SXSW Reveals First Wave of Artists for 2026 with Headliners All-American Rejects

South by Southwest (SXSW) has announced the first 100 showcasing artists for its 2026 festival, which will take place March 12 to 18 in Austin, Texas. 

The festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and will mark the first time SXSW will feature seven days of official showcases. 

Organizers also confirmed that The All-American Rejects will perform at the festival’s Opening Party on March 12. The event will take place at Stubb’s Amphitheater and feature live performances from showcase artists, along with food, drinks, and other festivities. 

The first round of showcasing artists includes Milo Korbenski, DJ_Dave,La Texana, Hudson Freeman, Bayonne, Grrrl Gang, and Chalk. The Sophs, KOAD, runo plum, and Joyner Lucas also join the lineup.

“SXSW has been the premiere destination for music discovery for 40 years, helping push pioneering acts like Kendrick Lamar, The White Stripes, Wet Leg, PinkPantheress, Tyler, The Creator, and Billie Eilish to the next level,” said Brian Hobbs, Vice President of Music at SXSW. 

“By bringing the global music industry to Austin, from labels and A&R to publicists to influential journalists and critics, SXSW is a unique opportunity for showcasing artists to build their careers, enter new markets, and learn from fellow artists and industry voices.”

“With an extra night of showcases this year, 2026 is shaping up to be better than ever for artists, industry and audiences,” Hobbs added.

Additional performers for the opening event will be announced soon.