The Noise Pop Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of independent music, just announced the initial lineup for its 2026 event.
Taking place from Feb. 19 through March 1 of next year, the event comes with a stacked bill — the first phase of which was announced today. Per usual, it features both veteran and up-and-coming artists, with headliners that include Chicago-based rock band Tortoise, Oakland fusion-electronic group Beats Antique, and California hip-hop group Clipping featuring Bay Area rapper/actor/producer Daveed Diggs.
But this year, there’s something new — an opportunity for more local artists to get their shine on. Noise Pop organizers are inviting Bay Area musicians to submit their work for a chance to play at a venue during the festival.
Noise Pop promoters have also teamed up with Seattle-based radio station KEXP, which expanded into the Bay Area in 2024, for a special competition in which the winning artist records a Live on KEXP performance. In addition, that musician will get the chance to rock the crowd at a live show — venue to be determined — presented by KEXP’s Bay Area program, Vinelands.
Since Noise Pop’s start in 1993 as a one-night show where a handful of groups played The Independent (known then as The Kennel Club), the festival has centered indie musicians who do it for the love of the art. While the company has grown — and so has the festival — that spirit remains.
