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Kilby Block Party brings one of 2026’s biggest indie lineups to Salt Lake City this weekend. With Lorde headlining Sunday and Turnstile closing Friday, the three-day festival at Utah State Fairpark (May 15-17) features 70 artists across four stages. Music fans are descending on the event expecting 25,000 attendees per day.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Dates: May 15-17, 2026 at Utah State Fairpark, Salt Lake City
- Headliners: Lorde (Sunday), Turnstile (Friday), The xx (Saturday), Hayley Williams
- Total Artists: 70 acts spanning indie, pop, hardcore, and alternative genres
- Festival Size: 25,000 expected attendees per day, now in its 7th year
Why This Year’s Lineup Breaks Records
Kilby Block Party 2026 hosts one of the strongest festival lineups ever assembled in Utah. The inclusion of Lorde marks her first major performance in the state, while Hayley Williams appears as a solo artist for the first time in Utah. Multiple critics called this “the best festival lineup of 2026.”
The three-day event balances Grammy-nominated acts with emerging indie talent, creating appeal across demographics. Modest Mouse, Alex G, and Blood Orange join local heroes The Moss and Ritt Momney in delivering diverse musical experiences.
Kilby Block Party brings Lorde, Turnstile to Salt Lake City this weekend
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Friday’s Explosive Opening Act
Friday, May 15 sets the tone with Turnstile headlining at 9:00-10:15 p.m. on the Kilby Stage. The Baltimore hardcore innovators bring high-energy performances that demand attention. Modest Mouse takes the Lake Stage from 7:55-8:55 p.m., while Japanese Breakfast performs 6:50-7:50 p.m.
Gates open daily at 11:30 a.m. with performances running continuously until approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday’s schedule allows early arrival without missing major acts. The festival spans four stages positioned throughout Utah State Fairpark.
Festival Schedule and Must-See Times
| Day | Timeframe | Headliner | Notable Acts |
| Friday, 5/15 | 11:30am-10:30pm | Turnstile 9-10:15pm | Modest Mouse, Japanese Breakfast |
| Saturday, 5/16 | 11:30am-10:30pm | The xx 9-10:15pm | The Last Dinner Party, The Moss |
| Sunday, 5/17 | 11:30am-10:30pm | Lorde 9-10:30pm | Hayley Williams, Blood Orange |
“One TikToker called it the best festival lineup of 2026. The weekend-long event will run May 15-17 at the Utah State Fairpark.”
According to Deseret News, entertainment coverage
Practical Information for Attendees
Kilby Block Party 2026 expects approximately 25,000 attendees per day. Parking passes are available for purchase at Utah State Fairground lots, though minimal street parking exists. Officials encourage public transportation and rideshare services to reduce congestion.
Ticket prices start at $99 for single-day admission (Tier 1 pricing). Three-day passes and individual day tickets remain available through 24tix.com. A full prohibited items list and bag policy details are posted on kilbyblockparty.com. Staff will manage crowd flow across four stages.
What Makes Kilby Block Party the Festival Everyone’s Talking About?
Now in its seventh year, Kilby Block Party has earned the title of Utah’s largest indie music festival. The festival originated in 2019 to commemorate Kilby Court’s 20th anniversary as a venue for emerging artists. This year’s expansion adds four performance stages, accommodating 70 international and local acts simultaneously.
The inclusion of Lorde’s first Utah performance plus Hayley Williams’ solo debut in the state signals the festival’s rising prestige. Weekend passes and after-parties create extended experiences beyond the fairpark grounds. Will this year break attendance records set in 2025?
Sources
- Deseret News – Kilby Block Party 2026 final lineup and schedule announcement
- Kilby Block Party Official – Festival dates, ticketing, and artist information
- 24tix – Ticket sales and pricing details
