Event Preview – Ridin’ Hearts

City rooftops meet country roads as Ridin’ Hearts returns to Sydney and Melbourne in October—serving up boot-stomping music, rising stars, and all-out festival fun.

Get ready to dust off your boots and feel the pulse of country magic—because Ridin’ Hearts Festival is back for its third year, bigger, louder and bolder than ever.

On Saturday 25 October at Sydney Showground and Sunday 26 October at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, this unique city-centre festival is ready to once again bring the heart of Nashville to Australia’s east coast.

Unlike any other event on the calendar, Ridin’ Hearts blends high-energy performances with streetwear cool, cowboy boot glamour, and boutique vibes. It’s where fans come to celebrate the modern face of country music—genre-fluid, emotionally rich, and undeniably fun.

A Headline Act with Heart

Topping the bill this year is none other than Megan Moroney. Nicknamed the “emo cowgirl” for her blend of vulnerability and sass, Moroney has fast become a country superstar. With over 2.8 billion global streams, viral tracks like “No Caller ID” and “Tennessee Orange,” and a second studio album Am I Okay? hot off the press, Moroney’s set promises to be a singalong celebration and an emotional gut-punch rolled into one.

She’ll be joined by Nate Smith, whose powerhouse vocals and emotionally direct songwriting have earned him massive crossover appeal. Known for anthems like “Whiskey on You” and “Bulletproof,” Smith was crowned Billboard’s Rookie of the Year and recently took home ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year.

Rising Stars and Local Favourites

As ever, Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the biggest names—it’s a platform for tomorrow’s headliners. Avery Anna returns to Australian shores after winning over fans at CMC Rocks earlier this year. The 20-year-old viral sensation has already proven she’s more than a TikTok success story—her ballads hit with the emotional weight of someone twice her age.

Then there’s Waylon Wyatt, a fresh Nashville face who’s balancing graduation with festival tours. Armed with heartland grit and youthful optimism, he’s quickly building buzz as a new voice to watch. From closer to home, Golden Guitar nominee Lane Pittman represents Australia’s own country resurgence, having recently supported Luke Combs on his national stadium tour. His blend of raw vocals and relatable lyrics are bound to resonate with hometown crowds.

Additional highlights include Blake Whiten, Sara Berki, Karley Scott Collins, and Lewis Love—all artists who blur the lines between country, folk, and Americana in exciting ways.

A True Country Experience

But Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the music. This is a festival designed to delight the senses. Visitors can browse curated market stalls, grab bites from local food trucks (everything from Southern BBQ to vegan options), and sip craft cocktails at pop-up bars throughout the site.

There’s also a strong fashion and lifestyle element: from glitter cowboy hats to custom denim, festivalgoers come dressed to impress. In fact, it’s not unusual to see a full runway of Western-meets-streetwear looks unfold right there on the grass.

Saddle Up

With both Sydney and Melbourne shows offering stacked line-ups and good vibes from morning to sundown, Ridin’ Hearts continues to carve out a unique space in the global festival calendar. It’s equal parts concert, community, and country celebration—proof that this genre is no longer confined to the American South.

Whether you’re new to country or a die-hard fan, Ridin’ Hearts offers something rare: the chance to experience the sound, style, and soul of modern country music in the beating heart of Australia’s biggest cities.

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