BIGSOUND Officially Launches 2026 Program at Brisbane Event

BIGSOUND has officially unveiled its 2026 program, marking the event's 25th anniversary with its biggest-ever investment in showcasing artists and a conference lineup designed to tackle the future of Australia's music industry.

Announced at a launch event at The Brightside in Fortitude Valley on Wednesday night (July 15th), organisers revealed that every act selected for this year's BIGSOUND 100 will receive increased financial support, including travel funding, an additional conference delegate pass and new opportunities for direct audience contributions.

“This year’s conference theme, Creatives in Conversation, recognises that the best ideas happen when artists, industry and audiences come together to challenge each other, learn from one another and imagine what’s possible. Across four days we’ll explore the ideas shaping the future of the music industry, while across three unforgettable nights, 100 Australian and New Zealand artists will transform Fortitude Valley into one of the world’s great live music precincts,” Kristy Ellis, Interim CEO of QMusic, said at the event. 

"These initiatives demonstrate what is possible when government, philanthropy and industry come together behind a shared belief: if we want great Australian and New Zealand music, we must invest in the people creating it. 

“While today is all about BIGSOUND, I wanted to acknowledge some of the other important work happening across QMusic. From our role in delivering the music stream of the Regional Arts Services Network, to regional and remote Queensland, the Queensland Music Awards and our ongoing advocacy efforts, we're continuing to build opportunities for Queensland music right across the state. You'll hear much more about those programs in the coming months - but for today, let's focus on what's ahead for BIGSOUND 2026.”

The full BIGSOUND 100 showcase program is now live here, with 100 acts performing across Fortitude Valley venues over three nights. Partners Up Bank and Monster Children will also offer artists the chance to win an $20,000 cash prize, with five finalists performing at the Up x Monster Children Showcase.

Check out some of the best pics from the launch event below.