24 March 2025
The tunes may still be bouncing around the head from the weekend, but organisers have moved quickly to lock in dates for the 2026 CMC Rocks QLD festival.
Ipswich City Council received confirmation today that Australia’s hottest country music festival will return to Willowbank Raceway from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd March 2026.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival’s impact on the local community was huge and music-lovers will be delighted to hear a deal has been struck to bring back some of the finest local and international chart-toppers and emerging country stars.
“CMC Rocks was another roaring success at Willowbank over the weekend and we are thrilled to announce this popular festival, which significantly benefits our local economy, will be returning in 2026,” Mayor Harding said.
“We know that more than 23,000 country crooners attended the festival in 2024 and it delivered more than $14 million to Queensland businesses and tourism operators, so there’s no doubt 2025 would be another big year from CMC Rocks and the positive impact it delivers to our economy.
“Council is proud of its long-running association with this event and the role it is playing in cementing Ipswich as an events destination.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s biggest country stars back to our city in 2026.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the 2026 festival was guaranteed to showcase an exceptional roster.
“I was one of the many who attended the 2025 event and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming back the world’s biggest country stars to our city in 2026,” Cr Augustine said.
“We can all look forward to another foot-stomping three days at Willowbank featuring seasoned legends and rising stars to the very best in homegrown talent.
“CMC Rocks will once again deliver a weekend of unforgettable country music, community, and live entertainment in Queensland. Stay tuned for the full artist lineup announcement later this year.
“As the event sold out in 2025 so early, I urge fans to save the dates for 2026. This is an epic event right here in Ipswich and it’s certainly one not to miss.”
The Queensland Government supports CMC Rocks QLD through Tourism and Events Queensland.