After a couple of uncertain years and plenty of crossed fingers from the Moo Crew, Groovin The Moo is officially returning in 2026 – just in a different format.
The beloved regional touring festival will make its comeback with a one-off, single-day event in Lismore on Saturday 9 May, marking the first step in what organisers describe as a long-term rebuild for one of Australia’s most cherished live music institutions.
Groovin the Moo 2023 Weekend One After-Movie
First launched in 2005, GTM carved out a unique place in Aussie music culture by taking major lineups directly to regional communities – a model that helped shape generations of live music fans. But after the 2024 cancellation and no return in 2025, the future of the festival looked shaky. Now, it’s back, albeit deliberately smaller, more focused, and designed to grow sustainably from the ground up.
The 2026 edition will run from 11am to 10pm at Oakes Oval in Lismore (Widjabul/Wia-bal Country) as an all-ages, single-stage event. Organisers say starting with one show allows them to rebuild carefully while staying true to GTM’s regional heart.
“This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” Fuzzy CEO Adelle Robinson said in a press statement. “The festival belongs to regional Australia.”
The comeback is being presented by Great Southern Nights, with support from the NSW Government, Destination NSW and ARIA – backing organisers say was essential to making the return possible.
Lismore was chosen not only for its strong creative identity but also to support a region that’s faced major challenges in recent years. The event is intended to deliver both a major cultural moment and a tangible boost for the local economy. GTM will also partner with Our Kids as official charity, donating $2 from every ticket sold to help families access local medical care.
The lineup and ticket details are still to come, but anticipation is already high – especially after the festival last ran in full touring form in 2023 before industry pressures forced a rethink.
For now, Groovin The Moo isn’t gone, it’s rebuilding. And regional Australia is, as always, front and centre.
Groovin The Moo 2026
- Saturday, 9th May 2026 – Oakes Oval, Lismore (Widjabul/Wia-bal Country), NSW – All Ages
General Admission from $125 + BF
Cream Of The Crop VIP $190 + BF
Mini Moo’s (Under 12) free when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian
Ages 12–17 $90 + BF when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian
MobTix for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Affordability tickets for select Concession Card holders available to request $90 + BF
Lismore Locals will have exclusive access to the ‘Homegrown Groovers’ presale, simply check ‘I’m a Lismore Local’ in the presale sign up form.
Further Reading
Groovin The Moo Confirms It Will Not Return In 2025
