After already announcing the 100 acts who will perform as part of BIGSOUND 2026, the Artists in Conversation line-up, and the first round of industry guests, the news isn’t stopping there for Brisbane’s annual music festival and industry showcase.
BIGSOUND returns to Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, 1 to Friday, 4 September, and delegate and festival passes are now available.
Today, QMusic launches BIGSOUND – celebrating its 25th anniversary – at The Brightside, where both industry institutions will commemorate today’s announcements.
This year, each artist selected for the performing BIGSOUND 100 will receive increased financial support for the first time. They’ll have travel contributions available, a new QR code payment system that will allow fans to support artists they enjoy, an additional free conference delegate pass, and increased access to conference sessions.
“These initiatives are a step in the right direction and recognise the commitment across our industry to supporting Australian and New Zealand artists,” said Interim QMusic CEO, Kristy Ellis. “We’re proud to be providing more support to showcasing artists than ever before, and we’ll be sharing the details with all 100 acts from today.”
Oztix CEO Stuart Field added, “We’ve used our technology to build a simple way for fans to back the artists they love, right at the point of the performance. As a proud Brisbane company and longtime partner of QMusic and BIGSOUND, putting money directly into artists’ hands is exactly the kind of support Australia's live music scene needs.”
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New industry guests were also announced today, including Dan Woolston, Sean Walker, Ngaiire, Sam Fischer, Emma Bosworth, Ali Tomoana, Briony Kent, Lucy Blomkamp, Tasman Keith, Kobie Dee, Marie Robinson, Lucy Buckeridge, and many others.
Meanwhile, this year’s conference will follow the theme “Creatives in Conversation,” which examines the ideas shaping the future of Australian music.
The conference will host conversations about artist wellbeing, international export, fan engagement, AI, creative identity, and the growing crossover between music, sport, and live experiences.
triple j, longtime supporters of BIGSOUND, return in 2026 to offer opening spots to triple j Unearthed competition winners and host servicing sessions. AMRAP will also host listening sessions at BIGSOUND this year and connect artists with community radio programmers.
The Goolwal Goolwal program returns this year, with twelve First Nations-led acts showcasing as part of BIGSOUND 100. It’s set to host conversations about connecting with the regions, empowering young people, and connecting storytelling with sync opportunities, with delegates networking with First Nations industry representatives from Australia and across the globe.
“This year’s program is stacked with Blak Excellence,” said QMusic First Nations Project Officer Natalie Lingwoodock.
With the music festival’s showcasing artists already revealed, today marks the arrival of the full showcase program, with the schedule, locations and line-up all in one handy location: the BIGSOUND website. Tickets are available here.
“BIGSOUND has always been about discovery, and this year’s showcase program gives music fans the chance to experience 100 incredible artists across three unforgettable nights in the heart of Fortitude Valley,” said Kristy Ellis.
Ellis continued, “With the full schedule now live, fans can start mapping out their festival journey and uncovering the next generation of Australian and New Zealand music talent. We’re also planning a few special surprises along the way, with some exciting guest appearances set to make this year’s BIGSOUND even more memorable. There really is nothing else like it.
“Also, thanks to our partners Up Bank and Monster Children, BIGSOUND artists will also have the chance to win a $20,000 cash prize to support touring, recording, and the next chapter of their career. Five finalists will perform at the Up x Monster Children Showcase during BIGSOUND 2026, with one artist taking home the grand prize. All acts will be sent a link this week to apply.”
