Live music preview: Six bands to see at Kilby Block Party 2026

Utah’s most exciting music festival, Kilby Block Party is entering its seventh year in 2026 with its most ambitious lineup to date. The fest runs May 15-17 at Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City.  It feels like this unassuming fest which began on a closed-off road behind Kilby Court, the beloved DIY venue it’s named for has become something else entirely with a lineup featuring a pop star (Lorde), a rocker turned pop star (Hayley Williams) and a melodic hardcore act (Turnstile) which shows just how far this independent music fest has come in a relatively short time. Rather than focus on the obvious headlining sets to profile, we’ve selected six bands to recommend fans see at KBP 2026. Before we dive in, folks should know some ticket options are already sold-out or nearing sold-out. If you’re considering attending, grab tickets here.

Friday, May 15

Gelli Haha – Kilby Stage – 12:15 p.m.

Cosmic Clash photographer, Chris Alvarez is emphatic that you have to see Gelli Haha, the Los Angeles-based experimental pop performer from Boise, Idaho born Angel Abaya. Abaya performed under her given name until following her debut album’s release, she rebranded as Gelli Haha claiming she felt unwelcome in her life. The new character she adopted represents her inner child who lives in the “Gelliverse.” Adopting a color scheme of red costumes and backup dancers dubbed, “Gelli Company” and set out to crystalize her new vision of the project with the help of longtime collaborator, Sean Guerin (De Lux). If that doesn’t pique your curiosity, we’re not sure what will.

Die Spitz – Desert Stage – 2:10 p.m.

Austin’s red hot, hardcore punks that are taking America by storm began their story only four short years ago. The meteoric rise of this all-female foursome has been something to behold for Austin music fans. Back near the beginning, Die Spitz played a month-long residency inside East Austin hipster venue Hotel Vegas. TCC had begun working with Zak Peters of Play to the Plants who would not shut up about this new band he’d seen. So we went. We were fans two songs in after hearing both an original and a cover of Mudhoney that not so subtly informed the audience of their 90s Grunge Era leanings. After tours with Amyl and the Sniffers and a deal with Jack White’s Third Man Records, the sky is the limit for these authentically Austin gals. Lock in and thank us later.

Saturday, May 16

Automatic – Desert Stage – 2:10 p.m.

One of the bands TCC was thrilled to see included on the Kilby Block Party lineup is this band. The Los Angeles trio, Automatic has a lot in common with Die Spitz. The all-girl post-punk outfit is named for a Go-Go’s song. Similar to many young Austin artists, one member has a parent who is a musician (Lola Dompé is the daughter of Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins). Dompé has been playing in bands since she was 13.

When TCC co-hosted the smaller APF stage at Far Out two years ago, the L.A. threesome performed there about mid-afternoon and there wasn’t any extra space in front of that stage as fans clamored for a good vantage point to catch their exciting, energy packed performance. It’s also been that long since we’ve gotten to see Automatic perform. We’re pumped to be reunited at KPB next weekend.

Ben Kweller – Desert Stage -3:55 p.m.

Though we primarily want to rock out, we couldn’t resist including Austin area musician Ben Kweller in our preview. Besides being an incredibly talented songwriter, Kweller put out a critically lauded album, Cover the Mirrors last year partially as a tribute to his 16 year-old son Dorian who tragically died in an automobile accident. It’s true that the adversity we survive only makes us stronger which means Kweller has grown more formidable as an artist which is a neat trick for someone who’s endured the unthinkable, surviving your children. The dichotomy for some might be the joy with which Kweller performs. It’s the best and most Austin thing about him.

Sunday, May 17

This is Lorelei – Mountain Stage – 1:30 p.m.

By now (if you’ve made it this far) you’re wondering how early fans should arrive at the Utah State Fairpark. The answer is as early as possible. With only four stages and a relatively small footprint compared to large format fests the living is easy at Kilby Block Party. There’s plenty of grassy lawns to chill out on, silent disco in the A//C, a new, larger merch tent and a row of pretty darn good trailer food even if it’s a bit expensive. Isn’t everything these days?

What fans should do if they’re on the grounds early on Sunday (yes, we know that might be a heavy lift) is post up at the Mountain Stage for This is Lorelei. The New York based moniker is the project of Nate Amos who is better known for his indie pop act, Water From Your Eyes. Amos’ solo project is equally compelling as SXSW fans found when both acts played the Marshall Amps party at Mohawk last month. This dude is the real deal and he’s young and talented. The kids are gonna be alright.

Grandaddy – Lake Stage – 3:15 p.m.

Music festivals are for music discovery if you’re doing it right. Yeah, we KNOW you bought tix because you had to see Turnstile on Friday but don’t miss the forest for the trees. This festival is exceptionally well curated. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss a great performance.

Case in point, a group of musicians’, musicians, space rockers, Grandaddy from California are joining the Block Party on Sunday at the Lake Stage. From musician and TCC friend Greg Stovall: “If you’re attending the fest to hear pure, authentic rock with vintage synthesizers, they’re the real deal. If you’re attending the fest for a flashy performance, skip it.”

Find the full schedule and map at the KBP website. See you out at the Fairpark.

Featured photo by Christopher Alvarez