15 Acts to See at Kilby Block Party 2026

Beach Bunny | 4:50-5:40pm | Kilby Stage

Chicago-based band Beach Bunny released their third full-length album, Tunnel Vision, last year, a bright pop-punk record that demonstrates what the band does best: juxtaposing ’90s-nostalgic, upbeat, music that crowds love to mosh to against introspective, observant lyricism. I’m particularly fond of these four lines in “Clueless,” a song very much about grappling with being an adult: “Crying at the supermarket / Crying at the DMV / Crying at the doctors office / Crying independently.”

Lead singer Lili Trifilio has been writing in her newsletter about being in the recording studio, so the crowd at Kilby might get to hear something new as well. You can and should catch Beach Bunny on the Kilby Stage at 4:50pm on Friday! – Anson

Kevin Morby | 4:50-5:50pm | Mountain Stage

Kilby Block Party is just one of the festivals that Kevin Morby, the Kansas-based indie folk musician is playing throughout the summer. So, while festivalgoers throughout the country have plenty of opportunities to see the musician, they should take advantage of every one, including at Kilby Block Party, on the festival’s Mountain Stage. 

Anyone familiar with indie folk should have some familiarity with Morby’s music, he’s about to release his eighth album, but his live performances are a standout as well. Always theatric and emotive, and just an all over good show, it’s definitely worth it to venture over to the Mountain Stage. Morby’s eighth solo studio album, “Little Wide Open,” is due out on May 15 (the same day he’s playing Kilby Block Party) giving festival attendees an opportunity to be among the first to hear the recently-released album. – Erin

Chanel Beads | 5:45-6:45pm | Desert Stage

If you’re looking for a good moment to chill, make sure Chanel Beads is on your schedule for Friday evening. I caught them opening for Lorde on her Ultrasound Tour, and they were one of those acts that instantly pull you into their world. Their sound sits somewhere between dreamy indie pop, experimental electronic, and hazy alt-rock, with this cool, almost hypnotic atmosphere that feels both intimate and a little otherworldly. There’s a softness to it, but also this underlying intensity that makes the whole set feel magnetic.

Live, it all hits even harder: moody, emotional, and effortlessly stylish. With their set landing right as the sun starts to go down, the vibe is going to be absolutely perfect. If you like music that feels like a late-night drive and an existential crisis in the best way possible, do not miss them. – Jesse

Fightmaster | 1:30-2pm | Mountain Stage

The musical project of actor Fightmaster, who you might recognize from Grey’s Anatomy and their appearance in Lucy Dacus’ “Best Guess” music video, Fightmaster brings that same kind of emotional, indie-rock intimacy to their own music. There’s a rawness and warmth to the songwriting that feels deeply personal, with a sound that sits somewhere between indie folk, alternative rock, and the kind of quietly devastating lyrics that stick with you long after. If you’re already a Lucy Dacus fan, this set should absolutely be on your list. They’ll be playing at 1:30pm on the Mountain stage on Saturday. – Jesse

Lyn Lapid | 2:10-2:50pm | Lake Stage

23-year-old singer-songwriter Lyn Lapid got her start just how many successful pop artists do: by posting covers on social media, way back in 2018 while she was just 15-years-old. Since then, she’s garnered quite the dedicated fan base: releasing her debut album BUZZKILL back in 2025, receiving co-signs from Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, and had her song “take me as i am” featured in the 2025 movie The Housemaid starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney. Since the release of BUZZKILL, Lapid has been writing music at a rapid pace, posting on X that she’s been through an “album’s worth of content” since her career has skyrocketed, so it’s definitely possible that her set at Kilby Block Party will feature some new, unreleased music. Lapid’s music is melodic, laidback, and features an infusion of alt. Pop, R&B, and jazz, making her set not only appealing to a wide range of tastes but also a great vibe to bliss out to early Saturday afternoon. – Kristin

BETWEEN FRIENDS | 3:55-4:45pm | Lake Stage

In this new era of hyper-pop, I really believe sibling-duo BETWEEN FRIENDS, who were quarterfinalists on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent, has been criminally overlooked. Throughout their four released albums thus far, they’ve crafted a distinct sound, featuring instrumentals that feel authentic and pulsating in a live setting, featuring synthesizers pads and electric guitars. With an extensive touring history under their belt, BETWEEN FRIENDS are able to showcase their talent in real time the same way they do it in a studio. If you’re looking to dance and forget about the world for a bit, BETWEEN FRIENDS’ should be a must-see on your list. – Javi

Briston Maroney | 4:50-5:50pm | Kilby Stage

I have a soft spot for Tennessee-native Briston Maroney, since he was one of the first indie artists I started actively listening to. After following his career for years and watching him grow and perfect his craft, I can’t help but root for him, and thankfully he never disappoints. He’s also one of those artists that is able to evoke the same powerful energy and atmosphere live as he does on his records. Plus, he understands the value of revisiting new music and experimenting with newer sounds while on stage, making his appearance always feel like a new and extensive journey. If you haven’t caught him on tour before, make sure you see him this time! – Javi

The Moss | 6:50-7:50pm | Mountain Stage

I’ve been pushing my The Moss agenda on everyone and everything I can for a while now, and with them being based in Salt Lake City, I’m excited for anyone that gets to see them at Kilby Block Party, their “semi” hometown festival (they moved there several years ago from Hawaii – read our recent interview with the band HERE). The Moss has a certain authenticity and laid-back approach to life that can be heard and felt through their music (think long, summer days with nothing to worry about), so I truly think there is not a better scenario to experience them live either for the first time or the 100th time. The Moss boys are fun and confident while incredibly down-to-earth, so don’t miss on an opportunity to see them at their best, and with a brand new album at hand. – Javi

Hannah Cohen | 1:30-2pm | Kilby Stage

I discovered folk singer-songwriter Hannah Cohen last year after falling in love with her album, Earthstar Mountain. The artists’ fourth studio album is a sonic love letter to the forest and the mountains and features collaborations from indie darlings like Sujan Stevens and Clairo. Cohen’s music is effervescent and effortless, laidback and relaxing. I can imagine that Cohen, who recorded the project in her home studio in the Catskill mountains in New York State, will appreciate the beautiful backdrop of Kilby Block Party: the mountains a callback to the setting that inspired the creation of the music she’s performing. If that isn’t cinematic, I don’t know what is! – Kristin

This is Lorelei | 1:30-2pm | Mountain Stage

For his debut album as This is Lorelei, Nate Amos, the musician behind the solo project, went back to his family roots. Amos has spent a decade crafting indie pop music as part of the band Water from Your Eyes, but the singer, songwriter and musician dug into his family’s musical history when putting together his first full-length album, Box for Buddy, Box for Star back in 2024. The musician grew up in rural Vermont, and his father and sister perform as a bluegrass duo. The genre’s inspiration is evident in the album, especially in songs like “Angel’s Eye.” That’s not to say that Box for Buddy, Box for Star is an exclusively bluegrass, or alt-country, or even straight up country album. It’s a medley of numerous inspirations for Amos, from hyper-pop, to bluegrass, to shoegaze. It’s an impossibly cohesive album, and a really masterful and impressive work—one that I’m sure will be fantastic to see live, as This is Lorelei takes the stage at Kilby Block Party on early Sunday afternoon. – Erin

Melody’s Echo Chamber | 3-3:50pm | Kilby Stage

If dreamy psych-pop is your thing, make sure Melody’s Echo Chamber is on your Kilby Block Party schedule, playing Sunday at 3pm on the Kilby Stage. Their music feels like floating, with hazy guitars, lush production, and vocals that sound like they’re drifting in from another dimension. There’s a little bit of that same magic you get from Tennis, Alvvays, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, where everything feels dreamy, warm, and slightly surreal. Judging by how layered and rich the instrumentation is across their records, this feels like the kind of set that will be incredible to experience live. It’s perfect festival music, something you can fully sink into and let the vibe take over. If you like music that feels soft, sparkly, and just a little hypnotic, this one’s for you. – Jesse

Freak Slug | 3:55-4:45pm | Desert Stage

Fresh off a debut at Coachella 2026, Manchester-based artist Freak Slug, whose real name is Xenya Genovese, sits at the intersection of shoegaze and grunge pop. Reminiscent of artists like Lola Young, her 2025 debut album I Blow Out Big Candles was produced with the help of producer Alex Headford, who’s one half of indie duo Jadu Heart. In an interview with Notion, she mentions that she hopes attendees of her live show feel “uplifted and hyped,” making her an excellent artist to add on your list of acts to see on late Sunday afternoon. – Kristin

Flipturn | 4:50-5:40pm | Desert Stage

The first time I saw Flipturn live, I didn’t really know who they were. I think I knew one or two songs and our editor Kristin had asked if anyone wanted to take photos at their show, so I decided to go. And ever since then, they’re a band that I have to see whenever they’re on tour. Their recorded music is already so exciting and fun to listen to, but seeing them live really set them as one of my favorites. The energy they bring into every performance is so unique and always matched by their crowds, so I’d vouch that no matter where you see them, it’ll be a good a time. – Javi