from each ticket sold.
