Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds’ Opening Acts Are Not to Be Missed
Live up to the full potential of your Sips & Sounds weekend by catching these early acts on March 13 & 14 at Auditorium Shores.
Written by Valeria Mota
Photo courtesy of Charles Reagan
After the success of its 2025 edition, the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival returns to Auditorium Shores with another diverse lineup, blending pop classics with electronic favorites. While festival attendees may look forward to late-night headliners Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris, the up-and-coming afternoon acts lean into the next era of indie-pop like no one else does. Whether you want to take full advantage of your wristband or discover your new favorites, catch these opening performances to kickstart your Sips & Sounds’ experience.
FRIDAY
SKATELAND
Austin local Dorian Williams II, also known as SKATELAND, is slotted to be the first performer for the 2026 edition of the festival. The UT alumnus is riding high from the release of his latest project, Heavenly Bodies, which fully encapsulates the multinstrumentalist’s distinct balance between the meditative and the rhythmic. From the dreamy guitars in “Postcards!” to the whimsical chimes of “Sunset Cinema,” Williams' unique take on bedroom pop is sure to have festivalgoers swaying and quickly forgetting about the blistering Texas sun at the SXSW stage at 2:30 p.m.
Aidan Bissett
Photo courtesy of BMI
Up-and-coming indie heartthrob Aidan Bissett expertly toes the line between the newer pop sounds of Wallows and the rocking guitars of The Strokes. Yet, the artist still explores the complexities of young love in an original manner. The Florida native’s biggest hit, “More Than Friends,” caters to the indie-pop crowd with a laid-back, catchy chorus, but songs like “Tripping Over Air” show the singer’s range for delivering angsty rock tunes. Bissett will be the first act gracing the Coca-Cola stage for the festival this year, performing at 3:15 p.m.
SATURDAY
Caroline Hale
Opening the festival’s second day is Texas sweetheart Caroline Hale, another musical UT alumnus who will take the SXSW stage at 2:30 p.m. Hale’s fearless versatility makes for an unparalleled listening experience, easily transitioning from soulful guitar ballads to pop-punk anthems. The San Antonionian’s confessional songwriting blends the sorrow of Julien Baker with the country sounds of Kacey Musgraves, sure to resonate with any festivalgoer as they start the final day of their Sips & Sounds’ experience.
Mallrat
Photo courtesy of Jessica Hromas
Musical beacon Mallrat, the stage name of Australian Grace Shaw, knows no genre. Having opened for artists like Kylie Minogue, Maggie Rogers, and Conan Gray, Shaw has racked up a collection of sonic influences that make her songs unlike any other. The aloofness of her most commercially successful track, “Groceries,” contrasts beautifully with the broodiness of “Teeth” and the wistfulness of “Charlie,” establishing Shaw as a versatile act. Check out Mallrat’s afternoon Saturday set at the Coca-Cola stage, kicking off at 3:15 p.m.