GALLERY: BIGSOUND 2026 - NIGHT ONE @ THE FORTITUDE VALLEY 1/09/26
Photos Steph Ure
September marks the beginning of the biggest week in Australian music as BIGSOUND returns to Brisbane, this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Bringing together more than 100 artists across 15 venues alongside conferences, performances and industry leaders, the festival transforms Fortitude Valley into a meeting place for both work and play. Day One kicked off smoothly, with quick-moving wristband lines and dedicated hubs providing spaces for artists, delegates and attendees to connect, find support at the Care Hub and navigate everything the week has to offer.
Beyond the industry side of BIGSOUND, Day One was filled with joyful music lovers – envision a metal baddie linking arms with a raver while listening to an acoustic artist. Everywhere you looked there were people dancing, smiling, talking and genuinely excited to be there, with music and community. Within minutes you could move from a country blues set from Lambros at Chattahoochie Joes to the indie pop-rock sounds of Ladyhawke at Crowbar or if lucky enough (I was) a surprise pop-up by John Butler at The Beaumont.
Twenty-five years in, a sense of discovery and connection still seems to sit at the heart and soul of BIGSOUND. If the first night was anything to go by, BIGSOUND 2026 is going to be about music exploration and seeing where the vibes lead you.
