KGSR Guide to SXSW 2026

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With SXSW closely approaching, we’re here to provide the inside scoop you need to have the ultimate SXSW experience!

Badges

In past years badges were picked up at the Austin Convention Center, but in its absensce SXSW has set up not one but six convenient pick up locations for all SXSW badges!

  • Palmer Events Center
  • Omni Hotel
  • JW Marriot Hotel
  • Downright Hotel
  • Fairmount Hotel (Indigo)
  • Fairmount Hotel (Manchester Foyer)

Visit sxsw.com for more info!

SXSW Music Festival

SXSW showcases hundreds of artists from around the world every year right here in the live music captial of the world!

Check out the full list of showcasing artists as well as the official SXSW Spotify playlist featuring iconic names like The All American Rejects, Passion Pit, Lola Young and more!

Who We’re Excited About

Passion Pit

Passion Pit

Passion Pit is an American alternative indie pop band formed in 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, primarily acting as the moniker for singer-songwriter and producer Michael Angelakos. Initially a solo project, the band gained fame for, high-energy, synth-driven pop, with iconic hits like “Sleepyhead” and “Take a Walk”. Having just recently played Austin Ciy Limits Festival this past year, Passion Pit returns to Austin for a SXSW music showcase.

Catch them at Inn Cahoots on March 16, 2026 time TBD.

Lola Young

Lola Young

 

Lola Young is an emerging singer/songwriter from South East London who rose to fame after the release of her viral hit “Messy”. Being a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Young explores themes of love, self discovery and other complex emotions through her music. This year at SXSW she will be performing at the Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase, alongside other big artists like BigXThaPlug and Fuerza Regida.

Catch her at ACL Live on March 12, 2026 at 6:30PM.

Local Showcasing Artists

Next of Kin

Next of Kin

In March of 2023, Lili Hickman, Caelin Tralongo and Madison Baker, didn’t realize what awaited them on the other end of a rough mix. After a single listen, what began as a collaboration on Jekyll & Hyde transformed into a full album and the budding of new band. Some may call it fate, others pure luck, but they call it Next of Kin. With a sound that blends country-tinged soundscapes, marked by rich three-part harmonies and honest storytelling, it’s hard for any listener in any room not to be moved by this cult country trio currently taking Austin, TX by the horns—one venue at a time.

Catch them at Zilker Brewing on March 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM; March 13th, 2026 at Continental Club time TBD.

Glaze

Glaze

Glaze is an shoegaze band blending dreamy soundscapes with powerful, hook-driven melodies. Known for their atmospheric sound and raw, heartfelt lyrics, Glaze crafts music that resonates with themes of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of modern life. The band’s rich guitar tones, tight rhythms, and ambient textures invite listeners into a sonic journey, captivating audiences at each live performance. With a dedicated fan base and a growing reputation for compelling live shows, Glaze continues to make waves in the Austin music scene and beyond, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to rock.

Catch them at Hotel Vegas on March 16, 2026 at 11:40 PM; Chess Club on March 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM.

Andrew Cashen

Andrew Cashen

Andrew Cashen has become one of Austin’s most prominent musicisans. What started out as trepidation, grew into a reflective story of a man in love and the struggles of life’s growing pains. Inspired by Sam Cooke, through a compilation of strings, horns, and percussion, and ensemble of fifteen, Cashen captivates listeners on a magical journey of self exploration. 

Catch him at Marlow on March 17, 2026 at 10:50.

Grocery Bag

Grocery Bag
Grocery Bag are the latest in a new breed of face-melting rock & roll. The garage rock-psych-punk 4 piece, led by diminutive singer Bella Martinez, have been tearing up stages around Texas since 2023, being handpicked by the likes of Osees, Frankie & The Witch Fingers & Farmer’s Wife to support on multiple shows as well as a critically-acclaimed set at Levitation Festival 2024. Following this breakthrough performance, the band were added as main support on Psychedelic Porn Crumpets tour in April/May 2025, playing 22 shows & solidifying their reputation as one of the best live bands in the country. Their debut album ‘Break You’ (released in Nov 2023) is a great raw snapshot of young talented musicians creating something exciting, to-the-point, that leaves you replaying time & time again.
Catch them at Zilker Brewing on March 17, 2026 at 10:20 PM; The 13th Floor on March 14, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Annabelle Chairlegs

Annabelle Chairlegs
Annabelle Chairlegs began as Lindsey Mackin’s alter ego in a college rock band and has since grown into her most personal project. After moving to Austin in 2013, Mackin began writing and recording songs that quickly found their way onto the city’s biggest stages. With self released albums including Watermelon Summer (2017) and Gotta Be in Love (2020), and a 2020 Austin Music Award for Best Music Video (Outside), Annabelle Chairlegs has carved out a reputation for audacious songwriting and a magnetic live presence.
Catch them at Seven Spirits on March 18, 2026 time TBD; Hotel Vegas on March 16, 2026 at 7:20 PM

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