Technology, music, film, television, and innovation often intersect. For South by Southwest (SXSW), this convergence is at the center of its annual weeklong conference. Beginning today (March 12), thousands will flock to Austin, Texas, for panel discussions, educational lectures, networking sessions, and industry workshops to brainstorm growing trends.
As one of this year’s keynote speakers, recording artist and record label founder Russ will shine a light on the professional independence for musicians alongside TuneCore Chief Executive Officer Andreea Gleeson. But for those looking to support independent artists in another way, the week is filled with showcases, album release celebrations, pop-up performances, and more featuring independent musicians.
Below is a list of nine official SXSW showcases featuring independent musicians we recommend checking out if you are in Austin. Confirmed performers at these events include Jessie Chambers, The Tullamarines, Reggie Becton, Iyla, BLK ODYSSY, Jamaica Moana, Cure For Paranoia, meg elsier, Cedric Brazle, Rafa Parra, and Joshua Ray Walker. Continue below to view our recommended music events.
To view the full schedule of official 2026 South by Southwest events, including music showcases, panels, screenings, and more, click here. South by Southwest is set to be held between March 12 and March 18, 2026, across various venues in Austin, Texas.
Entry into official 2026 SXSW events is based on the badge you purchase. The 2026 SXSW badge selection includes the Music Badge ($895), Film & TV Badge ($1,225), Innovation Badge ($1,495), and Platinum (starting at $2,095). To purchase a badge, click here.
Groove Obsessions
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
Venue: Las Perlas, 405 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: DD Island, Glassio, HNRY FLWR, Jessie Chambers, Nathaniel Stewart, and NOAMZ
To learn more about Groover Obsessions’ official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Source: Sponsored by Music League and Bootleg
KCRW Radio Day
Date: March 13, 2026
Time: Begins at noon
Venue: Downright Austin, 701 E 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: Radium Dolls, Runo Plum, Adult DVD, The Tullamarines, Steven Bamidele, Spike F*ck
To learn more about KCRW’s official 2026 SXSW Radio Day showcase, click here.
Dream Con Music Showcase
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
Venue: Rivière, 1501 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: BLK ODYSSY, Kiko Blac, Trap Sushi, Yoshi Vintage, DJ Hella Yella, DJ Yume, Dragonnqueen
To learn more about the 2026 SXSW Dream Con Music Showcase, click here.
Source: Sponsored by Front Row Live
BIGSOUND Festival
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: Begins at 8 p.m.
Venue: Seven Grand, 405 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: Jamaica Moana, Little Guilt, Ella Ion, The Tullamarines, 2Charm, and Swapmeet
To learn more about BIGSOUND Festival’s official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Source: Sponsored by Oz Tix and Spotify
Marshall & Resound Presents
Date: March 16, 2026
Time: Begins at noon
Venue: Mohawk, 912 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: Water From Your Eyes, This is Lorelei, Rocket, Meg Elsier, Cure For Paranoia, Diles Que, No Me Maten, Ashaine White, Total Wife, Bloodsports, Gran Moreno, Almost Heaven, Worlds Worst, DJ Devil Woman, and Horse Opera
To learn more about Marshall & Resound Presents’ official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Ill Manner Shows
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
Venue: Venue, 516 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: Tyla Yaweh, Quiet Money Dot, TTBBY, Cha’keeta B, Lynn, Stockz, Villain Park, Ali Almighty, Sir Eddie C, Rocky Banks, Ken Lorentz, Negus Fresh, Q The Hero, Bale
To learn more about Ill Manner Shows’ official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Source: Presented by The M.A.D.E. Agency, Ill Manner Shows, and Sumn2Say
The Digilogue DigiDecade SXSW 2026 flyer
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
Venue: The Creek & The Cave, 611 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: DJ Chose, Iyla, Koad, Jules Aurora, Reggie Becton, Kembe X, Devin Malik, Jaylon Ashaun, Jovi Greene, Neptune XXI, Alumni Cloud, Woes, Zamaera, Jaxs, Ashoka, Cedric Brazle, Bijaan, Perce Washington, Keira Vana, Zoe Tan, Quanna, The Bul Bey
To learn more about The Digilogue’s official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Source: Sponsored by HITMKR, TooLost, Sync Money, and Kayvan's House
Cincodoce
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: Begins at 8 p.m.
Venue: Hotel Vegas at Volstead, 1502 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: DJ La Moon, Rafa Parra, Swdejay, Short Life, Chava, NOA, SAMIA, Ugo Angelito, DJ BONES, Tavo Rayo, and Enus Sunne
To learn more about Cincodoce’s official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
Pearl Snap Productions
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: Begins at 8 p.m.
Venue: Saxon Pub, 1320 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Performers: JP McCabe, Reilly Downes, Joshua Ray Walker, Kristen Foreman, Brodie Lane, and Guy Vincent
To learn more about Pearl Snap Productions’ official 2026 SXSW showcase, click here.
