Top Acts of SXSW 2026
South by Southwest 2026 housed amazing musical acts from all across the globe, and these are our favorites from the fest.
Written by Claire Hookstra
Photo by Mckenna Sefcik
Though South by Southwest looked different this year, with the Austin Convention Center no longer the hub for the festival and even more atypical concert venues popping up, the talent it brought to Austin, Texas was unmatched. Artists and innovators from around the globe gathered in the city, as music filled the streets from morning to night. This article highlights a small number of the many notable acts from the 2026 edition of the legendary festival.
Next of kin
Photo by Mckenna Sefcik
Next of Kin, an Austin-based country folk trio, kicked off SXSW at Zilker Brewing on March 12. The field next to the brewery quickly filled as the group’s harmonies wafted through the air, bringing a warm Texan feeling to the night. “Jeckyll & Hyde,” off of the band’s debut EP, Homemaker, drew the audience in, silent as they sang “Oh my my, Jekyll and Hyde/ Hate that I’d take either side.” Despite lacking a percussionist, Next of Kin’s vocalization was all the trio really needed. Recently announced for the Lollapalooza lineup, this is only the beginning for the rising trio.
Puzzled Panther
Photo by Mckenna Sefcik
New York City’s psychedelic rock group Puzzled Panther dazzled Mohawk on the festival’s opening night. Wearing bold black-and-white patterns, Victoria Espinoza and Kay Bontempo brought infectious energy, rightfully catching the venue’s attention. Working through songs off the group’s EP Fits of Serenity, the rockstars got the audience dancing to the thumping tracks. Expressing their excitement to play SXSW, Puzzled Panther proved to be truly collaborative, feeding off of one another’s energy and turning the stage into what appeared to be a full-on party.
Sun Room
Photo by Olivia Cagle
On the second day of SXSW, the California surf-rock group Sun Room lit up Central Machine Works. The audience rocked with the four-piece band through songs like “Sunset Garage” and “Sol Del Sur” that brought the West Coast sun to Texas. One concertgoer started a one-man mosh pit, surrounded by friends with camcorders documenting the moment. An indie rock cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” was unexpected but well received by the brewery crowd as the sun set over East Austin. The group moved through their setlist with ease, each track driven by bright percussion and a rocking bass line. Thunderous applause concluded the set, as the attendees settled into the warm Texas night.
FEET
Photo by Claire Hookstra
Hailing from Coventry, the English indie rock group FEET proved to be a crowd favorite. After playing the festival’s opening party at Stubb’s with The All-American Rejects, FEET was the buzz up and down Red River. The group’s set at Hotel Vegas packed the small venue to the brim, the crowd anxiously awaiting the oddly-named band to take the stage. Lead singer George Haverson rocked the tambourine in tandem with the beat of the group’s punk songs in a way unlike any other frontman has, reaching over the audience, shaking the instrument. While he dazzled the crowd, the rest of the band executed the bass-heavy tracks with ease. Some audience members moshed in a circle, while others jumped along to songs like “Chalet 47” and “English Weather.” Ultimately, FEET solidified themselves as one of the most sought-after bands of the week.