Courtesy of Noise Pop by Michelle Castillo
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Noise Pop is a popular annual music festival that spans two weeks and multiple venues across the city. In past years, major artists have performed at the festival, including St. Vincent, Ben Gibbard, The Flaming Lips, and more. The 2026 festival will be February 19 through March 1, and organizers recently released the first phase of the 2026 lineup.
Courtesy of Noise Pop, by Sarah Felke
Over 30 acts were announced for the 2026 festival, including Tortoise, Clipping., Vs Self, and Beats Antique. Shannon Shaw, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Devotchka are also scheduled to perform. Check out the full phase one lineup here:
Noise Pop Phase 1 lineup, Courtesy of Noise Pop
Noise Pop is more than a music festival; you can also expect art shows, happy hours, and after parties throughout the festival’s run. The festival was started in 1993 by local music promoter Noise Pop Industries, and has since become a treasured local tradition. Noise Pop takes place at popular venues across the city, including August Hall, SF Jazz, and, in past years, at the Academy of Sciences.
“Noise Pop has always been about discovery – of new sounds, new spaces, and new ideas,” said Kevin Arnold, Noise Pop Industries Founder. “Whether you’re seeing your favorite band in an intimate venue or stumbling upon your next obsession in a backroom club, that sense of shared magic is what keeps the Bay Area’s music scene alive.”
This year, the festival is collaborating with KEXP LIVE to offer an open call for artists to perform at the festival. The open call is only open to California artists to showcase local talent, and the selected artist will be invited to record a session for “Live on KEXP.”
You can learn more about Noise Pop and buy tickets here.