A Milestone Celebration at Willowbank
CMC Rocks QLD, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest country music festival, has unveiled the lineup for its 20th anniversary event. The festival will return to Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, Queensland, from March 19 to 21, 2027, with gates opening for campers on March 17, reported Noise11.
The anniversary bill is anchored by three major international acts: country music legends Brooks & Dunn, superstar Eric Church, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde. The announcement, made on September 23, 2026, signals a significant return for Brooks & Dunn, who are set to visit Australia for the first time in nearly two decades, according to Scenestr.
Headliners and International Debuts
The 2027 festival marks a homecoming of sorts for Brooks & Dunn. Festival Director Michael Chugg noted that the duo were among the first US acts toured in Australia by the late festival founder Rob Potts nearly 20 years ago. Their performance is considered a centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations, occurring shortly after they receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in Nashville.
For Eric Church, the 2027 event will serve as his Australian debut. Church, known for his arena-filling country rock, is expected to bring a high-energy performance to the Willowbank stage. Meanwhile, Ashley McBryde will return to the festival for her third appearance, maintaining her status as one of modern country music’s most decorated songwriters.
Supporting Acts and Festival Experience
Beyond the headliners, the festival has curated a diverse list of supporting talent, including Kameron Marlowe, Parker McCollum, the Turnpike Troubadours, and Kaylee Bell. The event will retain its signature immersive experience, featuring the ‘Songwriters Show’ in an acoustic ‘in the round’ format, as well as themed areas like Nifty’s Sports Bar, Big Time Charlie’s honky tonk, and the Amazon Music After Party.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the announcement, highlighting the city’s readiness to host thousands of fans for the milestone event, Rolling Stone Australia noted. Tickets for the 2027 festival are scheduled to go on sale at 10am AEST on September 25, 2026, via AXS.