SXSW 2026 Music Festival Expands Lineup With Over 300 New Showcasing Artists

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Alyse Nicole

SXSW 2026 Music Festival Expands Lineup With Over 300 New Showcasing Artists

South by Southwest (SXSW) has officially announced more than 300 additional showcasing artists for the 40th annual SXSW Music Festival, taking place March 12–18, 2026, in Austin, Texas. With this major lineup expansion, SXSW 2026 further cements its reputation as the world’s leading platform for music discovery, spotlighting emerging talent and global sounds across Austin’s most iconic venues for seven consecutive nights.

Artists newly added to the SXSW 2026 lineup represent more than 50 countries and a wide range of genres, offering attendees a front-row seat to the future of music. Standout acts include Oslo-based ambient-pop artist Sassy 009, genre-blending American songwriter Deloyd Elze, internet-famous London producer DJ AG, and folk favorite Hannah Cohen. The announcement also highlights rising international voices such as Chilean experimental artist Javiera Electra, Atlanta rapper MARCO PLUS, Latin music breakout Oscar Ortiz, and Manchester rocker TTSSFU.

According to Brian Hobbs, VP of Music at SXSW, the newly announced artists embody the festival’s long-standing mission. “Our goal has always been to curate a lineup that reflects the future of music,” Hobbs said, noting that SXSW remains a global epicenter for both creativity and commercial breakout potential.

In addition to the expanded showcase lineup, SXSW 2026 will once again feature high-profile branded showcases. Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase returns March 12–14 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, headlined by Lola Young, Fuerza Regida, and BigXthaPlug. Notably, the Rolling Stone showcase will be ticketed for the first time in 2026, with tickets available through AXS.

Billboard Presents THE STAGE will also return to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park from March 13–15. This year’s headliners include Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P, with additional performers to be announced. Limited access will be available for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, as well as Music Wristband holders, on a first-come, first-served basis. General admission tickets are also available now via Ticketmaster.

SXSW also revealed new Music Conference programming designed to support artists and industry professionals navigating today’s evolving music economy. Newly announced sessions include discussions on equitable brand partnerships, artist marketing rollouts for 2026, and strategies for breaking artists across Africa’s rapidly growing music markets. The full festival and conference schedule can be found here.

Platinum and Music Badges, as well as SXSW Music Festival Wristbands, are currently on sale, offering access to official showcases and conference programming throughout the week.

Founded in 1987, SXSW has grown into a globally recognized celebration of music, film, technology, and culture. SXSW 2026 runs March 12–18 in downtown Austin, preceded by SXSW EDU from March 9–12, continuing the festival’s legacy of discovery, innovation, and creative connection.

Also read: Austin Film Society to Host Third Annual Pan African Film Festival

Experience Culinary Excellence at A Taste of New England

Posted on April 30, 2025November 3, 2025 by Alyse Nicole

Experience Culinary Excellence at A Taste of New England

Get ready to indulge your senses at the highly anticipated A Taste of New England culinary event, returning to the stunning slopes of Stowe, Vermont, August 14 – 16, 2025. Hosted by Spruce Peak in partnership with The Lodge at Spruce Peak and media partner Yankee Magazine, this three-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience featuring celebrated chefs, exquisite wines, and locally sourced fares.

A Culinary Journey Through New England

This year’s event showcases an impressive lineup of renowned chefs from across New England, each bringing their unique culinary flair to the table. Guests will have the opportunity to savor creations from Vermont’s own Chef Robert Smith of Starry Night Cafe, Chef Cara Tobin of Honey Road & The Grey Jay, and Chef Justin Dain of Oakes & Evelyn. Additionally, culinary talents from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine will join the festivities, ensuring a diverse and rich culinary experience.

Chef Douglass Williams at A Taste of New England | photo credit: Sarah Salvasco

A Taste of Vermont: Kickoff Dinner

The festivities kick off on Thursday, August 14, with “A Taste of Vermont” dinner at the Tipsy Trout restaurant, located within The Lodge at Spruce Peak. From 6pm to 9 pm, guests can enjoy a curated five-course meal crafted by Executive Chef Sean Blomgren, alongside local chefs. This intimate dining experience will highlight the best of Vermont’s agricultural bounty, setting the stage for a weekend of culinary delight.

First Taste: A Celebration of Small Plates

On Friday, August 15, join us for “First Taste”, an evening dedicated to small plates and perfectly paired wines from Vermont Wine Merchants. From 5 pm to 8 pm, guests can mingle with celebrated chefs, including Spruce Peak’s own Executive Chef Sean Blomgren and Executive Chef Seth Gallant from The Club at Spruce Peak, while sampling a variety of delectable dishes.

Wine tasting at A Taste of New England | photo credit: Sarah Salvasco

Chef Collaboration Dinner: A Grand Finale

The weekend culminates on Saturday, August 16, with a spectacular Chef Collaboration Dinner. Starting with a cocktail reception at 5:30 pm, guests will enjoy a collaborative dining experience featuring chefs from across New England. The dinner, set to begin at 7 pm, will showcase New England-sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines, creating a memorable culinary experience that celebrates the region’s rich flavors.

Tickets and Accommodations

Tickets for A Taste of New England are available via Eventbrite, with two-day passes starting at $397 and three-day passes at $581 plus taxes and fees. Single-day and a la carte tickets are also available, offering flexibility for attendees.

For those looking to extend their stay, The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking mountain views and easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, hiking, and paddling.

Join Spruce Peak for an Unforgettable Experience

Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary celebration that highlights the best of New England’s food and wine scene. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking for a unique getaway, A Taste of New England promises an enriching experience filled with flavor, creativity, and community.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official event page.

How to Prepare for ACL Festival

Posted on September 28, 2022November 11, 2025 by Alyse Nicole

How to Prepare for ACL Festival

It’s festival season! So here’s some last minute tips on how to prepare for ACL Festival to help out this year’s attendees. Keep reading for all the things I wish I knew before going.

What to Wear

Of course everyone wants to dress their best, but do yourself a favor and wear comfy cute clothes, like a tank top and shorts. Whatever you do, DON’T WEAR HEELS! I saw it with my own eyes, people not realizing how much walking was involved or that you’re literally out there for an entire day. Save yourself and your feet by just saying no. You may get away with some brands of cowboy boots, but think more like cute sneakers or even something you don’t mind getting dirty.

Consider bringing a towel or bandana because you’re 100% going to sweat, and you’ll need something to wipe it off. You can even wear the bandana as a headband to catch sweat going into your face while still looking kind of cute.

Prepare for the Weather

Though ACL Fest is in October, it’s still going to be hot because Texas. Plus, there’s literally thousands of people around you putting off massive body heat. So dress light, drink lots of water, and since you’ll be outside for a full day, apply and reapply sunscreen.

There will be stations for you to refill your water bottle. So bring one or purchase one there. Also, not weather related, but don’t try to sneak in alcohol. They will find it!

Download the App

The ACL Fest app is very convenient and helps make sure you don’t miss anyone you wanted to see. It shows you who’s performing when on what stage, and you can mark the shows you’re interested in so you don’t forget. It also shows where everything is located, like the water stations, the VIP or GA+ sections, special pop-ups, etc. It’s nice to have, and you can just delete it right after til next year.

Free $5 from American Express

If you have an American Express card, you can link it to your wristband and receive a $5 credit to use for food, drinks, merch, whatever! You’ll also be able to use your wristband to make all your purchases while you’re there. So, there’s no need to bring cash or your card to accidentally lose in the sea of people around you.

What to Bring

Bring a small backpack or drawstring bag with you to hold water, a towel or bandana, a portable charger, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, deodorant, etc. Yes, you read that correctly. BRING DEODORANT! Again, it’s going to be hot. You’ll more than likely sweat off your deodorant, even your antiperspirant. So, bring it with you to reapply as needed.

You may be able to get free canned or bottled water at some booths. Get it, and put it in your bag for later. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re there.

More Bang for Your Buck

Regardless of what wristband level you had this year, I strongly suggest getting the GA+ wristbands. They don’t cost much more than the GA wristbands, and you get access to a shaded sitting area with a huge screen to watch shows while you cool down. In this area, there’s also private air conditioned restrooms, food vendors, and a bar. Oh, and did I mention all the free water you can drink??

I know VIP has more bells and whistles, but if you want to fully experience the actual festival, GA+ is all you need. Just pop into the private section for a bit to rest and recharge. Then, get back out there to enjoy the shows!

These are just a few tips I wanted to share to make sure you had the best experience possible at this year’s ACL Festival. Also, remember. If you’re feeling under the weather, please stay home. Yours and everyone else’s health and safety are more important than a wasted wristband or missing some music acts. Stay safe and smart, and hopefully I’ll meet you by the flags at ACL Festival 2025!