SXSW is wasting no time in turning its 40th anniversary into a statement year, adding hundreds of new artist to its Music Festival lineup.

Just weeks after rolling out an already sizable first wave for 2026, the festival has invited more than 300 additional showcasing artists to Austin, dramatically expanding the lineup for the March 12–18 Music Festival. With acts now coming from over 50 countries, SXSW continues to be a high-volume proving ground for new acts.

The new additions span scenes, sounds, and levels of buzz. Oslo-based Sassy 009 brings an immersive, ambient-pop approach that’s been gaining quiet traction in Europe. Chilean experimental artist Javiera Electra arrives with growing international chatter, while Manchester rocker TTSSFU is shaping up as one of the U.K.’s more promising exports. On the U.S. side, Atlanta rapper MARCO PLUS adds sharp-edged hip-hop to the mix, and songwriter Deloyd Elze continues to blur genre lines. Folk artist Hannah Cohen offers a more introspective lane, while Oscar Ortiz reflects the rising momentum behind Latin music’s cumbia norteña movement. London producer and online fixture DJ AG will test how internet fame translates to packed Austin rooms.

Major media showcases are also back in force. Rolling Stone’s Future of Music returns to ACL Live at the Moody Theater from March 12–14, with Lola Young, Fuerza Regida, and BigXthaPlug headlining. Notably, the showcase will be ticketed for the first time in 2026, with tickets on sale now via AXS. Billboard Presents THE STAGE will again take over Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park from March 13–15, led by Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P. Limited access will still be available for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, along with wristband holders, on a first-come basis.

Additional showcase presenters announced include Anniversary Group, Beer n Tacos, Big Loud, Fire Records, M for Montreal, PlantWave, and rocknite.

On the conference side, SXSW added new Music Conference sessions focused on brand partnerships, artist marketing strategies, and the mechanics of breaking artists across Africa’s fast-growing markets.

The full showcasing artist list continues to roll out, but one thing is already clear: SXSW 2026 is getting bigger, faster, and louder every day.