Your Queer Country Guide to SXSW 2026 (March 12 - 18, 2026)
Discover all that's new and amazing in queer country at this year's SXSW festival. It's not just about the who's who: it's also about the history-making new queer country label that's coming from OUTlaw Pride!
I've heard that SXSW is an overwhelming marathon of music that tests your endurance. Sounds nice – maybe one day I'll be cool enough to go. Until then, I'll be up here in NYC envying those of you who head down to one of the best music cities in the world to enjoy some of the most exciting music in the world. (And maybe don't buy a badge, given SXSW's unsavory associations and war profiteering – and don't get me started on the tech and politics side of the conference.)
But it's also another exciting opportunity to gather the queer country world (which includes folk, blues, Americana, country, and everything in between) and show everyone else everything we've got cooking.
Showcasing Artists
To my knowledge, here are all of the queer country artists performing at the festival (click on their names to check their official schedules:
- Angela Autumn (Very exciting! I wrote one of her first press bios!)
- Blair Davie
- Emily Frembgen (She just performed at Rainbow Rodeo on Saturday! You should go see her if you like it when you music eviscerates you!)
- Julie Nolen (See below for parties!)
- Marley Hale
- Olivia Ellen Lloyd (Also a Rainbow Rodeo Live alumna!)
- Paisley Fields
- Reilly Downes
- Whitney Mongé
Be sure to check the artists' social media and websites for additional parties like the ones listed below! (For example, I see Olivia and Paisley have very busy weeks!)
Parties
OUTlaw Pride, the first (and only) queer country festival and event production organization of its kind in Texas, announces a FREE Day Party celebrating the artists shaping the future of queer country music, while benefitting Stonewall Sports and the Transgender Education Network of Texas. Organizer Julie Nolen has been working her tail off to build up queer country community in Austin, and that work is paying off. OUTlaw Pride will be launching its very own queer country label – the first of its kind – at the party. Be there to help make history happen!
WHEN: Sunday, March 15, from 2 PM - 7 PM
WHERE: Dainty Dillo 3201 E Cesar Chavez St.
COST: FREE
RSVP: https://posh.vip/e/outlaw-pride-sxsw
Neon Rainbows is the oldest queer country community in Texas, featuring music, two-stepping, and linedancing. This lineup is fucking killer and you better go since I can't. We're big fans of She Returns From War, Paisley Fields, Reilly Downes, Wiley Gaby, and Jack Boaz!
WHEN: Monday, March 16th, 6 - 11 PM
WHERE: Sagebrush, 5500 S Congress Ave
COST: Free with RSVP, 21+
