Brisbane Magandjin, Queensland – In just one week, Fortitude Valley will become the epicentre of Australian music as BIGSOUND returns from 1-4 September, bringing together hundreds of artists, industry leaders and music fans for four days of showcases, conferences and career-defining moments.
 
For 25 years, BIGSOUND has been the launchpad for artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett, while helping connect emerging talent with who they need to build successful careers be that record labels, artist management or  international festivals.
 
With special event line ups dropping daily and the likes of rockers SLOWLY SLOWLY, MAY-A and Sunshine Coast locals FRANK & LOUIS joining as partner showcase acts for 2026 – Delegates and Festival-goers alike are encouraged to head to the official BIGSOUND website to build their personalised schedules and RSVPs to popular sessions like the annual Roundtables by Xelon Digital now.

QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis said that BIGSOUND has always been about what happens when great artists and great ideas come together.
 
“Every conversation, showcase, and unexpected connection has the potential to shape someone’s career, and that’s what keeps people coming back year after year,” Ellis said.
 
“As we celebrate 25 years of BIGSOUND, we’re looking forward to welcoming the industry and the wider community into Fortitude Valley for another unforgettable conference and festival,” she said.
 
Queensland’s Night-Life Economy Commissioner, John ‘JC’ Collins has said that BIGSOUND’s impact on the wider economy in Queensland is proof of what can be possible when support is poured into the arts and entertainment.  
 
“BIGSOUND is proof of what’s possible when you back a precinct like Fortitude Valley, with its edgy, vibrant and unique character, and the protections a Special Entertainment Precinct provides to support live music venues in a walkable precinct.” Collins said.
 
“It’s the heartbeat of entertainment in Brisbane and a real-world example of the vibrant, safe and business-friendly nightlife economy we should be building across Queensland as we get match fit for 2032. More than $20 million in economic impact in 2025 shows this isn’t just good for the Valley, it’s good for jobs, businesses and the wider Queensland economy.”
 
For locals, the FREE LIVE MUSIC program returns to the BIGSOUND Mall Stage presented by Amazon Music (Brunswick St Mall) with beats sounding till 10pm daily. Program highlights include the Hunting Ground Publishing Showcase introducing two of the team’s first signings, JUNGAJI and HOLYSTONE – all live on Wednesday, from Noon; as well as a host of all ages programming including showcase performances by Pash, Zipporah and Salty on Tuesday; BIRDLAND, DEVA MAHAL, LAMBROS on Wednesday; and LARA BUCHANAN, NGAIIRE and SILKY ROADS on Thursday evening.

The return of Brisbane City Council’s QUBE Effect initiative which highlights and nurtures emerging Brisbane artists sees the QUBE EFFECT Live at BIGSOUND, featuring Brisbane locals BADPOSTURE will take over Brunswick Street Mall on Thursday afternoon (4.40pm).
 
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said BIGSOUND turned an ordinary week in Fortitude Valley into the biggest week on the Australian music calendar.   
 
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and BIGSOUND brings the Valley alive with live music, emerging artists and plenty to see and do,” Cr Schrinner said.  

“The best part is, so much is free which gives residents another great reason to get out and enjoy Brisbane.  

“We are bringing the QUBE Effect to BIGSOUND for the first time, with local band BAD POSTURE taking over Brunswick Street Mall on Thursday afternoon.  

“Backing Brisbane talent and creating more great experiences like this is all part of making our city an even better place to live.”
 
Other community highlights include:

• The California Lane CD & Record Fair – taking place on Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am – 3.30pm – which will be the site for crate digging and exploring Brisbane music history. Entry is free and open to both BIGSOUND delegates and the public, presented by California Lane and Glitter Records; two days of music goodness waiting to be dived into!
• The MILKLAB x BIGSOUND Morning Mix Run Club, hosted by Katie Dall from CLUB KT and followed by a DJ set, is open to everyone so whether or not you’re prepping for the BIGSOUND conference or simply on your way to work, you can get involved and top things off with free iced lattes, matcha, merch and for the first 100 through, a MILKLAB Cold Cup.
• Art exhibition: what’s the colour of love? – on display in The Precinct (T.C.BEIRNE) for the public during BIGSOUND. An exclusive floor talk with artists trials and BIRDZ will take place at 4.15pm Wednesday, sharing stories about the works, reflecting on the legacy of trials’ album hendle and unpacking some of the ideas, memories and relationships that shaped it, this is a conversation that cannot be missed.

Before the festival’s official kick off, BIGSOUND is easing into the week, offering a special preview event in partnership with Sofitel Brisbane Central. The BIGSOUND Sneak Peek LIVE at The Sofitel Brisbane (Saturday, 29 August, 4 to 7pm) is your chance to settle in and catch up before the week kicks in – no agenda or rushing, just a nice way to prepare for the week ahead.
 
This year, BIGSOUND welcomes special international music delegations from both the UK and Canada, as part of a wider program delivered with the City of Gold Coast. Professional artists, managers, labels, publishers and music businesses from both markets will be brought to Australia to meet and connect with local business and suppliers and for the cohort headed to BIGSOUND, this is going to be an excellent opportunity to form invaluable connections between our industry and theirs.
 
Representatives from BPI, CIMA, Music Managers Forum Canada and more are involved, a timely inclusion with Canada being BIGSOUND’s Featured Guest Country for 2026. The UK delegation forms part of the wider Australian Music Mission, ultimately strengthening Queensland’s connections with two major international markets.
 
Announced this week, winners of triple J Unearthed’s BIGSOUND competition – Double Date and Yuni – will open the official triple J Unearthed Stage at The Brightside, with Double Date set to perform on the outdoor stage and Yuni taking the reins indoors.

Specifically for BIGSOUND delegates, the Women & Gender Diverse Folk in Music Brunch presented by the Queensland Government through the Office for Women is back at The Wickham, opening BIGSOUND’s networking program at 10am on Tuesday at the first official event of BIGSOUND!
 
Along with a series of serious networking opportunities, mixers and parties hosted by the likes of Sound NSW, Concord Music Publishing, Believe, Wall Of Sound and more, offer a casual chance to connect against a backdrop of announcements and showcases. Must catch events include:

• Sony & Friends BIGSOUND Party: featuring the talented MAY-A, Jem Cassar-Daly, Pash and Bella Amor.
• Official Oztix Party: taking over the indoor and outdoor stages of The Brightside with performances by Slowly Slowly, BIRDLAND, Large Mirage, Liquid Zoo and more.
• Live Nation’s Ones To Watch: the global music discovery series returns to BIGSOUND highlighting three incredible artists in Jem Cassar-Daly, Eli Wan and Holly Hebe – the latter being an exclusive performance during BIGSOUND week.

• The UPSTARTER Showcase Party: presented by UP and Monster Children in association with BIGSOUND, emerging Australian artists and bands have been given the chance to win a $20,000 cash prize to support touring, recording and the next chapter of their career. At 4pm, Wednesday at The Beaumont, the five finalists will perform, before the winner is revealed!
• The QLD Regional Showcase Party: featuring artists from right around Queensland presented by SCMIC and the Kingston Butter Factory, this is the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourselves with some of Queensland’s best homegrown talent.

BIGSOUND three-day festival pass holders and Delegates, make sure you have the official BIGSOUND 25th Birthday Closing Party in your schedule. Celebrating 25 years of Australian music, this is going to be one massive send off, taking over the entire Prince Consort including the Garden Bar, Parlour Bar, La La Land and Greaser – featuring a collection of electronic and punk acts from 11.30pm until close.
 
To officially close out BIGSOUND week, the Sunshine State Lunch presented by QHA (held at noon on Friday, 4 September at The Wickham) brings together Queensland’s music community, industry leaders and government representatives to reflect on the week and look ahead to the future of music in the state. Featuring a live performance from Sunny Coast legends Frank & Louis, this luncheon is all about celebrating people, ideas and partnerships that strengthen the Queensland scene and closing BIGSOUND 2026 in style.
 
Capturing the week for those following along at home, the BIGSOUND Content House will help guests conquer the algorithm with curated marketing, content and radio panels featuring names like Ash McGregor and Poppy Reid as well as representatives from powerhouses Laneway Festival, Live Nation, Concord Music, and Instagram.
 
You’ll be able to grab your BIGSOUND profile picture with the Official Life Without Andy x American Apparel photoshoot, learn from the best during the GYRO.Group House takeover (Wednesday), and connect across industry with mixers and lunches like the Education x Industry: Collaborative Futures Lunch presented by SAE.
 
It’s going to be a massive week – start your planning now at www.bigsound.org.au
 
BIGSOUND is proudly supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency,  together with Presenting Partner Oztix and other valued industry and commercial partners.

ABOUT BIGSOUND

Celebrating its 25th year, BIGSOUND remains Australia’s premier music industry gathering and the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the past quarter of a century, it has helped launch the careers of artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett, while continuing to connect Australian artists with the people and opportunities that shape successful careers.
 
For four days each September, Fortitude Valley becomes the meeting place for the Australian music industry where artists are discovered, careers are accelerated, partnerships are formed and the future of Australian music is shaped.
 
For the program and tickets, visit www.bigsound.org.au.
BIGSOUND 2026 | 1–4 September, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

OFFICIAL BIGSOUND MERCHANDISE

In collaboration with American Apparel, the official BIGSOUND merchandise drop is available to purchase online now. Get your hands on your items before hitting Fortitude Valley; order online and skip the queues, pick up your gear at The Fortitude Music Hall when you arrive. Check out the full line here.

About QMusic

QMusic is the not-for-profit music industry peak body and development association for Queensland. The work of QMusic is critical to the success and development of Queensland’s music economy. It is the only significant and established not-for-profit organisation in Queensland dedicated to delivering sector and talent development, and recognition and capacity building initiatives including Industry Connect, the QMAs, and BIGSOUND.
 
For more information on BIGSOUND 2026 visit www.bigsound.org.au

TICKET PRICING
Afterpay now available.
 
DELEGATE PASS – ON SALE NOW
 $899 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $849
Student and concession pricing available, see bigsound.org.au for more information.
 
FESTIVAL PASS – ON SALE NOW
3-Night Festival including afterparties
Early Bird: $100* (when pre-booking)
Full Price: $119* (at the box office)
 1-Night Festival
Full Price: $69*
Youth (25 and under) and Concession Pricing: $30*
*Price does not include platform fees. Terms and conditions apply.