KUTX 98.9 cranks SXSW 2026 to full volume with 35+ performances, nonstop coverage and free public events

AUSTIN, Texas – March 3, 2026 – For two weeks each March, Austin becomes the center of the music universe. KUTX 98.9 ensures you don’t miss a beat.

This year, Austin’s “Best Radio Station” is curating more than 35 live performances, wall-to-wall music coverage and a packed lineup of free, public events – no badges required.

From sunrise broadcasts to late-night sets, KUTX 98.9 is producing and curating SXSW 2026 music experiences in person, on the air, online and across social platforms – connecting fans to breakout artists, unforgettable performances and the sound of the city in real time.

Music fans should bookmark KUTX.org, tune in to KUTX 98.9 and follow @KUTX on Instagram for exclusive performances and interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, staff music picks and more.

KUTX Ones to Watch 2026
March 5-12
KUTX 98.9 spotlights Ones to Watch – seven must-see artists poised to break out at SXSW 2026 – on air and on social media.

KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
8 a.m.–noon, March 12-14 Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto Blvd.)
KUTX 98.9’s long-running morning broadcast during SXSW returns. Music fans can start the day with live performances from standout SXSW artists.

Free coffee will be available from Greater Goods Coffee Co. Food and drinks available for purchase. The $10 entry (free for kids under 5) benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.

KUTX Day Party @ Rivian
2-5 p.m., March 13-15
Rivian Showroom (208 S. Congress Ave.)
Three afternoons of KUTX-curated, all-Austin official SXSW showcases at the Rivian Showroom, featuring nine local artists – many of them KUTX artist-of-the-month alums – including: Annabelle Chairlegs, Lew Appollo, Bayonne, Blah Spa, LARA’, Next of Kin, The Point., Grace Sorensen and THEBROSFRESH.

Additional support for the KUTX Day Party at Rivian comes from St. Elmo Brewing Company and Lady Bird Soda.

SXSBreaks
7-11 p.m., March 13
Lefty’s Brick Bar (1813 E. 6th St.)
KUTX’s The Breaks returns with its annual official SXSW hip-hop showcase, hosted by Confucius and Fresh.

This year’s lineup includes DJ Road Warrior, OG Kee, Faaris, Foolish Ty, LouisV.T, Projectbaby JV, Los Kemet, Blakchyl, Anastasia Hera, Kydd Jones and J Soulja. Free and open to the public.

Public Radio Day Stage
Noon-5 p.m., March 16
Downright Austin (701 E. 11th St.)
A full afternoon of live music curated by public radio favorites KUTX 98.9 and Minneapolis’s The Current. Free and open to all.

For schedules, artist lineups and real-time updates, visit KUTX.org, tune in to KUTX 98.9 or stream it.

KUTX 98.9’s live music events at Scholz Garten, Rivian Showroom and Downright Austin are curated by KUTX 98.9 Live Music Booker Deidre Gott.

KUTX 98.9’s SXSW 2026 coverage is powered by Rivian and presented by Uber Eats.

About KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience
Named “Best Radio Station” in the Austin Music Awards poll 12 years (and counting), KUTX 98.9 is the destination for new music from the artists driving the sound of Austin today, from local and emergent artists to music that has stood the test of time. Programming includes hundreds of live, one-of-a-kind performances in Studio 1A each year; “The Austin Music Minute,” the KUTX Artist of the Month and the KUTX “Song of the Day,” as well as KUTX Live events and KUTX Rock the Park, that connect music fans to local and national talent. KUTX 98.9 is part of KUT Public Media, a non-profit, public media organization whose work is made possible by listeners who make monthly donations. More at kutx.org.

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Note to editors: KUTX 98.9 staff are available for interviews about local music, SXSW and more. Contact Erin Geisler (512) 475-8071