The Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival took over Austin’s Auditorium Shores on March 13 and 14, 2026, with the iconic city skyline framing every performance. The weekend ditched the usual festival chaos for a massive, sun-drenched backyard party vibe. It’s easily one of the city’s most well-run productions, striking a perfect balance between high-energy sets and a spacious layout that kept the thousands in attendance comfortable.
You could feel the buzz building way before the music even started. Every morning, a dedicated crew of early birds crowded the gates, waiting for the drop to sprint for the front-row barricades at both stages. Even if you weren’t running, the people-watching was top-tier. The park turned into one big fashion show, with people showing off coordinated outfits and unique accessories that made the whole place feel like a live festival lookbook.
The best part? There was a ton to do even while the music was going. The grounds were packed with stuff like the Peace Tea activation, where you could customize fanny packs, and a Cinemark pop-up that was a total lifesaver. It was a full mini-movie theater that played trailers with A/C and free popcorn. They also had a glambot-style boomerang spot where you could throw popcorn in slow motion, which was all over everyone’s feed by Saturday.
Coca-Cola went all out, too. The Soda Shoppe was the place to be if you wanted to try the new Cherry Float flavor, and the Chant Hero dome let you record a video leading a massive virtual stadium crowd. I was also really impressed by the Recycle and Refresh program. The park stayed surprisingly clean because you could trade in empty cans and bottles for credits toward exclusive festival swag like a bandana, sunglasses, and a water bottle. It’s rare to find a festival that actually makes it rewarding to keep the place looking good.
The whole festival is so welcoming. It’s a true all-ages event, and you saw it everywhere: babies in noise-canceling headphones, kids at the booths, and fans over 50 all just enjoying the day. It felt like a community hangout where nobody was out of place. Throw in a food lineup with everything from burgers to dumplings to ice cream. There is truly something for everyone to eat, and it only adds to that inclusive, local feel. If you’re looking for a festival that doesn’t leave you totally drained, this is the one to hit next year.
Moments from the Weekend
Day 1:
I made it to the park on Friday afternoon just as Aidan Bissett was taking the stage, and he immediately set the bar high. He was all over the place from the second he stepped out, sparking a massive singalong and leaning into the front row to sing directly with the fans. Later that afternoon, I caught Ravyn Lenae, who delivered a standout performance that really connected with the crowd. She took a moment to thank Sips & Sounds and Coca-Cola, reminding everyone to stay hydrated and keep dancing. Her voice is incredible: ethereal and soft, but still strong enough to command the entire park.
As the afternoon turned to evening, Between Friends brought a different vibe to the field. The sibling duo has an effortless chemistry that made the massive festival grounds feel as intimate as a house party. The atmosphere then shifted into a full-blown dance floor once Major Lazer Sound System took over. They led the audience through every track with heavy electronic drops that kept the energy at a peak.
The night rounded out with Grouplove, who put on a great show full of nostalgia. Every member of the band was jumping around with so much joy that it was impossible not to smile. To close out the first night, Christina Aguilera took the stage. She had a massive production and a whole troupe of dancers, but her voice was really the main event. It is still just as powerful as ever, and seeing her perform against the Austin skyline was a huge moment for the crowd.
Day 2:
Saturday started for me with Mallrat. Her set had this really laid-back electronic sound that felt like the right way to ease into the afternoon as the park started to fill up for the second day. Jade LeMac followed with a set focused on emotional honesty. It was a deeply personal moment of connection, especially for the fans in the front row who were singing every word back to her.
The afternoon continued with Stephen Sanchez, who brought a classic charm to the stage. His smooth vocals were a major highlight, especially when he surprised the Austin crowd with a country cover. Next up, The Runarounds delivered a raw set with plenty of grit. They showed they can really hold their own on a festival stage, with drums hitting so hard you could feel them in your chest all the way at the back of the grass. I spent some time with the band for an interview to talk about their transition to touring and their festival debut; the link to that conversation can be found here.
As the sun began to set, Foster the People took over for a set of indie essentials. Looking out at a sea of raised hands, the park felt completely unified as the band bridged the gap into the final acts. Flipturn then delivered one of the most anticipated performances of the weekend. Fans had been camped at the barricade all day for them, and the atmospheric rock sound felt expansive during the golden hour.
To wrap up the entire festival, Calvin Harris turned Auditorium Shores into a world-class nightclub. Instead of just a standard DJ set, it felt like a full sensory experience with pulsing lasers and bass that you could feel echoing off the downtown buildings. The drops were huge, and with the city lights in the background, it was a pretty epic finish to the weekend.
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