Kilby Block Party 2026 – Memories Made

It was our first time attending Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City and we left with the best impressions. This was the seventh annual run of the festival since its creation in 2019, and everything seemed to be working perfectly. We stayed about ten minutes away from the fairgrounds and even though we could have taken the tram, it was surprisingly cheap and easy to grab an Uber. We could not believe that we were getting rides from our hotel for about ten dollars going in and then around thirty on the way out.

Once we arrived, getting into the festival was effortless. There were no lines, no confusion, and plenty of volunteers who were available and willing to help with anything we needed. Inside, the layout was excellent. The four stages were spaced out perfectly with plenty of room to move around without ever feeling crammed. One of the best parts was the scheduling. Only two sets happened at the same time and even that never felt like a conflict because each set lasted an hour. If you wanted to catch both, you could easily watch the first half of one and then walk over to the other. It has been a long time since a festival made it that easy and it felt incredible not missing any sets we cared about.

The food choices were good, the community was warm, and the people were kind and helpful. Everyone seemed to be having a genuinely great time. The weather, which is obviously something the festival cannot control, gave us three completely different days that required three different outfits. Even so, it never bothered us. The final day, which was supposed to be the coldest, turned out to be just fine. There was a little rain during Magdalena Bay’s set and again toward the end of Lorde’s closing performance, but nothing unbearable that a poncho could not handle.

After attending many festivals over the years, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best and definitely one of the easiest. That is a hard thing for me to admit because Austin City Limits has been at the top of my list for many years, but Kilby might actually beat it in terms of ease. If you love great music, especially indie artists, and want a festival where you can see your favorites while also discovering new ones, this is an amazingly run event. The talent is top tier for a festival that hosts only thirty thousand people a day. It is not really a block party anymore, but it still has the feel of one and it still carries the ease of one. The city plans for it well and it is incredibly simple to get around.

Below are our favorite moments of the weekend and what stood out.

Lorde defies the storm and steals the festival

Lorde’s headlining set on Sunday night was the kind of moment that becomes festival lore. It was her first time ever performing in Salt Lake City, which was surprising given her long career and global reach. The crowd was buzzing before she even stepped onstage. The second she appeared, the sky opened and the rain began to fall. Instead of retreating or adjusting the show, she embraced it completely. She was drenched within minutes, yet she still removed her clothes for the part of the performance she always does.

Her setlist pulled from every era of her career. Songs from Pure Heroine felt nostalgic and warm, while tracks from Melodrama carried the emotional weight that made that album so beloved. Solar Power brought a lighter, breezier energy that contrasted with the storm around us. The rain made everything feel cinematic. It had been a long time since I had seen her live and it was clear how much she has grown. She has found her own style and her own way of moving through the world. She seems to be doing everything on her own terms and that confidence radiated through the entire performance.

The xx return after eight years

Seeing The xx again after nine years felt like witnessing a reunion between old friends. This was only their third city and sixth show since returning to the stage after their long break. They had just played Mexico City and Coachella, and somehow Kilby managed to secure them for one of their earliest comeback dates. The crowd knew how special this was. People were buzzing before the set even began.

The moment Romy, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx walked out, the energy shifted. Their chemistry remains untouched. Their sound is still as intimate and atmospheric as ever. Hearing “Islands” and “Intro” in a crowd this size at night was unforgettable. The new show and production blended beautifully with their familiar aura. Romy’s voice carried a softness that felt familiar, while Oliver’s deeper tone grounded everything.

Turnstile prove why they are “Never Enough”

Turnstile have been building a massive fan base over the last few years, and their live reputation is well earned. They have been on my list for a while as I keep hearing about their shows being electric. Catching them for the first time at Kilby was overwhelming in the best way. The crowd kept chanting “Turn it up!” and the energy never dipped. People were already running toward the stage before the first note.

Lead singer Brendan Yates commands the space with a presence that feels both freeing and communal. He moves constantly, creating a sense of motion that the entire crowd follows. People were singing every word, throwing their hands in the air, and letting go of whatever they needed to release. The band played with a tightness that comes from years of touring and refining their sound. I can see why this band has climbed so fast and why everyone is talking about them.

Hayley Williams plays her first solo festival performance

Hayley Williams has made her name through Paramore, but her solo career has become just as important. We were surprised to learn that this was her first festival as a solo performer, which made the set feel even more special. Williams has a charisma that is impossible to replicate. She is comfortable, fearless, and certain of herself. She does not care what you think and that confidence radiates through every movement.

Her set pulled from her solo work and most recent record Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party and her voice sounded incredible. She also threw in a fun homage to the film SLC Punk! from 1998. Seeing Matthew Lillard with his mohawk appear on the screen behind her was a perfect touch. Williams carried the stage with ease and reminded everyone why she remains one of the most captivating performers in music.

Lucy Dacus welcomes Romy for a golden hour duet

Lucy Dacus delivered a gorgeous set on her own, but the moment that took it to another level was when she pointed at the blue couch onstage and asked the crowd if they liked it. People screamed. She then welcomed a special guest, Romy of The xx. As the sun was going down and the golden hour light hit their faces, they sat together on the couch and performed “Bullseye” Dacus’ duet with Hozier. It was tender and intimate, and you could see the affection and camaraderie between them.

Dacus has always had a gift for creating emotional spaces in her performances. Her voice carries a warmth that feels grounding. Adding Romy into that world created a moment that felt rare and deeply personal. It was one of the most beautiful surprises of the weekend and a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be.

The Last Dinner Party captivate the Lake Stage

This was our first time seeing The Last Dinner Party after having them on our must-see list and they exceeded every expectation. Each member is an incredible musician and together they create a sound that feels theatrical and powerful. Their presence, their style, their voices, everything was worth the wait. They moved across the stage with confidence and flair, creating a performance that felt larger than life.

Their set pulled heavily from their debut album Prelude to Ecstasy, which has been gaining momentum since its release. The crowd responded with enthusiasm to every song. Their harmonies were tight, their instrumentation was rich, and their energy was contagious. They are a must see moving forward and one of the most exciting new bands in the scene.

Modest Mouse bring the nostalgia with “Float On”

It is always great catching Modest Mouse live. They remain one of the most consistent festival bands and “Float On” has become a staple. I love retelling the moments I have heard it at festivals, especially at Mad Cool in Madrid. Singing along with thousands of people never gets old.

Their set at Kilby was fun and familiar. Isaac Brock’s voice carried its familiar grit and the band moved through their catalog with ease. The crowd erupted when “Float On” began and the entire field became a chorus. It was a reminder of how powerful a single song can be in a festival setting.

Hayley Williams joins American Football’s set

Hayley Williams surprised the crowd by joining American Football for their collaboration “Uncomfortably Numb.” It was a beautiful moment as she hugged Mike Kinsella and supported the band by jumping onstage before her own set. The crowd was stunned and the emotion in the rodeo arena was palpable.

American Football’s set was already gorgeous, filled with their signature math rock guitars and introspective lyrics. Adding Williams created a moment that felt tender and unexpected. It was one of the most talked about surprises of the weekend.

Magdalena Bay dance through the rain

Magdalena Bay had the misfortune of playing in the rain, but their fans did not care. Earlier in the day we noticed people wearing makeup inspired by Mica Tenenbaum’s signature blue eye look. Their set was vibrant and full of energy. They played most of their album Imaginal Disk, and the crowd sang along to every song.

The rain added a surreal quality to the performance. The lights reflected off the water and created a shimmering effect around the stage. The band did not slow down for a second. They are an incredible live act, and we cannot wait to see them again when they open for Hayley Williams on September 30th at White River Amphitheatre.

Briston Maroney covers “Champagne Supernova”

Briston Maroney’s set at Kilby Block Party carried the kind of warmth and sincerity that has made him one of the most beloved young voices in indie rock. Over the last few years, he has built a steady and devoted following through his albums Sunflower and Ultrapure, both of which showcase his ability to blend emotional storytelling with a bright, guitar driven sound.

The most unexpected moment came when he launched into a cover of Oasis “Champagne Supernova.” The crowd erupted the second they recognized the opening chords. Everyone sang along, arms raised, voices blending into one giant chorus. Maroney smiled through the entire thing, clearly enjoying the reaction as much as we were. It was a perfect choice for the setting and became one of the standout memories of the weekend.

Between Friends bring high energy

Between Friends delivered one of the most energetic sets of the entire weekend. The sibling duo, Brandon and Savannah Hudson, have been steadily rising with their dreamy pop sound and their ability to turn any stage into a dance floor. Their music carries a youthful spark that blends bedroom pop with electronic textures, and hearing it live adds a rawness that makes everything feel more immediate. Savannah‘s confidence radiated across the crowd and set the tone for a performance that felt playful and bold.

Their chemistry onstage is undeniable. Brandon’s production and guitar work created a warm foundation for Savannah’s vocals, which carried a mix of sweetness and attitude that kept the crowd hooked. They moved through songs from their recent project Cutie with ease, and the audience responded with nonstop movement. Toward the end of the set Savannah jumped into the pit and the fans went wild. It was a moment that captured the spirit of the band perfectly.

Sports deliver a joyful and irresistible set

Sports brought a wave of warmth to Kilby Block Party with a set that felt like sunshine even when the weather shifted. The Oklahoma born duo, Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot, have built a loyal following through their smooth blend of indie pop, funk, and soft rock. I was bummed to miss them in Seattle last week since they were playing the same night as Florence and the Machine, so I was thrilled to finally catch them at Kilby.

Their stage presence is understated but magnetic, and the chemistry between the two musicians is clear in every moment. Sports have a way of making a large festival feel intimate, and their Kilby set was a perfect example of that. It was one of those performances that reminded you how good it feels to simply enjoy music without overthinking it.

Chanel Beads impress with a hypnotic performance

Chanel Beads were one of the most intriguing discoveries of the weekend. The project, led by Shane Lavers, blends experimental pop with ambient textures and a sense of emotional weight that feels both modern and timeless. Their recorded music is already captivating, but seeing it live added a new dimension. The set was hypnotic and immersive, pulling the crowd into a dreamlike space that felt suspended from the rest of the festival.

The band played with a precision that made every moment feel intentional. Lavers’ vocals floated over the layered instrumentals, creating a soundscape that felt cinematic. The crowd was fully engaged, many of them discovering the band for the first time. Chanel Beads have been gaining attention for their unique approach to songwriting and production, and their Kilby performance proved why.

Freak Slug blow the roof off the small stage

Freak Slug delivered one of the most explosive sets of the festival. The Manchester based project, led by singer and songwriter Yasmin Coe, has been gaining momentum with its blend of indie rock, grunge, and playful chaos. This was our first time catching them live and it will not be the last. The stage was packed with nowhere to move because everyone had heard the buzz and refused to miss their set. The energy was immediate and intense, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm from the first note.

The band played with a confidence that made it clear they are on the rise. Coe’s vocals carried a mix of grit and sweetness that cut through the noise, and the band behind her delivered a tight and powerful performance. It was one of the most exciting discoveries of the weekend and a reminder of how thrilling it is to see a band right as they are breaking through.

Alex G delivers an ethereal set

Alex G has been creating waves for a while but seeing him live at Kilby added a new layer to his mystique. Known for his genre bending approach and his ability to shift from tender folk to chaotic noise within a single album, Alex G has built a devoted following that spans many corners of the indie world. Catching him at the Lake Stage was ethereal and far more atmospheric than expected. His sound was layered and textured, and the set felt like stepping into another world.

Songs from his album God Save the Animals blended beautifully with older favorites, and his band played with a tightness that made every shift in tone feel seamless. Alex G is an artist who rewards close listening, and his Kilby performance captured that perfectly. It became clear why people are so devoted to his music.

Photos: @s.barkalakis, @lloyd_mongo, @ismaelquintanillaiii, @cass.ilyn, @rohofoto, @poonehghana ,@erictra