The Kilby Block Party is entering its seventh year in 2026, expanding its reach as Salt Lake City's largest indie music festival. The event, which celebrates the 27th anniversary of the iconic Kilby Court venue, expects to host approximately 25,000 attendees per day from around the world.
A Growing Musical Tradition
The festival's growth follows years of increasing scale for the independent music event. Originally founded in 2019 as a literal block party to celebrate Kilby Court, the festival has grown into a major regional attraction. Organizers aim to recreate the supportive, intimate atmosphere of the Kilby Court venue by bringing together the Salt Lake City music community and various artists.
Celebrating Kilby Court's 27th Year
The 2026 festivities coincide with a major milestone for the venue that inspired it. Kilby Court, established in 1999, has operated for 27 years as Salt Lake City's longest-running all-ages venue. The venue is known for its DIY, garage-style atmosphere designed to encourage close interaction between artists and the crowd, providing an intimacy similar to a backyard show.
A Stage for Emerging Talent
Kilby Court has served as a significant springboard for both emerging local talent and touring artists. Over the decades, the venue has hosted a diverse array of performers, including Death Cab for Cutie, Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, and The War on Drugs. Other notable artists to have performed at the venue include Rilo Kiley, Macklemore, and Mitski, among many others.
Community Support and Giving
The festival also maintains a focus on community support through charitable giving. A portion of all proceeds from the 2026 Kilby Block Party will be donated to several local non-profit organizations. Specifically, the festival has committed to supporting Equality Utah, Heal Utah, and Spy Hop.
Historical Festival Impact
Looking back at the festival's history, the 2023 iteration saw significant musical contributions. During the 2023 event, which took place from May 12 to May 14, 2023, at the Utah State Fairpark, dozens of artists performed for thousands of attendees. The three-day festival included performances from artists such as The Strokes, Pixies, Pavement, and The Backseat Lovers.
Past Performance Highlights
The 2023 lineup featured a wide range of musical genres across its three days of programming. On May 12, 2023, performances included sets by Sunhills, The Plastic Cherries, and Jean Dawson. The following day, May 13, 2023, saw artists like Alex G, Caroline Polachek, and Hippo Campus take the stage, while Run the Jewels and The Strokes performed on the final day of the scheduled programming.
City Event Management
The expansion of the festival's scale is supported by ongoing city permitting processes. For organizers and community members looking to host similar local gatherings, the City of Salt Lake City provides a formal application process for block party permits to manage event logistics within the city.
