Austin’s festival season just got a little louder and tastier. Sips & Sounds Music Festival has officially announced that it will return in 2026, with the two-day event scheduled for March 13–14, 2026.

As the biggest music draw for Austin’s SXSW (although a separate ticketed event), Sips & Sounds once again offers a more traditional festival experience to complement the city-wide showcases and pop-up performances that define SXSW week.

Since its debut, Sips & Sounds has carved out a unique lane by blending big-name live performances with curated beverage experiences, food vendors, and an easygoing outdoor festival atmosphere. While SXSW is known for intimate venues and discovery-focused showcases, Sips & Sounds delivers a full-scale festival environment, making it an ideal anchor event for fans who want both worlds in one trip.

Lineup Still to Come

The 2026 artist lineup has not yet been announced, but past editions of Sips & Sounds have featured a mix of major pop, indie, and alternative artists alongside emerging talent, a formula that fits perfectly with SXSW’s music-first energy. Festival organizers are encouraging fans to sign up for updates now to be among the first to receive lineup announcements, ticket details, and festival news.

Fans can sign up for email updates and announcements here.

Planning a SXSW + Sips & Sounds Weekend

Travel planning is key. Hotels and accommodations in Austin tend to fill up quickly during March, especially during festival season. Fans looking to lock in lodging early can find official hotel options and travel packages through Crewfare here.

Whether you’re traveling to Austin specifically for Sips & Sounds or adding it onto your SXSW itinerary, March 13–14, 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss weekend for live music fans.

With the dates now locked in and the lineup announcement still ahead, Sips & Sounds 2026 is officially on the clock and Austin’s spring festival season just got even more exciting.

Check out some of our coverage from last year’s Sips & Sounds here.