BIGSOUND has unveiled its 2026 showcase lineup, with 100 artists set to perform across Fortitude Valley this September as the Brisbane music industry event marks its 25th anniversary.
The BIGSOUND 100 will take over 15 venues from September 1–4, bringing together emerging and export-ready artists from Australia and New Zealand across rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, folk, heavy and alternative music.
This year’s lineup includes Ngaiire, Jem Cassar-Daley, Daily J, Sam Fischer, Ladyhawke, Jack Botts, Jimi The Kween, Liquid Zoo, Piper Butcher, Tori Darke, Travis Collins, Any Young Mechanic, Public Figures, AKOSIA, Lara Buchanan and more.
The 2026 event carries the conference theme Creativity in Conversation, with previously announced artist sessions featuring Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood of King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin and trials.
Programmers praise new wave of talent
BIGSOUND programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne said this year’s selected artists reflected the quality and momentum coming through the Australian and New Zealand music scenes.
“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s lineup,” they said.
“We were, yet again, blown away by the quality of applications and we believe the artists selected reflect the creativity, ambition and world-class talent emerging from Australia and New Zealand.
“This year’s program is packed with artists pushing boundaries, building real momentum, and creating the kind of moments BIGSOUND is known for.”
For Queensland music watchers, the lineup lands as another major reminder of Brisbane’s role as a national music industry meeting point.
Held each year in Fortitude Valley, BIGSOUND brings together artists, managers, labels, agents, media, publishers, programmers and international industry delegates for four days of showcases, panels, conversations and deal-making.
The 2026 edition will also see Spotify power the BIGSOUND 100 backline, helping cover live performance costs including amps, drum kits and essential stage equipment.
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said BIGSOUND’s 25th anniversary showed the role music plays in building cultural and industry connections.
“For two and a half decades, BIGSOUND has been a driving force behind the discovery of new talent, the growth of our music industry and showcasing Queensland as a vibrant cultural destination,” he said.
BIGSOUND generated $20 million in economic impact for Queensland in 2025, according to organisers.
Early bird delegate passes are on sale until June 30, with festival passes also now available. The full BIGSOUND program is expected to launch in July.
BIGSOUND 2026 runs from September 1–4 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
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