BIGSOUND's Goolwal Goolwal program will return in 2026 with a new home and a conference program placing First Nations artists, industry leaders and community voices at the centre of the festival's 25th anniversary.

The program will run throughout BIGSOUND in Fortitude Valley, Magandjin (Brisbane), from 1 to 4 September, alongside 12 Indigenous acts selected for the BIGSOUND 100.

The showcase line-up includes Bala rontu, Djawarray and Mayi Wunba Dancers, Jem Cassar-Daley, JJ Vacant, Kyla Belle, Say True God? Zipporahand many more, continuing the event's focus on Indigenous and Pasifika talent.

Goolwal Goolwal will also bring Indigenous-led discussions, networking sessions and creative work into the wider industry conference.

QMusic's First Nations Project Officer, Birri, Kabi Kabi, Byelee and South Sea Islander woman Natalie Lingwoodock, described the program as a celebration of First Nations contributions to Australian music.

"The 2026 Goolwal Goolwal Program is all about celebrating, elevating, and being proud of what Mob have contributed to the music industry here in Australia," Ms Lingwoodock said.

Ngarrindjeri artist and producer trials will join the Artists in Conversation series and exhibit his visual work in the Goolwal Gallery at Hey Chica.

Rappers Kobie Dee and Tasman Keith will discuss how they use their individual careers to support collective change in their communities.

The conference program will also explore regional connections, youth empowerment and the relationship between storytelling and music synchronisation opportunities.

Delegates will meet First Nations industry representatives from Australia and overseas through the Sharing Songlines series.

The series will include Support Act's First Nations team and discussion of the First Nations Music Industry Review.

Ms Lingwoodock outlined the artists and conversations planned for the program.

"We're proud to welcome Ngarrindjeri artist and producer trials, who joins us to share his wisdom and knowledge as part of the 'Artists in Conversation' series, and to showcase his artwork in the Goolwal Gallery in Hey Chica," Ms Lingwoodock said.

"BIGSOUND delegates will also get to hear Kobie Dee and Tasman Keith share how they drive collective change in their communities, while forging their own individual paths as MCs."

The program was curated by the Goolwal Goolwal Advisory, which includes Elder in Residence Uncle Joe Geia and representatives from every state and territory.

It will be delivered by QMusic First Nations Producer Patrice Soward alongside Ms Lingwoodock.

Goolwal Goolwal follows the program's strong presence at BIGSOUND 2025, when it created mob-led spaces and placed First Nations performers and industry discussions across the Valley.

BIGSOUND 2026 will feature 100 artists across 15 venues over three nights, with the conference running under the theme Creatives in Conversation.