BIGSOUND has added another round of artists to its 2026 program, with Slowly Slowly, MAY-A and Frank & Louis joining the action in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley next week.

Running from September 1st-4th, the annual music industry gathering will bring hundreds of artists and industry figures to the Valley for four days of showcases, conference sessions, networking events and free live music.

The latest additions include Slowly Slowly, who will perform as part of the Official Oztix Party at The Brightside, while MAY-A has joined the Sony & Friends BIGSOUND Party alongside Jem Cassar-Daly, Pash and Bella Amor. Sunshine Coast duo Frank & Louis will also perform at the Sunshine State Lunch, which closes out the week on Friday.

They join a wider 2026 program celebrating a quarter-century of BIGSOUND, which has previously provided an early platform for artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones and I and Courtney Barnett.

“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,” QMusic CEO Kristy 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.”

Beyond its ticketed showcases and conference program, BIGSOUND will again bring free live music to Brunswick Street Mall throughout the week. The BIGSOUND Mall Stage will feature Jungaji, Holystone, Ngaiire, Deva Mahal, Silky Roads, Pash, Zipporah and others, with music running until 10pm daily.

Brisbane’s QUBE Effect initiative will also make its BIGSOUND debut, with local band Badposture performing in Brunswick Street Mall on Thursday afternoon.

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“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and BIGSOUND brings the Valley alive with live music, emerging artists and plenty to see and do,” Lord Mayor Adrian 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 Badposture 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.”

Among the other events locked in for the week are Live Nation’s Ones To Watch showcase, featuring Jem Cassar-Daly, Eli Wan and Holly Hebe, and the UPSTARTER Showcase Party, where five emerging acts will compete for a $20,000 prize to put towards touring, recording and career development.

Triple J Unearthed’s 2026 BIGSOUND competition winners Double Date and Yuni will meanwhile open the broadcaster’s official stage at The Brightside.

This year’s event will also have a stronger international presence, with delegations arriving from the UK and Canada. Canada is BIGSOUND’s Featured Guest Country for 2026, with representatives from organisations including CIMA and Music Managers Forum Canada taking part, while the UK contingent includes representatives from the BPI.

For those outside the industry, the week will also include a free CD and record fair in California Lane on Wednesday and Thursday, a public art exhibition at The Precinct and the MILKLAB x BIGSOUND Morning Mix Run Club.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate in BIGSOUND’s 25th Birthday Closing Party at The Prince Consort, spread across the Garden Bar, Parlour Bar, La La Land and Greaser with electronic and punk acts performing into the night.

Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner John “JC” Collins said the event’s impact extends beyond the music industry, pointing to more than $20 million in economic impact generated in 2025.

“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.”

BIGSOUND 2026 runs from Tuesday, September 1st to Friday, September 4th across Fortitude Valley.

Check out the full BIGSOUND 2026 programme here. 

From The Music Network