Kilby Block Party ‘26 was one for the books. One of the most incredible lineups yet was paired with blazing heat to start and an epic rain storm (in true KBP fashion) to close things out, making for an unforgettable weekend of live music.
Now in its 7th year, KBP has come a long way from being a literal block party thrown in 2019 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the city’s longest-running all-ages venue. What started as a local community celebration has grown into the largest multi-day indie festival Salt Lake City has ever seen.
This year’s fest was packed with firsts. Pattie Gonia brought an environmental and political activism drag show that attracted a record-breaking crowd of over 5,500 people. The xx played one of their first shows together since their 8-year hiatus. Hayley Williams took the stage for her first-ever solo festival set, and Lorde made her long-awaited Utah debut. With a lineup of over 70 artists across four stages, those were only a few of the highlights.
FRIDAY
Snail Mail helped kick off the festival on Friday afternoon, with Lindsey Jordan delivering impeccable vocals and a feel-good set that fans were eager to sing along to. She mentioned it was her first time at the festival and played her hits alongside several tracks from her newly released album Ricochet. Despite a few early technical difficulties, Snail Mail powered through a great set, setting the tone for an amazing day of music.
Father John Misty, the stage name of musician Joshua Tillman, followed on the Lake Stage. Arriving with his band in tailored suits and shades, Tillman immediately commanded the crowd with his captivating presence, groovy dance moves, and effortless vocals. He mentioned how hot and bright it was and joked that he could see everyone’s pores.
“Well, I love you. Thank you guys so much,” he said as he expressed his appreciation to the crowd and joked that the altitude was what was making him feel so lovey. Set highlights included “Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)” featuring a phenomenal saxophone solo, and a closing “I Love You, Honeybear” that was as dramatic as ever.
Pattie Gonia, drag queen and activist, brought a total vibe change to the Mountain Stage, taking the stage in full glam and a gown made from a camping tent — the crowd immediately erupted into cheers.
Joined by local queen Sequoia, the two delivered passionate speeches about the current political and environmental state of the world, incorporating dance numbers to epic remixes and outfit changes that drove the crowd of over 5,500 people absolutely wild. The cherry on top was when Pattie referred to Kilby Block Party as “the most bisexual music fest,” to which everyone cheered in agreement.
Modest Mouse drew one of the largest crowds of the night, and the nostalgic sounds of their hits paired with the setting sun felt like a scene straight out of a coming-of-age indie film.
They kicked off their set with “Doin’ the Cockroach,” and the fans at the barricade were headbanging from the first beats. The energy between the band and the crowd was amazing, and it only escalated during hits like “Dashboard” and the iconic “Float On.”
Turnstile’s set can be described in one word: epic. After the sun set, the KBP crowd was buzzing as the stage lights dimmed. The band emerged, backlit in hazy blue light as the opening notes of “NEVER ENOUGH” blasted overhead, setting off the crowd that moshed and crowd surfed for the entirety of the set.
Their iconic graphics of multi-colored panels shone behind the band as they played and thrashed around the stage. Crowd favorites included “I CARE” and “HOLIDAY.” Frontman Brendan Yates called the energy of the fans “immaculate,” followed by saying, “This has been perfect, thank you… We love you, thank you for being here!” Turnstile ended the set with “BIRDS,” including a legendary drum solo from Daniel Fang and a final urge for the crowd to jump.
SATURDAY
Local favorite The Kilans took the Desert Stage early Saturday to eager fans lining the barricade, cheering even during soundcheck. Singer Jackson Ongman kept the energy high throughout, and the set included fan favorites like “Haunt Me” and “Colonel,” the debut of a new song “Cherry Please,” and an exciting October album announcement, which the crowd was stoked about. They closed with “Why Is It Light Out?,” with fans singing every word.
Between Friends was a definite highlight of the weekend. The sibling duo, composed of Brandon and Savannah Hudson, took the stage exuding pure coolness — Brandon in shades and a fringe leather jacket, and Savannah in a sultry one-piece with colorful feathers. The set began with “You & Me Time,” moving through obligatory hits like “JAM !,” “affection,” and “Bruise,” all to which the crowd nodded to the beat and screamed the lyrics back.
The Last Dinner Party delivered a set that was nothing short of magical. Their name truly encapsulates their unique sound and aesthetic, and you can’t help but be drawn in. Lead singer Abigail Morris was all smiles, twirling around the stage and performing captivating vocals. “How are you doing, Salt Lake City? It’s good to be back!” Morris said.
The band played hits “Caesar on a TV Screen,” “The Feminine Urge,” and “Nothing Matters,” along with “Big Dog” which was played live for the first time since its release about a week ago. Morris dedicated crowd favorite “Sinner” to “the gays and the theys,” and closed with “This is the Killer Speaking.” Morris then recognized the interpreters and thanked the crowd.
Later in the evening, Lucy Dacus made her long-awaited return to Salt Lake for her first solo show here in nearly five years. Emotional fans cheered the instant she stepped foot on stage, opening with “First Time,” then “Hot & Heavy” and “Ankles” before bringing out The xx’s Romy Croft for a rendition of “Bullseye.”
She moved through newer and older tracks from her discography, walking through the crowd for “Forever Is A Feeling” and closing the performance with fan favorite “Night Shift.”
The xx were one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend, and their first show back in 8 years did not disappoint. The chemistry between Romy, Oliver, and Jamie was undeniable from the first track, “Crystalised.”
They complimented the mountains, and then looked out at the crowd in awe smiling. Oliver reflected on the hiatus, “I’ve missed [performing together] so much,” then gave a shoutout to a longtime fan at the barricade. The rest of the set consisted of favorites like “Islands,” “Angels,” and “On Hold,” along with solo work from each of the members, and the night ended with an extended, euphoric version of “Intro.”
SUNDAY
There are few things in life with better vibes than a flipturn set, and even rain couldn’t dampen the energy as fans showed up with clever signs ready to sing. They began their set with “Inner Wave,” followed by “Sad Disco” and “Chicago.” Bassist Madeline Jarman greeted the crowd and mentioned that the band had been looking forward to the festival for a while, thanking everyone for coming out before transitioning into “Swim Between Trees.”
Frontman Dillon Basse then said, “Alright Kilby, everyone having a good time so far?” which was followed by cheers and a “Hell yeah.” Basse dedicated “August” to the OG fans from their early Kilby Court days, complimented the local scene, and closed out with “Space Cowboy.”
And what’s better than a Magdalena Bay show? A Magdalena Bay show in the pouring rain (although, fans camping at the barricade might say otherwise). The alt-pop duo started their performance strong with “Image,” “Secrets (Your Fire),” and “Death & Romance.”
Vocalist Mica Tenenbaum sang, skipped, and danced effortlessly against psychedelic visuals. “Thank you guys for sticking it out in the cold!…We have one last song for you and it’s called the ‘Beginning,’” she said, screaming into the first note of the final track.
Hayley Williams fans are as loyal as they come. Many had been camped out in the downpour since the early morning, and she rewarded them with a 14-song set from Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party, emerging dressed for the weather in a fur-lined hoodie, red balaclava, and camo print pants.
The set opened with “Mirtzapine,” Hayley pausing partway through for a crowd emergency, saying, “Are you okay?…Give us a second and then we’ll get back to rockin’. Also, hey. Might as well say it now… Baby’s first festival!” She smiled at the crowd making a finger heart. Later, she spoke about the importance of making shows more accessible, Williams once again using her platform for good. She ended her set on a high with “Parachute.”
Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes took the stage on the opposite side of the grounds as the rain began to slow. Hynes opened with a cover of the Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now?” before moving through “Best To You,” “You’re Not Good Enough,” and “Champagne Coast,” among others. Mid-set, Hynes looked out at the crowd in admiration, saying, “Wow this is amazing. Thank you.”
Then came the moment the entire weekend had been building to: Lorde took the stage as the rain picked up again to a crowd that felt electric with a sense of disbelief. “This is my first show in Salt Lake City, and I’m so excited to be here!” she exclaimed, looking out at the crowd. “How are we feeling? You’re dancing a lot for people who are soaked to the bone…My toes are blocks of ice,” she joked, acknowledging the shift in weather.
Her set consisted of “13 years of songs,” pulling from Virgin, along with classics like “Perfect Places,” “Supercut,” and “The Louvre” that had everyone singing along together in a way that felt cathartic. She talked about what a privilege it was to play in Utah: “I always heard good things about you guys. I heard that you really like good music, and I feel that to be true tonight. I also feel like this is the absolute coolest festival ever,” she said, complimenting the other artists on the lineup. “[When] we let ourselves be torn apart by the art that we love, and then we let it rebuild us, that means something.” She followed with “Liability” and “Green Light,” then moved down into the crowd for “David.” She thanked the crowd again before introducing her “oldest and most precious song,” ending the euphoric night with “Ribs” in the pouring rain.
KBP ’26 proved once again why this festival is something truly special, and it set the bar high. Kilby had it all: three days, 70 plus artists, extreme weather, and memories that will last long after the wristbands come off. Next year is going to have a lot to live up to, and we can’t wait to see them try. See you in ’27!
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