The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 12-18, 2026. The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals and music aficionados from around the world to network, enhance their careers and celebrate the magic of live music – from legendary performers to emerging new talent. 

Among the 700+ showcasing artists who are set to perform this March are 135 musicians who call the Live Music Capital of the World® home. Here are 10 of those Austin-based artists we recommend putting on your must-watch list at this year's music festival. Be sure to buy your pass for the festival and explore the full schedule.

1. CorMae

Emerging from the Austin scene with nothing more than a social media ad and a dream, CorMae has rapidly evolved into a five-piece supergroup. The band delivers a high-octane sound that bridges early 2000s indie rock with the defiant spirit of late '90s Riot Grrl.

Details: 10:00 PM on March 13, 2026 at The 13th Floor; 9:00 PM on March 18, 2026 at Zilker Brewing

2. Glaze

Glaze is an Austin-based rock trio that first crossed paths at their college radio station.  What began as a shared love of underground records quickly evolved from campus  camaraderie into a central role within the Austin music scene. Known for their  high-energy performances, Glaze blends gritty guitar riffs, driving rhythm sections, and  hook heavy melodies.

Details: Time TBA on March 13 2026, at Chess Club 

3. Elijah Delgado

Hailing from South Austin, 23-year-old singer-songwriter Elijah Delgado is carving out a niche with his signature "Indie Rock Lullabies." His sound is a delicate, intentional blend of modern indie folk, pop, and rock, characterized by intimate storytelling and atmospheric arrangements. Following the success of his previous projects, Delgado is currently preparing for the release of his highly anticipated third EP.

Details: TBA on March 16, 2026 at Lefty's Brick Bar

4. Grocery Bag

Formed in 2022 amidst the high-energy chaos of Austin student housing, Grocery Bag has evolved from DIY party-starters into a refined psych-rock powerhouse. Their trajectory has also earned them a coveted spot on the lineup for Austin Psych Fest 2026 at The Far Out Lounge & Stage.

Details: 10:20 PM on March 17, 2026 at Zilker Brewing; 12:00 AM on March 14, 2026 at The 13th Floor

5. Honey Made

Austin’s Honey Made revitalizes the spirit of legends like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Earth, Wind & Fire, delivering a modern evolution of "slamming primal soul." Deeply rooted in R&B, the ensemble has built a respected reputation sharing stages with icons like George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic and Lee Fields. Now recognized as one of the tightest units in the Texas music scene, Honey Made is expanding their footprint beyond Austin, bringing their explosive horns and infectious grooves to a national stage.

Details: 12:00 AM on March 13, 2026 at Saxon Pub

6. Lew Apollo

Lew Apollo’s genre-bending soul music draws from personal struggles and emotional growth, delivered through honest songwriting and a warm, retro inspired sound. Since the release of his debut EP, Apollo has become a force in the live circuit, selling out numerous headlining dates and touring in support of the legendary Los Lonely Boys.

Details: 8:30 PM on March 12, 2026 at Zilker Brewing; 11:00 PM on March 15, 2026 at Continental Club

7. The Animeros

The Animeros are an Austin based trio crafting a distinctive, genre‑blending sound rooted in Colombian cumbia and infused with the lush rhythms of 1960s coastal Mexico, psychedelic Latin grooves, and the dusty soul of cantina culture in the American Southwest.

Details: 10:20 PM on March 12, 2026 at Shangri-La; 10:50PM on March 14, 2026 at Zilker Brewing

8. Marley Hale

Marley Hale creates country-folk that is as refined as it is adventurous. Having moved from Nashville to Austin, she’s spent a lifetime honing a sound that bridges the gap between classic storytelling and modern indie-folk.

Details: 11:00 PM on March 13, 2026 at Saxon Pub; TBA on March 16, 2026 at Lefty’s Brick Bar

9. Next of Kin

Each member came into the Austin music scene with a rich musical foundation long before forming the group. The Austin based alt-country and Americana trio is known for their three-part harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and a fresh take on country traditions.

Details: 7:45 PM on March 12, 2026 at Zilker Brewing; TBA on March 13, 2026 at Continental Club

10. Sexpop

Sexpop is a synth dream-pop project written and recorded by Blaise Eldred entirely on his iPhone, blending 80s disco influence with groovy basslines, catchy guitar riffs, and dreamy melodies. Started in Blaise’s bedroom at age 17, Sexpop has since grown into a live band formed with friends and collaborators in Austin.

Details: 9:40 PM on March 11, 2026 at Empire Garage; 12:40 AM on March 11, 2026 at Mohawk; 8:00 PM on March 14, 2026 at The Belmont

OTHER LOCAL ARTISTS

Interested in discovering more local talent at this year's showcase? Check out the growing list of artists below and at sxsw.com:

To hear more from these artists, listen to the Spotify playlist below. To discover even more local Austin musicians, check out our Music Austin Spotify channel and keep up with the latest happenings @MusicAustin!