Kilby Block Party 2026 - Preview
Written by Alec Moody
Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party returns in 2026, and it is already looking to be one of the most exciting installments in the event’s history to date. What started out as a small party in honor of the Kilby Court venue is now one of the most highly anticipated independent music festivals on the West Coast. With a star-studded lineup featuring global superstars, KBP6 is looking to break boundaries by bringing together fans of all types of music.
A Celebration That Keeps Expanding
Since its origin in 2019, Kilby Block Party has come a long way. The initial ones were intimate events, representing the indie all-ages legacy of Kilby Court, but soon after, it outgrew its origins of being a street-block festival due to its growing popularity beyond the Salt Lake City limits. It has evolved into a multi-stage festival with a format spanning the entire weekend, which was initially organized in the Salt Lake City downtown area but is now being done at the Utah State Fairpark to accommodate the growing number of attendees.
The last couple of years have set the standard pretty high, and it only seems to increase as the years go by. The lineup for 2024 featured incredible acts such as LCD Soundsystem and Vampire Weekend, and then 2025 had an even more extensive four-day lineup, featuring acts such as New Order, Weezer, Beach House, and Justice
Lineup Highlights: Headliners & Rising Stars
Kilby Block Party 2026 takes place on May 15-17, 2026, and the event will be spearheaded by today’s most exciting acts:
Lorde: The international sensation from New Zealand comes to Utah with her genre-bending pop music and thoughtful songwriting.
The XX - This British indie trio has an ethereal sound that's perfect for late-night festival sessions.
Turnstile - With their elements of hardcore punk, they truly reflect Kilby's desire to offer a diverse live show.
Backing up these big-name acts is a rich and expertly assembled lineup of supporting performers that encompasses indie rock, alternative rock, punk rock, and experimental music. These have already been announced to include: Hayley Williams, Modest Mouse, Alex G, Blood Orange, Lucy Dacus, Briston Maroney, Beach Bunny, Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail, Flipturn, Magdalena Bay, Father John Misty,, Wild Nothing, as well as many of our own local music scene, who include: The Kilans, Rachael Jenkins, Dad Bod, Wilbere, Jill Whit, Bad Luck Brigade, Gonk, Star 67, NADEZHDA, Chalk (SLC) and Pixie and The Partygrass Boys
Such a lineup encapsulates Kilby’s growing musical diversity: it’s not just indie rock; it’s an intersection of alternative pop, punk, bedroom pop, and shoegaze, and many other genres, all packed into a single weekend of musical discovery.
More Than Just a Music Festival:
Kilby Block Party has always been about community just as much as it is about music. It is a reflection of the people and organizations that make Salt Lake City's music scene so vibrant. Every year, the grounds come alive with amazing art installations that are positioned around the grounds, making for some of the best photo opportunities.
Local businesses and organizations are incorporated seamlessly throughout the event. From the 3hive Record Lounge bus, a familiar face at local music events and a staple of the local music scene where fans were able to browse and purchase their favorite records between sets, to our friends at Essential Photo Supply, who provided film cameras and free film development with purchase, Kilby is always providing a platform for local artists and small businesses to shine.
The festival also continues to reflect its roots in the local music scene. K-UTE, the local college radio station, has also been heavily involved in the festival, highlighting local musicians in addition to emphasizing the need for community-based initiatives in today’s digital age of music. It is this sense of community that truly separates Kilby Block Party. It’s not just about who’s playing on the main stage. It’s about what happens in between songs. Friendships are made in those crowds. There is a sense of pride in watching a locally grown festival succeed.
Why 2026 Will Be Bigger & Better
It’s not just who’s playing at this year’s 2026 festival that makes it so special, though the line-up has far exceeded anyone’s expectations - it’s what this milestone represents and continues to represent for Kilby Block Party. The fact that this independent music festival has been gaining the notice of big-name touring acts, yet still holds onto its indie roots, is a testament to what this event has accomplished. Starting with a block party for a few fans to a three-day headliner for thousands of people each day, Kilby has established itself as a destination festival. For longtime fans of the festival and new ones alike, Kilby Block Party 2026 is looking to be a weekend of discovery that pays tribute to where the festival has been, while looking towards the future.
