At a Glance
- More than 300 artists added to SXSW 2026 Music lineup
- Regional Mexican, experimental, and rising rap dominate the themes
- Rolling Stone and Billboard unveil separately ticketed showcases
- Why it matters: Badge holders now compete for limited free spots at major showcases
South by Southwest’s 40th-anniversary music celebration is taking shape with the release of over 300 new performers for the March 2026 festival. The latest batch, announced today, leans into regional Mexican sounds, boundary-pushing experiments on traditional genres, and breakout rap voices.
Fresh Faces Span Continents
San Francisco folk vocalist Hannah Cohen and Scandinavian ambient-pop trio Sassy 009 anchor the international additions. Mexico City experimentalists Diles que no me maten return to Austin after last fall’s Levitation set, while cumbia norteña accordionist Oscar Ortiz makes his SXSW debut.
Rap newcomers also claim space. Atlanta’s MARCO PLUS, a member of the BACKSEAT! HOUSE collective, lands on the list alongside queer Chilean experimental-pop creator Javiera Electra. The United Kingdom checks in with pop-rock project TTSSFU and influencer-DJ hybrid DJ AG.
Austin’s Own Get Spotlight
Homegrown talent fills an entire tranche of the announcement. Americana stalwarts BettySoo and West Texas Exiles represent the city’s roots scene, while Tejano trio The Tiarras bring girl-powered cumbia. Politically charged pop outfit Parker Woodland and queer rapper Mama Duke-fresh off her America’s Got Talent appearance-round out the local bill.
College of Hip Hop Knowledge, the collective that exported Austin rappers to SXSW Sydney earlier this year, will rep the city’s hip-hop underground. They’re joined by smooth-voiced R&B singers Lew Apollo and Grace Sorensen.
Rolling Stone Showcase Goes Premium
The reveals arrive hours after Rolling Stone unveiled its annual Future of Music lineup. The magazine will command the Moody Theater March 12-14 with TikTok breakout Lola Young, regional Mexican chart-toppers Fuerza Regida, and Texas-bred rapper-producer BigXthaPlug.
For the first time in the showcase’s four-year history, entry will be separately ticketed through AXS. SXSW credential holders can still access a limited number of first-come, first-served spots.
Billboard Returns With Outdoor Headliners
Not to be outdone, Billboard announced THE STAGE will again occupy the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, March 13-15. Headliners include Houston rap star Don Toliver, Mexican corridos tumbados songwriter Junior H, and Dutch house specialist Mau P.
General-admission tickets for the Billboard event are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Like Rolling Stone’s showcase, space will be reserved for Platinum, Music Badge, and Music Festival Wristband holders, but capacity is capped.
Complete Roster Runs Deep
The 300-plus names range from micro-genre curios to viral sensations. Notables include:
- Gogol Bordello – Gypsy-punk veterans
- Modeselektor – German electronic duo
- Devin the Dude – Houston rap cult hero
- OG Ron C – Legendary chop DJ
- Zella Day – Laid-back pop songstress
- Peelander-Z – Color-coded Japanese punk-theater collective
A full alphabetical roster accompanies the announcement, stretching from 2charm to YUNG D3MZ and encompassing everything from hyper-pop to traditional Louisiana zydeco.
Badge Holders Face New Competition
With two major showcases now operating on a paid-ticket model, festival-goers carrying SXSW credentials will vie for reduced complimentary capacity. Organizers have not disclosed how many spots are reserved for badge holders, only that entry will be first-come, first-served once doors open.
The shift marks a subtle but notable change in SXSW’s access hierarchy, as marquee names increasingly lock their biggest performances behind separate ticketing tiers.
