The Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) are set for a change of scenery in 2026, moving from their long-held base in Brisbane to the vibrant Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast. This marks the first time in the awards’ 20-year history that the ceremony will be held outside of the state capital, signaling a renewed focus on celebrating music across the entire Queensland region.
The 2026 QMAs, scheduled for April 22nd, represent a return to the awards’ “roots,” according to QMusic CEO Kris Stewart. “We’re putting the art and artists at the center by returning to an informal ‘music-first’ show that prioritizes the important things: music and mates,” Stewart stated. The move aims to foster a more relaxed and artist-focused atmosphere, shifting away from the perceived “grandness” of larger awards events.
This relocation follows a period of controversy surrounding the 2025 awards. Last year’s event at Fortitude Music Hall drew criticism when a jazz award was presented to an artist who used their acceptance speech to address human rights violations in the Middle East. This led to the Brisbane City Council withdrawing A$25,000 (approximately $18,000 USD as of March 11, 2026) in funding and questioning whether the awards had turn into politically motivated, as reported by Billboard.
The Gold Coast has enthusiastically welcomed the QMAs, with Mayor Tom Tate proclaiming the city “Australia’s very own Hollywood” and expressing excitement about hosting the event, a sentiment echoed in reports from the Herald Sun. The Miami Marketta, a popular outdoor entertainment venue, is expected to provide a fittingly relaxed and accessible setting for the awards.
Celebrating Two Decades of Queensland Music
Established in 2006, the Queensland Music Awards have long been a cornerstone of the state’s music industry, recognizing both established artists and emerging talent. The awards are judged by a panel of over 100 Australian and international music industry professionals, encompassing a diverse range of genres including pop, country, electronic, folk, hip hop, jazz, rock, and screen composition, as detailed by The Music Network. Winners in the three major categories – Lifetime Achievement, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year – are honored with a permanent plaque on Brunswick Street Mall in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
This year’s nominees represent a broad spectrum of Queensland’s musical landscape, featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Meg Washington, indie-pop favorites The Jungle Giants, and globally recognized producer Young Franco. Country music is strongly represented with nominations for Amy Sheppard, Jake Whittaker, Tori Darke, and Wade Forster, while pop and folk categories showcase artists like Jem Cassar-Daley, The Dreggs, and Ziggy Alberts.
Supporting the Next Generation of Queensland Artists
Beyond the prestige of the awards themselves, the QMAs also provide crucial financial support to Queensland artists. A total of A$60,000 (approximately $43,000 USD) will be distributed across four scholarships and awards named in honor of music legends Billy Thorpe, Carol Lloyd, Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon, and Grant McLennan. These scholarships are designed to support artists at pivotal stages of their careers. Winners will be announced on March 25th at an event hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry.
“As the industry evolves,” Stewart added, “it can be easy to gain lost in the grandness of the awards ecosystem and lose sight of the rock ‘n roll attitude that brought us here. We’re excited to invite our incredible 2026 finalists to celebrate with us at our brand-modern location as we connect and recognize the people who make this state such a powerful force in global music.” The full list of finalists can be found on the QMusic website.
The move to the Gold Coast signals a clear intention to revitalize the QMAs and refocus on its core mission: celebrating and supporting the vibrant music community of Queensland. As the awards prepare for their 2026 ceremony, all eyes will be on the Miami Marketta to see how this new chapter unfolds.
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