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!
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.
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.
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