CMC Rocks a huge success as festival eyes 20th year in 2027

Published on 25 March 2026

The 2026 CMC Rocks QLD was another major success with thousands of country music fans enjoying a boot-stomping, guitar-twanging weekend in Willowbank.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said more than 25,000 music-lovers attended the three-day event at Willowbank Raceway, enjoying the excellent weather and entertainment on offer.

Mayor Harding said the festival provided a huge benefit for the Ipswich community with international and national country music stars, while delivering between $13-15 million to Queensland business and tourism operators.

“Our city is becoming well known across the globe for putting on major events of this scale. CMC Rocks QLD certainly puts Ipswich on the world country music stage,” Mayor Harding said.

“For the first time, council joined with CMC Rocks QLD for a warm-up party in the Nicholas Street Precinct, held for three hours last Thursday, then again for four hours on Saturday lunchtime.

“It was a big success and a great way to kickstart the weekend with live music, good vibes and a little taste of the festival, all for free.”

CMC Rocks QLD organisers were delighted with the weekend festivities and another huge crowd.

“The festival, which began on Wednesday with entertainment exclusively for campers, continued through to Sunday night and featured incredible moments right across the weekend,” a CMC Rocks spokesperson said.

“From James Johnston welcoming Lee Kernaghan onstage during his set, to US superstars Jordan Davis and Tucker Wetmore joining forces during Sunday night’s epic closing performance and more, the event had something for everyone. 2027 will be the 20th CMC Rocks QLD, with the highly anticipated dates and artist lineup to be revealed in coming months.”

The Queensland Government supports CMC Rocks QLD through Tourism and Events Queensland.