Five Must-See Austin Acts at SXSW 2026

Whether you are travelling from out of town or are a native Austinite, these five local acts are not to miss at SXSW 2026.

Written by Claire Hookstra

South by Southwest (SXSW) is a hot-ticket festival for any up-and-coming artist. As the city anticipates the 2026 festival on March 12-18, Afterglow is highlighting some musicians who got their start right here in Austin, Texas.

CorMae

CorMae started in Austin, Texas, in 2024. Inspired by punk and the Riot Grrrl movement, the group’s discography navigates a wide range of the punk genre. The five-piece released two EPs in 2025, Cutie Core and Hot Damn!, as well as a cover of “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley. Characterized by intense vocals and unwavering energy, the punk rockers have opened for major bands such as Of Montreal, Murder City Devils, and Pretty Girls Make Graves, and are guaranteed to rock your world at SXSW. Scream it out with Cormae on March 13 at 10 p.m. at The 13th Floor.

DAIISTAR

Formed in the spring of 2020, the alt-indie band DAIISTAR has graced Austin with its syncopated synthesizers and heavy bass lines for five years. With a sound reminiscent of the neo-psychadelic era of the 80s and 90s, the group has toured with The Black Angels, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and The Dandy Warhols. Their most recent live record, Fuzz Club Session (Live), released in September 2025, truly encapsulates their collaborative and captivating energy when seen live. Catch DAIISTAR on March 17 at 1:00 a.m. at Seven Spirits.

Glaze

Glaze offers a heavier take on classic alternative shoegaze. The four-piece recently concluded a tour on the East Coast as the openers for the Mass of the Fermenting Dregs. Their most recent single, “Diadema (Only Constant) / Future Selves,” offers dense drum lines, dream-like vocals, and distorted guitar that will be highlighted at the group’s SXSW showcases. Glaze is set to release their first LP this upcoming Summer. See their set on March 13 at 11 p.m. at Chess Club.

Parker Woodland

The Austin-based rock trio, Parker Woodland, started back in 2018. Comprised of Erin Walter (vocals, bass), Andrew Solin (guitar), and Keri Cinquina (drums), the band prides itself on upbeat tempos and lyrics supporting human rights and social justice. In 2025, the trio was named a Sonic Guild Artist, played local festivals like HAAM Day and Red River Free Week, and toured the South with Shared Walls. Check out Parker Woodland on March 16 at 9:15 p.m. at Zilker Brewing.

Somebody Someone

Somebody Someone is set to perform at their second SXSW this year. Their deeply evocative and powerful vocals alongside steady production are even more hypnotizing when played live. The artist has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk, as well as participated in the Tiny Desk Concert ‘On The Road’ tour this past summer. With lyrics that invite the listener to dig into their own untapped emotions, Somebody Someone should not be missed. Watch their live performance on March 15 at 8 p.m. at the Continental Club.