Arts

SXSW 2026: 7 Concerts to Catch from Austin Musicians

Catch these Austin-based artists’ late night sets throughout SXSW’s seven day music festival

By Cassie Butterfield
March 05, 2026

The conception of South By Southwest (SXSW) lies at the heart of Austin’s music scene. The inaugural 1987 festival featured 177 artists across 15 stages. Fast forward to 2026, and the event now showcases more than 1,000 artists on over 100 stages. As Austin has grown, SXSW has grown with it, reflecting the city’s creative energy and vibrancy. Don’t miss these hometown acts at this year’s festival:

Grandmaster

March 12, 10:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. at Zilker Brewing Co.

Austin collective Grandmaster turns every performance into a spectacle. The nine-piece band performs in matching black suits, uni-glasses and red bucket hats, delivering groove-heavy funk that channels the spirit of Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth, Wind & Fire. Winners of the 2024–25 Austin Music Award for Best New Act, their sets feel equal parts concert and performance art.

Mama Duke

March 12, 11:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. at Swan Dive

Singer-songwriter Mama Duke has built a reputation for commanding performances and sharp lyricism. A two-time Austin Hip-Hop Award winner, she reached a national audience as a finalist on Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent,” earning Mel B’s Golden Buzzer. She has performed at major local stages including Austin City Limits Festival and opened for Naughty by Nature.

Holy Wave

March 12, time TBD at Hotel Vegas

Austin psych outfit Holy Wave has become a cornerstone of the city’s modern psychedelic scene. Their music drifts between dream-pop haze and expansive psych rock, anchored by melodic hooks and swirling instrumentation. Fans of atmospheric indie and vintage psych influences will find plenty to sink into during their immersive live sets.

Nakia & The Never Not Now

March 18, 4 p.m. at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul

Singer-songwriter Nakia, an Alabama native now based in Austin, brings powerhouse vocals shaped by Muscle Shoals soul, Stax funk and Chicago blues. A semifinalist on the first season of “The Voice,” he has spent more than two decades performing and recording, earning fans for his commanding stage presence. Nakia has shared stages with artists including Willie Nelson, Sharon Jones and B.B. King.

J’cuuzi

March 15, time TBD at The Far Out Lounge
March 17, 10:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Swan Dive
March 17, 12:50 a.m. – 1:25 a.m. at Hotel Vegas

Austin glam-punk duo J’cuuzi has become one of the city’s most visually distinctive live acts, known for theatrical sets and striking DIY costumes. That spectacle mirrors the music: noisy, high-energy songs driven by pounding bass, synths and glam-rock guitar. The group has opened for artists including Stereolab, Tune-Yards and Viagra Boys.

Bartly

March 13, 8:20 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. at Zilker Brewing Co.

Local singer-songwriter Bartly is gaining attention for a powerful voice and emotionally direct songwriting. The rising artist recently earned a golden ticket on American Idol after performing “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges. Onstage, Bartly moves easily between pop, indie and blues influences with a strong vocal performance at the center.

Grocery Bag

March 14, 12:00 a.m. – 12:40 a.m. at The 13th Floor
March 17, 10:20 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Zilker Brewing Co.

Austin four-piece Grocery Bag delivers a gritty mix of garage rock, punk and psychedelia. Since releasing its debut album “Break You” in 2023, the band has become a fixture of the city’s underground psych scene, earning a reputation for high-energy sets. If you’re looking for the kind of gritty, late-night club show SXSW was made for, Grocery Bag brings the volume.

How to attend SXSW Music Festival:

The SXSW Music Festival is a global gathering of musicians, industry professionals, and music fans, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, career development, and live performances. From March 12–18, the festival showcases artists across a wide range of genres, from emerging talent to iconic performers.

To attend, register for a Music Festival Badge ($820) or a Platinum Badge ($1,995), which provides access to all SXSW conferences and festivals. Wristband holders receive secondary access to music showcases, while primary access lines are reserved for Platinum and Music Badge holders.