The Groundwater Country Music Festival on 16-18 October transforms Broadbeach into something that shouldn’t work on the Gold Coast, but absolutely does: a sprawling, free, three-day country music festival pulling 70,000+ visitors across six outdoor and indoor stages scattered through Surf Parade, Oracle Boulevard, and Victoria Avenue. Artists like Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers, and The McClymonts draw crowds that know their lyrics and stay for the full set. This is one of Australia’s largest free country music festivals, and the Gold Coast audience is genuinely here for the music.
Steps from the beach, stages everywhere, no entry charge. Honestly, it’s one of the better-value weekends on the Gold Coast calendar regardless of whether you think you like country music.
Event Details
Dates: 16-18 October 2026
Location: Broadbeach — stages on Surf Parade, Old Burleigh Road, Victoria Avenue and Oracle Boulevard
Entry: Free — 3 days of country music
Official website: groundwatercmf.com
Dates and details are subject to change — always confirm at the official website before you visit.
Getting There
The Broadbeach South G:link station drops you right into the festival precinct. If driving, Pacific Fair shopping centre has secure parking, and street parking is available throughout Broadbeach. The festival spreads across the beachfront and surrounding streets, all within easy walking distance of each other.
What’s Nearby
Kurrawa Beach is just a short walk for a pre-show swim. Surf Parade and Oracle Boulevard are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars for the whole festival weekend. The Star Gold Coast offers indoor entertainment if you need a break from the stages, and Pacific Fair is on your doorstep for shopping.
For 2026 artist lineups and stage schedules, check groundwatercmf.com.
Read more about Broadbeach, things to do in Broadbeach and where to stay in Broadbeach.
Another major music festival held in May is the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival.
Image credits: facebook.com/GroundwaterCMF/
Event Background
Groundwater Country Music Festival emerged from the recognition that there was an untapped country music audience on the Gold Coast. Country music isn’t typically associated with beach tourism, but the demographic reality didn’t match that stereotype. Plenty of people living on the Coast had grown up on country, maintained that love, and had nowhere local to celebrate it properly.
Running it as a free festival proved crucial. Unlike ticketed events that can feel like commercial exercises, the free model opened the festival to casual listeners and committed fans alike. Families could wander through, catch a few acts, grab food, and head home without sunk costs. That lowered barrier meant higher attendance and a genuinely mixed, enthusiastic crowd.
Over time the festival’s reputation inside Australian country music circles strengthened. Artists who’ve gigged at Groundwater talk about the engagement and knowledge in the audience. The festival books acts that matter within the genre, not just those chasing commercial radio play. That reputation keeps attracting both artists and the fans who follow them — building an event that’s now essential to the Australian country calendar.
Nearby Accommodation
Broadbeach accommodation puts you in the action for all three festival days. Browse Broadbeach accommodation options to find a place where you can rest between sets and walk straight back to the stages.