Written by: Kai Eldridge, Music Discovery Editor, OnesToWatch
Key Takeaways
- Kilby Block Party 2026 runs May 15-17 at Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City, with more than 70 artists across four stages.
- Headliners include Lorde, The xx, Turnstile, and Hayley Williams, with gates opening daily at 11:30 a.m. and sets running until 10:30 p.m.
- Emerging acts such as The Moss, Ritt Momney, NewDad, Feeble Little Horse, and Jane Remover highlight Utah’s indie scene and national breakthrough potential.
- Tickets start at $249 for three-day passes with payment plans, and the festival offers accessibility features, free UTA transit, and a clear bag policy.
- Discover more rising stars with OnesToWatch’s guide to top artists for 2026.
Kilby Block Party 2026 Dates and Utah State Fairpark Venue
Kilby Block Party dates are May 15-17, 2026. The festival takes over four stages at Utah State Fairpark: Kilby, Lake, Desert, and Mountain, with performances running from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Located at 155 N 1000 W in Salt Lake City, the venue offers accessible parking with pre-purchased tickets and government-issued placards, plus free travel on all Utah Transit Authority outlets, including accessible vehicles and Paratransit services. The festival follows a rain-or-shine policy, and water refill stations are available inside the grounds to keep attendees hydrated.
Kilby Block Party Lineup 2026: Headliners and Breakthrough Acts
The 2026 lineup features more than 70 artists across indie, alternative, and experimental scenes. Headliners include Lorde making her first Utah performance and Hayley Williams appearing solo in the state for the first time. The festival also highlights several emerging acts that reflect OnesToWatch’s focus on authentic artistry and strong live potential. The following schedule snapshot shows how headliners anchor each night while key discovery acts land in high-visibility afternoon and early evening slots:
| Stage/Day | Fri May 15 | Sat May 16 | Sun May 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilby | Turnstile (9-10:15pm) | The xx (9-10:15pm) | Lorde (9-10:30pm) |
| Lake | Modest Mouse (7:55-8:55pm) | Alex G (7:55-8:55pm) | Blood Orange (7:55-8:55pm) |
| Mountain | Kevin Morby (4:50-5:40pm) | The Moss (6:55-7:55pm) | American Football (4:50-5:40pm) |
| Desert | Father John Misty (5:45-6:45pm) | Caroline (5:45-6:45pm) | Magdalena Bay (5:45-6:45pm) |
Key emerging artists include The Moss, a Salt Lake City band building significant local momentum alongside fellow Utah acts Ritt Momney and Dad Bod, both Utah-based artists representing the state’s growing indie scene. Beyond local talent, the festival also spotlights national discovery acts. NewDad brings raw live energy that mirrors the trajectory of recent breakthrough artists. Feeble Little Horse and Jane Remover add counter-trending sounds that match OnesToWatch’s focus on unconventional, boundary-pushing talent. Folk Bitch Trio offers a compelling narrative arc similar to artists who have moved from OnesToWatch features to festival headlining slots.
Kilby Block Party Schedule and Set Times for 2026
With more than 70 artists across four stages, planning your route helps you catch both headliners and new discoveries. The official schedule features set times with performances generally lasting one hour. Friday highlights include Japanese Breakfast on Kilby Stage from 6:50-7:50 p.m., followed by Turnstile’s 9:00-10:15 p.m. closing set. Saturday showcases The Last Dinner Party on Lake Stage from 5:45-6:45 p.m. and The xx headlining Kilby Stage from 9:00-10:15 p.m. Sunday closes with Lorde’s extended 9:00-10:30 p.m. performance on Kilby Stage. The following breakdown highlights how each day balances early discovery sets with evening anchors so you can map out multi-stage runs:
| Time | Friday May 15 | Saturday May 16 | Sunday May 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15-12:40 | Gelli Haha (Kilby) | Cardinals (Kilby) | Folk Bitch Trio (Kilby) |
| 1:30-2:00 | NewDad (Kilby) | Feeble Little Horse (Kilby) | Hannah Cohen (Kilby) |
| 3:00-3:50 | Ritt Momney (Kilby) | Jane Remover (Mountain) | TOPS (Mountain) |
| 6:50-7:50 | Japanese Breakfast (Kilby) | The Moss (Mountain) | Hayley Williams (Kilby) |
| 9:00-10:15 | Turnstile (Kilby) | The xx (Kilby) | Lorde (Kilby) |
Strategic scheduling gives festival-goers time to catch emerging acts in prime afternoon slots before evening headliners. The full official schedule with all set times is available at kilbyblockparty.com/schedule.
Kilby Block Party Map 2026 and Onsite Logistics
The festival layout spans Utah State Fairpark with accessible pathways throughout the grounds for patrons with mobility disabilities, plus raised accessible viewing platforms at Kilby Stage and Lake Stage. Food vendors, merchandise booths, and an Access Center located across from the arch after entry cover most onsite needs, from information to support services. Transportation options include free UTA transit access and an accessible rideshare drop-off point at 155 N 1000 W directly in front of the Administration Building, which simplifies arrival and departure.
Tickets start at $249 for Tier 1 three-day passes, with payment plans available from $49 down. The festival follows a clear bag policy that permits bags no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ and hydration packs emptied of liquid, which speeds up entry and keeps security checks consistent.
Why Kilby Block Party Invests in Emerging Talent
Independent festivals like Kilby Block Party benefit from the global music festival market’s projected growth from $2.84 billion in 2025 to $8.73 billion by 2030 at a 25.20% CAGR. This expansion aligns with smaller, niche festivals gaining popularity by offering highly personalized experiences to devoted fan bases. Kilby Block Party’s focus on discovery fits this shift, rewarding fans who arrive early and explore beyond the main stage. The festival’s approach mirrors successful models like Reno’s OffBeat Music Festival, which has brought almost 500 discovery acts over ten years. OnesToWatch extends this pipeline from playlists to festival slots, giving emerging artists early support that can build momentum into long-term touring and headlining careers.
FAQ
When are the Kilby Block Party 2026 dates?
Kilby Block Party 2026 takes place May 15-17, 2026 at Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gates open daily at 11:30 a.m., with performances running until approximately 10:30 p.m.
Is the Kilby Block Party 2026 lineup confirmed?
Yes, the complete lineup featuring more than 70 artists has been announced. Headliners include Lorde, The xx, Turnstile, Hayley Williams, Modest Mouse, and Alex G. The bill also features emerging acts such as The Moss, Ritt Momney, NewDad, and Jane Remover.
Where can I buy Kilby Block Party 2026 tickets?
Official tickets start at $249 for three-day passes through kilbyblockparty.com, with payment plans available.
What stages will be at Kilby Block Party 2026?
The festival features four stages: Kilby Stage (main stage), Lake Stage, Desert Stage, and Mountain Stage. Each stage hosts different artists throughout the three-day event, and accessible viewing areas are available.
Are there accessibility accommodations at Kilby Block Party?
Yes, the festival provides accessible parking, free UTA transit access, accessible pathways throughout the grounds, raised viewing platforms at main stages, accessible restrooms, and an Access Center for information and services.
Conclusion
Kilby Block Party 2026 brings together established headliners and breakthrough talent, giving music fans three days of discovery in Salt Lake City. From Lorde’s Utah debut to emerging acts like The Moss and Jane Remover, the festival highlights the authentic artistry and live performance power shaping the next wave of music. As the indie festival landscape evolves, events like Kilby Block Party act as launchpads for artists moving from local scenes to national recognition.
Discover the full roster of emerging talent on OnesToWatch’s Top Artists To Watch in 2026.