SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL
MUSIC
SXSW 2026 Expands Its Music Lineup With 300+ New Showcasing Artists
Ellur (England) performing at SXSW 2025. Photo by Pablo Herrera for TMN®.
SXSW has announced more than 300 newly invited showcasing artists for its 40th Music Festival, taking place March 12–18, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The new wave of confirmations reinforces SXSW’s long-standing role as a global platform for music discovery, bringing together emerging voices and established acts across seven nights of performances.
Austin, TX. TMN® Editorial.
Artists from over 50 countries are set to perform across Austin’s iconic venues, reflecting the festival’s continued commitment to showcasing both cultural diversity and forward-thinking sounds.
Major Showcases Return With a Shift in Format
One of the most notable announcements is the return of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music, featuring Lola Young, Fuerza Regida, and BigXthaPlug across three nights at ACL Live at the Moody Theater (March 12–14). Presented by Rolling Stone, the showcase will be ticketed for the first time, signaling a shift in how premium discovery events operate within the SXSW ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Billboard will once again host THE STAGE, a three-night series at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park (March 13–15), headlined by Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P. The showcase continues Billboard’s focus on crossover audiences spanning hip-hop, Latin, and electronic music.
Both events will offer limited first-come access for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, in addition to general admission ticket options.
A Snapshot of Global Discovery
The newly announced showcasing artists highlight the breadth of SXSW’s curatorial approach. Among the names generating early buzz are Sassy 009 (Norway), Javiera Electra (Chile), MARCO PLUS (Atlanta), Oscar Ortiz (cumbia norteña), TTSSFU (UK), Hannah Cohen, DJ AG, and Deloyd Elze—artists operating at the intersection of genre experimentation, digital culture, and live performance.
Music Conference: Industry Context Matters
Alongside the showcases, SXSW 2026 introduces new Music Conference programming focused on:
Music brand partnerships and equity
Artist-driven digital marketing strategies for 2026
International expansion and emerging markets, including Africa
These sessions reinforce SXSW’s position not just as a festival, but as a learning and strategy hub for artists and industry professionals navigating a changing music economy.
Looking Ahead
As SXSW enters its 40th year, the 2026 lineup reflects a festival evolving with the industry—balancing discovery, commerce, and global reach while continuing to position Austin as a key meeting point for what’s next in music.
From TMN®, we’ll be following how these shifts—from ticketed showcases to expanded international representation—shape the future of live music discovery.
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