Wilco to Host Sky Blue Sky Festival in Riviera Maya

Wilco has announced the return of their beloved destination music festival, Sky Blue Sky, marking its first occurrence since 2023. The five-day event is scheduled for January 15-19, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This festival promises a mix of performances, relaxation, and community, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

Festival Highlights and Lineup

Jeff Tweedy, the lead singer of Wilco, is set to perform three times during the festival, alongside a diverse lineup that includes Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman & the Wind, Cameron Winter, and many others. The complete list of artists and festival details can be found on the Sky Blue Sky website.

In his press statement, Tweedy expressed his enthusiasm for the festival: “Every time we are asked to help curate one of these festivals it feels like a dream opportunity to gather up our families, invite some friends, old and new, and sing some songs by the sea.” He further added a lighthearted note, hinting at the excitement of attending, “Want to join us? We hope you can. We’d love to see you. You might even see one of us in shorts.”

Previous Events and Recent Releases

The previous iteration of Sky Blue Sky in 2023 featured performances from notable artists such as Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams, and Cate Le Bon. During that festival, Wilco also unveiled their latest studio album, Cousin, produced by Cate Le Bon. Since then, the band has released the EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud and reissued their acclaimed 2004 album, A Ghost Is Born. Currently, Wilco is on a European tour and will return to North America for a series of concerts in August.

Upcoming Festival Lineup

The lineup for the 2026 festival showcases a diverse array of talent, including:

• The Autumn Defense
• Cameron Winter
• Case Oats
• Dr. Dog
• How Long Gone (Live Podcast)
• Hurray for the Riff Raff
• The Jayhawks
• Jeff Tweedy
• Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy & Friends Play R.E.M.
• MJ Lenderman & the Wind
• Valerie June
• Waxahatchee
• Wilco
• Yo La Tengo

This varied selection aims to capture a wide audience, offering something for fans of different musical styles.

Conclusion and Significance

The return of Sky Blue Sky not only highlights Wilco’s continued presence in the music festival landscape but also emphasizes the band’s strong connection with their community and fans. As live performances become increasingly integral to artists’ revenue streams post-pandemic, events like these serve as vital platforms for connection, creativity, and shared experience among music lovers. The picturesque setting in Mexico adds an alluring element, providing fans with a unique opportunity to enjoy both the performances and the tropical environment.

As anticipation builds for the festival, it’s clear that Sky Blue Sky has the potential to create lasting memories and foster a sense of community among attendees.