Tag Archives: Sips & Sounds Music Festival

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Sips & Sounds 2026 Day 2, Foster the People, Flipturn and Calvin Harris Lead the Finale

Leave a comment

After an unforgettable opening night featuring Christina Aguilera, Day 2 of the Sips & Sounds Music Festival brought another stacked lineup to Auditorium Shores on Saturday, March 14, wrapping up the two-day event in style. Timed alongside the annual SXSW festivities across Austin, the festival once again drew thousands of fans to the waterfront park for a day packed with indie rock, rising pop stars, and one of the biggest names in electronic music.

With two stages, the Coca-Cola Stage and the SXSW Stage, the second day of the festival offered a steady flow of performances from early afternoon through late night, giving fans plenty of reasons to bounce between stages and soak in the festival atmosphere.

Mallrat Opens the Coca-Cola Stage

Australian pop artist Mallrat kicked off the afternoon on the Coca-Cola Stage, launching the day’s performances on the festival’s main stage. Her dreamy blend of indie pop and electronic elements made for a perfect early-day soundtrack as fans trickled into the park and spread out across the lawn. With Austin’s skyline rising behind the stage, Mallrat’s laid-back yet catchy set helped ease the crowd into the final day of the festival.

Jade LeMac Brings Rising Star Energy

Over on the SXSW Stage, Canadian singer-songwriter Jade LeMac delivered a set that showed why she’s quickly becoming one of pop’s most exciting young voices. With a powerful vocal presence and emotionally driven songs, LeMac connected easily with the audience.

Fans will have more chances to catch her soon, she’s slated to hit the road this summer as a supporting act on Hilary Duff’s upcoming tour, making her Sips & Sounds appearance feel like an early glimpse at a rapidly rising artist.

Stephen Sanchez Channels Vintage Pop Charm

Back on the Coca-Cola Stage, Stephen Sanchez transported the crowd with his retro-inspired sound and crooning vocal style. His set blended nostalgic influences with modern pop songwriting, creating a performance that felt both classic and fresh. Sanchez’s smooth delivery and charismatic stage presence turned the mid-afternoon slot into one of the day’s standout performances.

The Runarounds Keep the Momentum Going

The SXSW Stage then welcomed The Runarounds, who kept the festival energy rolling with an upbeat performance packed with indie-rock hooks and energetic guitar work. By this point in the afternoon, the crowd had grown considerably, and the band’s lively set helped push the festival atmosphere into full swing.

Foster The People Reflect on Their SXSW Roots

One of the day’s most memorable sets came from Foster the People, who returned to Austin with a performance that felt both celebratory and reflective. During the set, frontman Mark Foster told the crowd about playing one of the band’s very first shows at SXSW years ago for a crowd of just seven people.

The moment served as a reminder of how far the band has come, and a message about staying grounded even as success grows. With fans singing along to their signature indie-pop anthems, the performance felt like a full-circle SXSW moment.

Flipturn Closes the SXSW Stage

As evening approached, Flipturn took the stage to close out the SXSW Stage lineup for the weekend. The indie-rock group delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance that drew one of the largest crowds the stage had seen all day. Their expansive sound and passionate delivery made for the perfect lead-in to the festival’s final headliner.

Calvin Harris Turns the Festival into a Massive Dance Party

To close out the festival, global EDM superstar Calvin Harris headlined the Coca-Cola Stage, delivering a massive set that transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-scale dance party.

As darkness fell over the Austin skyline, Harris unleashed a high-energy mix of chart-topping hits, club anthems, and festival favorites. Massive drops, pulsing lights, and thousands of fans dancing along created a fitting finale to the weekend.

The performance served as a high-octane ending to two days of music, bringing the 2026 edition of Sips & Sounds to an electrifying close.

A Perfect SXSW Weekend Finale

Across two days, Sips & Sounds once again proved why it has become one of Austin’s most exciting spring festivals. With a lineup that blended major global acts, beloved indie bands, and emerging artists, the event captured the creative energy that makes SXSW week in Austin so special.

And judging by the crowds and the performances, the festival’s 2026 edition left fans already looking forward to next year.

Photo Gallery

Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 2 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Sips & Sounds 2026, A Star-Studded First Night at Austin’s Waterfront Festival

Leave a comment
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Austin’s spring festival season kicked off in style Friday night as the Sips & Sounds Music Festival returned to Auditorium Shores for the first of two days of music along the scenic banks of Lady Bird Lake. Timed to coincide with the buzz of SXSW, the two-day event brings major headliners and rising artists to one of the city’s most scenic outdoor spots, offering festivalgoers skyline views, local food and drinks, and back-to-back performances across two stages.

With a lineup spanning indie rock, R&B, electronic music, and pop royalty, Day 1 (Friday, March 13) delivered a packed schedule that kept fans bouncing between the SXSW Stage and the Coca-Cola Stage all afternoon and evening.

Skateland Opens the Festival

Local Austin energy set the tone early as Skateland kicked off the festival on the SXSW Stage. The opening set felt like a perfect warm-up for the weekend, with early arrivals gathering on the lawn as the afternoon sun hung over the downtown skyline. With a laid-back but lively sound, the band provided the kind of local kickoff that Austin festivals are known for.

Aidan Bissett Gets the Crowd Moving

Next up on the main Coca-Cola Stage, rising pop artist Aidan Bissett delivered one of the day’s first big crowd-drawing sets. Bissett’s upbeat songs and charismatic stage presence connected instantly with the early crowd, with fans singing along and filling in the open spaces near the barricade. His set injected a youthful pop energy into the festival lineup and proved why he’s quickly becoming a festival favorite.

The Two Lips Bring Indie Charm

Back on the SXSW Stage, The Two Lips leaned into a breezy indie vibe that perfectly matched the outdoor setting. Their performance felt like the soundtrack to a perfect Austin afternoon, jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and a steadily growing crowd settling in on the grass as the day transitioned toward evening.

Ravyn Lenae Delivers Soulful Highlights

As the sun dipped lower, Ravyn Lenae took over the Coca-Cola Stage with a captivating R&B performance. Her smooth vocals and atmospheric sound gave the festival its most soulful moment of the day. Lenae’s set created a hypnotic mood across the park, with fans swaying along as the skyline lit up behind the stage.

Between Friends Keeps the Momentum Going

Electronic-pop duo Between Friends followed on the SXSW Stage with a genre-blending set that kept the energy high. Their mix of dreamy pop hooks and electronic textures made for one of the most danceable moments of the early evening, with the crowd clearly enjoying the shift toward a more upbeat vibe.

Major Lazer Soundsystem Turns the Festival into a Dance Party

Nightfall brought one of the most electrifying performances of the day as Major Lazer Soundsystem took over the Coca-Cola Stage. Known for their high-energy electronic sets, Diplo and company transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-on dance party. Pulsing beats, massive drops, and crowd-hype moments had thousands of fans jumping in unison as the festival reached peak energy.

Grouplove Ignites the SXSW Stage

Meanwhile, indie-rock favorites Grouplove headlined the SXSW Stage with a joyous, sing-along-heavy performance. Their feel-good anthems and colorful stage presence made their set one of the most uplifting moments of the night, with fans shouting lyrics back toward the stage as the band delivered hit after hit.

Christina Aguilera Closes Night One in Iconic Fashion

Finally, pop icon Christina Aguilera closed out the first night of the festival on the Coca-Cola Stage. Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals and decades-spanning catalog made for a headlining performance that reminded everyone why she remains one of pop’s most celebrated voices.

Her setlist leaned heavily into fan favorites and career-defining hits, including songs like “Dirrty,” “Genie in a Bottle,” “Ain’t No Other Man,” and “Beautiful,” all delivered with the kind of vocal intensity that has defined her career. The performance provided a dramatic and nostalgic finale to a night already packed with memorable moments.

With the Austin skyline glowing behind the stage and thousands of fans singing along, Aguilera’s set was the perfect way to cap off an eventful opening night.

A Strong Start for Sips & Sounds 2026

Day one proved that Sips & Sounds has quickly become a major highlight of Austin’s spring music calendar. The festival blends major headliners with emerging talent across two stages, creating a dynamic experience that feels both massive and intimate at the same time.

And with Day 2 still ahead, featuring another slate of big performances, the weekend at Auditorium Shores is only just getting started.

Photo Gallery

Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 1 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
News

Sips & Sounds Music Festival Reveals 2026 Lineup: Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris and More

Leave a comment
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Get ready Austin! Sips & Sounds Music Festival has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, with the two-day event scheduled for March 13–14, 2026.

As part of Austin’s SXSW (although a separate ticketed event), Sips & Sounds once again offers a more traditional festival experience to complement the showcases and pop-up performances that define SXSW.

Blessing the state at this years Sips & Sounds, will be some major headliners like Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer and Foster the People. Also performing at the festival are names like Ravyn Lenae, Grouplove, Stephen Sanchez, Flipturn, The Runarounds, Jade Lemac, Between Friends and many more.

For years, Sips & Sounds has carved out a unique lane by blending big-name live and rising performances with curated experiences, food vendors, and an easygoing outdoor festival atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Austin skyline. 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.

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 and peep the full 2026 lineup below!

News

Sips & Sounds Music Festival Sets Its Return for March 13–14, 2026

Leave a comment
Benson Boone performing at Sips & Sounds 2025 in Austin, TX (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

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.

Features, News

Preview: 8 Artists You Can’t Miss at Austin’s “Sips & Sounds” Music Festival

Leave a comment
Benson Boone performs a backflip while performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

Austin is already known for its legendary music scene, and this weekend, Coca Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival is bringing even more energy to the city during SXSW. Taking place at Auditorium Shores, just south of Downtown Austin, from March 7-8, 2025, the two-day festival blends an incredible lineup of pop, indie, and alternative acts with a focus on immersive experiences. With some of the biggest names in music sharing the stage with rising stars, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Here are eight artists we can’t wait to see at this year’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival.

1. Halsey

A true genre-bending powerhouse, Halsey is set to headline Friday night with a performance that’s bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether she’s delivering gut-wrenching alternative ballads or electrifying pop anthems, her ability to connect with fans is undeniable. With five albums under her belt, including the critically acclaimed If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, Halsey’s live shows are known for their stunning visuals and raw energy.

Her set at Sips & Sounds could bring a mix of fan favorites like Without Me and Bad at Love, along with deeper cuts that showcase her artistic evolution. And if past performances are any indication, she might even throw in an unexpected cover or a stripped-down acoustic moment that leaves the audience hanging on every word.

2. Khalid

Khalid burst onto the scene with Location and has since become one of R&B’s most captivating voices. Known for his smooth vocals and effortless cool, he’s crafted a signature sound that blends soul, pop, and electronic elements into something uniquely his own. His debut album American Teen solidified his place in the industry, and he’s only grown from there, collaborating with the likes of Billie Eilish, Normani, and Disclosure.

His set at Sips & Sounds will be the perfect vibe for a Friday night, filled with laid-back bops and heartfelt anthems like Talk and Better. Expect a crowd full of fans swaying along to his infectious melodies as he effortlessly moves between R&B slow jams and upbeat, danceable tracks.

3. Ashe

If you’re looking for an artist who blends vintage charm with modern indie-pop sensibilities, Ashe is your must-see act on Friday. Her breakout single Moral of the Story became an instant classic, blending introspective storytelling with lush, cinematic production. Drawing inspiration from classic songwriters like Carole King and The Beach Boys, Ashe’s music has a timeless quality that sets her apart in today’s pop landscape.

Her live performances feel like a warm hug, inviting audiences into her world with stunning vocals and intimate storytelling. Whether she’s performing hits like Till Forever Falls Apart or new material, Ashe’s set promises to be one of the most heartfelt performances of the festival.

4. Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse might have started her career in the fashion and acting worlds, but she’s proven that she’s an artist to be reckoned with in music as well. Her dreamy, hazy brand of indie rock has drawn comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Mazzy Star, blending nostalgic melodies with poetic lyricism. Her debut album I Can’t Let Go showcased her ability to craft deeply emotional tracks that feel both ethereal and deeply personal.

Her live shows bring an atmospheric, moody energy that’s perfect for the festival setting. Fans can expect to hear standouts like Good Looking and Moves, with Waterhouse’s smoky vocals washing over the crowd like a mesmerizing daydream.

5. Benson Boone

Saturday’s lineup is stacked, but one of the biggest rising stars is Benson Boone. A singer-songwriter who first gained attention on American Idol, he quickly carved out his own lane with viral hits like Beautiful Things and In the Stars. His music is full of soaring choruses and deeply personal lyrics, making him one of pop’s most promising new voices.

With his recent success on social media platforms like TikTok and a standout performance at the Grammys, Benson’s fanbase has exploded. Expect an emotionally charged set with powerful vocals, heartfelt ballads, and a few surprises along the way.

6. AJR

If there’s one band that knows how to put on an unforgettable live show, it’s AJR. The trio of brothers—Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met—have built a career on theatrical, high-energy performances that blend pop, alternative, and electronic elements. With hits like Bang! and Weak, their music is quirky, anthemic, and undeniably fun.

Their performances often include elaborate visuals, live sampling, and interactive moments with the crowd. Whether they’re pulling off an unexpected mashup or leading the audience in a massive singalong, AJR’s set is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the festival.

7. Chelsea Cutler & Jeremy Zucker

Few musical pairings have as much natural chemistry as Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker. Both known for their introspective, melancholic indie-pop sound, the duo has collaborated on numerous tracks, most notably you were good to me and this is how you fall in love. Their music captures the highs and lows of young adulthood with raw honesty and dreamy production.

Seeing them perform together at Sips & Sounds will be a special treat, as their voices blend seamlessly in live settings. Whether they’re playing their signature duets or performing solo material, this will be an emotionally charged set you won’t want to miss.

8. Nessa Barrett

A social media sensation turned alt-pop star, Nessa Barrett has built a dedicated following with her dark, brooding sound. Drawing inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Halsey, she crafts music that’s equal parts emotional and hauntingly beautiful. Tracks like i hope ur miserable until ur dead and la di die have solidified her status as one of Gen Z’s most compelling voices.

Her set at Sips & Sounds will likely be filled with raw energy, moody visuals, and a strong connection with her fans. If you’re into emotional, atmospheric performances, this is one set you don’t want to skip.

Honorable Mentions: Paul Russell & Claire Rosinkranz

With his viral hit Lil Boo Thang, Paul Russell brings a funky, feel-good energy that will be a perfect vibe for Saturday’s crowd. Expect an infectious performance packed with groove and personality. Meanwhile, Claire Rosinkranz has mastered the art of effortless indie-pop, with tracks like Backyard Boy and Frankenstein showcasing her laid-back, youthful sound.

Both of these rising stars are bringing something fresh to the festival lineup, and their sets are definitely worth checking out.