Your Guide to Kilby Block Party 2026

Kilby Block Party returns to Salt Lake City, May 15-17, taking over the Utah State Fairpark with three days of music, art, and the kind of community‑driven energy that has defined the festival since its debut in 2019. What makes Kilby special is its balance; legacy acts, cult favorites, and rising artists all share the bill in a way that feels intentional rather than algorithmic. Traveling from the Northwest, we’ve had our eye on this festival for years, and with each lineup they release, Kilby keeps proving why it’s becoming one of the biggest independent music events in the country. The 2026 lineup is one of their strongest yet, and if you’re heading to SLC for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of every day. We already know you hitting the main acts up so we’re adding the below for the ones you should definitely check out and discover.

DAY 1 — Friday, May 15

Die Spitz

Austin’s Die Spitz have quickly become one of the most exciting young punk bands in the country; their shows are loud, feral, and gloriously unpolished in a way that feels increasingly rare. They play like they’re trying to outrun their own songs, and the crowd usually follows. If you want to kick off Kilby with a jolt of adrenaline and see a band on the cusp of a national breakout, this is the set to hit. Fun fact: the band formed after a chance meeting at a house show where none of them were originally supposed to play.

Dry Cleaning

Dry Cleaning’s post‑punk world is built around Florence Shaw’s deadpan spoken‑word delivery, which somehow manages to be both understated and magnetic. Live, the band locks into hypnotic grooves while Shaw stands nearly still, commanding the room with the smallest shifts in tone. They’re a must‑see for anyone who loves art‑rock that rewards close listening and bands that don’t need theatrics to be unforgettable. Fun fact: Shaw was a visual artist and lecturer before ever fronting a band.

Provoker

Provoker bring a darkwave moodiness that feels tailor‑made for festival sunsets; their blend of post‑punk basslines and cinematic synths creates a world that’s brooding, stylish, and surprisingly danceable. They’re the perfect act to catch if you want something atmospheric without losing momentum. Fun fact: their earliest demos were recorded in a storage unit they converted into a makeshift studio.

Snail Mail

Lindsey Jordan’s Snail Mail project has become a cornerstone of modern indie rock; her songwriting is sharp, emotional, and delivered with a guitar tone that cuts straight through a crowd. Live, her sets feel cathartic and communal, especially when the entire audience screams the chorus of “Pristine.” If you want a set that hits the heart as much as the ears, don’t miss her. Fun fact: Jordan was signed at 17 and later became an advocate for artist mental health.

Show Me the Body

Show Me the Body are one of the most intense live bands on the circuit; their fusion of hardcore, industrial noise, and banjo‑driven chaos creates a set that feels less like a performance and more like a confrontation. If you want to experience the raw, physical side of Kilby, this is the show that will open the pit and shake the ground. Fun fact: they run their own NYC community space called Corpus.

Beach Bunny

Beach Bunny’s indie‑pop is bright, catchy, and emotionally direct; their songs about heartbreak and self‑discovery have become generational anthems. Live, they’re pure serotonin, the kind of set where strangers end up dancing together and singing every word. If you want a feel‑good moment in your day, this is the one. Fun fact: “Prom Queen” went viral years after release thanks to TikTok edits.

Chanel Beads

Chanel Beads craft experimental pop that feels hazy and dreamlike, blending glitchy textures with soft, drifting melodies. Their live show is immersive and slightly surreal, making them a great palate cleanser between heavier or more chaotic acts. If you like artists who bend genre lines and build atmosphere, they’re a must‑see. Fun fact: their debut album was built almost entirely on a single vintage sampler.

Sports

Sports bring a smooth, synth‑soaked indie‑pop sound that feels nostalgic and breezy. Their live sets are groovy, warm, and perfect for dancing without thinking too hard. If you want a feel‑good, vibey moment in your day, this is the one to catch. Fun fact: the duo grew up together in a tiny Oklahoma town and started making music in a garage.

DAY 2 — Saturday, May 16

Cardinals

Cardinals are one of those rising indie‑rock bands that feel like they’re on the edge of something big; their sound blends jangly guitars with a warm, nostalgic haze that lands somewhere between classic college rock and modern dream‑pop. Live, they bring an earnestness that’s impossible not to root for, the kind of set where you walk away thinking you’ve just discovered your new favorite band. If you love catching artists right before they blow up, Cardinals are the move. Fun fact: the band originally formed as a recording project between two roommates.

Automatic

Automatic’s minimalist post‑punk is all about tension and groove; their bass‑driven sound and icy synths create a hypnotic atmosphere that feels both retro and futuristic. Onstage, they’re tight, cool, and effortlessly stylish, delivering sets that pull you into their world without ever raising the volume. They’re a perfect choice for anyone who loves art‑school punk or danceable darkness. Fun fact: the trio bonded over their shared love of early LA punk and vintage drum machines.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are indie‑sleaze royalty; their self‑released debut became a blog‑era phenomenon and helped define the sound of mid‑2000s indie rock. Live, Alec Ounsworth’s unmistakable voice still cuts through with the same urgency, and their sets are a reminder of how many bands they quietly influenced. If you want a dose of nostalgia that still feels alive, this is a must‑see. Fun fact: David Byrne was an early fan and champion of the band.

DEHD

DEHD’s music is all heart; their blend of surf‑rock guitars, reverb‑soaked vocals, and raw emotional delivery makes them one of the most compelling indie bands touring right now. Their live shows are joyful and cathartic, full of big feelings and bigger hooks. If you want a set that feels like dancing through heartbreak with your best friends, DEHD will deliver. Fun fact: the band’s core members were once a couple and continued making music together after breaking up.

The Last Dinner Party

The Last Dinner Party have skyrocketed from buzzy newcomers to full‑blown art‑rock sensations; their theatrical performances, ornate styling, and dramatic songwriting make every show feel like a decadent ritual. They bring a sense of spectacle that stands out at any festival, and their vocals alone are worth the crowd. If you want a set that feels cinematic and larger than life, don’t miss them. Fun fact: their earliest shows were themed parties where the audience dressed in period clothing.

Alex G

Alex G is the definition of a cult favorite; his lo‑fi, genre‑shifting catalog has earned him a fiercely loyal following and a reputation as one of indie rock’s most inventive voices. Live, his sets are raw, loud, and full of unexpected left turns, often reworking songs into new shapes. If you love artists who refuse to be predictable, Alex G is your guy. Fun fact: he contributed heavily to the soundtrack of “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.”

DAY 3 — Sunday, May 17

Glom

Glom bring a warm, melodic indie‑rock sound that feels tailor‑made for a sunny festival afternoon; their music blends shimmering guitars with a nostalgic, slightly psychedelic edge. Live, they’re earnest and inviting, the kind of band that wins over anyone wandering by. If you love discovering under‑the‑radar acts who deliver big emotional payoff, Glom are worth planting yourself for. Fun fact: the band started as a remote recording project between friends trading files across state lines.

Smerz

Smerz create experimental electronic pop that’s icy, hypnotic, and deeply atmospheric; their sound sits somewhere between club minimalism and avant‑pop. Onstage, they build tension with sparse beats, whispered vocals, and a sense of intimacy that feels almost voyeuristic. If you want a set that breaks from traditional festival energy and pulls you into something darker and more cerebral, Smerz are a must. Fun fact: they originally met while studying mathematics.

Tops

Tops are masters of soft‑focus indie pop; their music is breezy, romantic, and anchored by Jane Penny’s effortlessly cool vocals. Live, they deliver a smooth, polished set that feels like driving with the windows down at golden hour. If you want a moment of calm and charm in your day, Tops are the perfect stop. Fun fact: they record much of their music in a shared house they’ve lived in for years.

Grandaddy

Grandaddy are indie‑rock veterans whose blend of analog synths, fuzzy guitars, and bittersweet storytelling has influenced countless bands. Their live shows carry a gentle nostalgia; they’re reflective without being heavy, melodic without being flashy. If you want to see a band whose legacy quietly shaped the indie landscape, Grandaddy’s set will be a highlight. Fun fact: frontman Jason Lytle is an avid skateboarder and often writes music outdoors.

Flipturn

Flipturn have become festival favorites thanks to their energetic indie‑rock sound and charismatic stage presence; their songs are catchy, emotional, and built for big crowds. Live, they bring a youthful intensity that makes every chorus feel like a release. If you want a feel‑good, high‑energy set that keeps the day moving, Flipturn are a great pick. Fun fact: the band formed in high school and played their first shows at local surf shops.

American Football

American Football are emo legends; their intricate guitar work, math‑rock rhythms, and introspective lyrics have made them one of the most beloved cult bands of the last two decades. Seeing them live is a rare, almost meditative experience; their songs unfold slowly, beautifully, and with a quiet emotional weight. If you want a set that hits you right in the nostalgia, this is essential. Fun fact: their iconic house‑front album cover became a real‑world pilgrimage site.

Magdalena Bay

Magdalena Bay bring futuristic pop maximalism with a DIY heart; their music is glossy, playful, and packed with hooks, while their live shows feel like stepping into a neon‑lit dream. They’re one of the most exciting pop acts touring right now, and their sets are pure fun from start to finish. If you want a dance‑heavy, visually immersive experience, this is the one. Fun fact: they started making music together after bonding over 80s pop and YouTube tutorials.

Wild Nothing

Wild Nothing’s dreamy indie‑pop has been a staple of the genre for over a decade; their lush guitars and nostalgic synths create a sound that feels like a warm memory. Live, they’re smooth and immersive, perfect for drifting into the last stretch of the festival. If you love shoegaze‑adjacent, atmospheric sets, this is your moment. Fun fact: the debut Wild Nothing album was recorded almost entirely in Jack Tatum’s college dorm room.

Blood Orange

Blood Orange blends R&B, indie, and experimental pop into something deeply emotional and sonically rich; his live shows are fluid and expressive, often incorporating improvisation and extended arrangements. If you want a set that feels like art in motion, Blood Orange will deliver one of the most captivating performances of the weekend. Fun fact: Dev Hynes has written for artists ranging from Solange to Carly Rae Jepsen.

Photos: Roho Photos