Looking for things to do in Brisbane during BIGSOUND 2026?
This year, California Lane becomes a daytime stop for music lovers, with Glitter Records presenting an official BIGSOUND CD & Record Fair on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September 2026.
The California Lane CD & Record Fair is free to attend and open to everyone. An official BIGSOUND‑week community event, the fair brings together records, CDs, DJs, independent sellers and fans interested in Brisbane’s music history.
The two‑day event runs from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
California Lane CD & Record Fair During BIGSOUND Week
Visitors can spend the day digging through a wide range of vinyl records, CDs and music collectables. Thousands of recordings will be waiting to be rediscovered. Music available will include classic rock albums, small-run Australian releases, jazz, punk, indie, metal, pop, soul, rap and plenty of unexpected finds.
The fair brings together a curated group of independent Brisbane record sellers. The September event will see the return of Sacred Crates and Beat Market. More are set to be announced.
Whether you’re searching for a particular pressing, growing a collection or simply enjoying the thrill of finding something new, there is plenty to explore. The California Lane CD & Record Fair offers a daytime destination for anyone looking to discover and connect with Brisbane’s physical music culture.
The California Lane CD and Record Fair event poster.
Things to Do in Fortitude Valley During BIGSOUND
Fortitude Valley sits at the heart of Brisbane’s music culture. For generations, Valley venues, record stores, radio stations, musicians and independent businesses have helped shape the suburb into one of Australia’s best‑known music precincts.
During BIGSOUND 2026, visitors to the California Lane CD & Record Fair can explore this history through Robert Allen’s Fortitude Valley Music History Walking Tours.
A respected local historian and guide, Robert Allen will lead visitors through the streets of Fortitude Valley. As he does, Robert will share stories about the venues, musicians, recordings and events that shaped Australia’s musical identity.
Robert’s history tours depart from Fortitude Music Hall. They will run on both Wednesday 2 September and Thursday 3 September. The tours will give BIGSOUND attendees and other visitors a chance to learn about the neighbourhood’s history before or after exploring the record fair at California Lane.
Reserve a place on Robert Allen’s Fortitude Valley Music History Walking Tour here.
Discover Brisbane Music History at The California Lane CD & Record Fair
CDs are also attracting renewed interest from collectors and younger music fans. They offer affordable physical ownership, original artwork, unusual editions and access to recordings that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Celebrating the CD’s revival, Glitter Records founder Riley Fitzgerald will dust off more than 4,000 CDs from the store’s off-site archive. Fresh stock will arrive both days.
It’s a rare chance to dig through an exclusive part of the Glitter Records 50,000-CD online archive.
Crate Diggers browsing vinyl outside Glitter Records at the 2026 California Lane CD and Record Fair.
A Different Side of BIGSOUND 2026
BIGSOUND is best known for its live showcases, emerging artists, conference sessions and music‑industry activity. Tickets to the festival and its showcases can be purchased here.
The Glitter Records fair adds something new to the event: a daytime experience centred on physical music and DIY music culture.
The fair aims to create an informal meeting place. One for collectors, musicians, industry people and music fans alike.
California Lane’s businesses will also be open during the event. These includevWhat’s Poppin, Tell Me How It Ends Bookstore, Emergent Gallery, Reverends Coffee, Fat Dumpling, Yuen Japanese and Honey & Yolko. Visitors can enjoy food, books, art, coffee and even a dirty soda while exploring the fair.
The fair is also supported by local community radio station 4ZZZ.
Visit Glitter Records in Fortitude Valley
Glitter Records is based in California Lane, Fortitude Valley, and specialises in physical music including vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and other hard-to-find recordings.
Over the past five years, the shop’s collection has grown into a substantial independent catalogue covering a wide range of genres, periods and musical communities.
The store will be open from 9:30am to 3:30pm each day of the fair.
California Lane CD & Record Fair — September 2026
Whether you’re coming to Brisbane for BIGSOUND, looking for things to do in Fortitude Valley, searching for a Brisbane record fair, interested in CDs and vinyl, or simply curious about the city’s musical past, the California Lane CD & Record Fair offers another way to experience Brisbane’s music culture.
Dates: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September 2026
Time: 9:30am–3:30pm
Location: California Lane, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Entry: Free
