Music events to check out this March

March is where the musical year really begins to get going.

Bands start to emerge from winter hibernation, and writing sessions turn into tour rehearsals. Industry announcements start shaping the next wave of big product releases, and the festivals begin to gather momentum across different continents. 

Here are some major events for guitar players and music fans this March. 

SXSW Festival - Austin, TX, USA

March 12-18th

SXSW (South by Southwest) remains one of the most important music discovery festivals in the world. What started as a regional showcase has become a global launchpad for emerging artists, genre crossovers and industry innovation.

For music lovers, SXSW is often where new movements quietly begin. Everything from Indie to alternative acts use the festival’s showcase format to reach new audiences and showcase new music. 

Events like SXSW are great for accelerating the evolution of new waves of bands, and helping new artists debut on the big stage. If you're lucky enough to attend one of the many shows happening, you may just be witnessing the next big band in their early stages.

Along with the best in up-and-coming talent, you can also find some big names on the bill, including All American Rejects and Gogol Bordello.

Even if you’re not attending in person, SXSW will have a huge digital presence to check out, with everything from showcase playlists, streamed live performance clips, and reviews of the shows.

MUSEXPO - Burbank, CA, USA

March 22-25th 

If you're looking to get into the business side of things, MUSEXPO is the international music industry conference that brings together everyone from labels, managers, publishers, sync agencies and artists to discuss the direction of the industry. 

Industry conferences like this are often a great place to learn about the inner workings of the music business, from in-style production techniques and formats to the latest requirements and trends shaping sync licensing.

If you work in the industry and you want to keep up to date with the behind the scenes goings on, this is the event for you!

Noise Maker Market - Birmingham, UK

29th March

Noise Maker Market is a guitar gear show that hosts the best UK independent effects pedals companies and boutique guitar builders over two floors of Birmingham's Centrala. At the show you can expect to try out the latest gear, meet the builders, watch live demos, and hang out with like-minded guitar gear lovers in one place.

Featuring a range of great boutique builders from Blanchflower Guitars to Brelliot Amps to Ritual Devices, this event is definitely one to check out for the pedal lovers out there.

UK Tours Happening in March 2026

If you prefer your music loud and your crowds big, fear not! Touring season is back in full swing and the UK is in for a treat over the month of March.

Here are some artists touring the UK this month:

• Alter Bridge
• Franz Ferdinand
• Lily Allen
• Michael Monroe/ Buckcherry
• Kesha
• Raye
• Sigrid

But beyond the big stage, don't forget to head down to your local grassroots venue and cheer on the new homegrown talent!

Image: Fat Dog at SXSW Festival. Credit: Vanessa-Velasquez