Mid-Week Intermission Staff Edition: The Drop-In 2026 Staff Picks

The Drop-In, a Levitt VIBE Series, 2026 lineup is here, and like every year, we’ve got some opinions! As a group of music nerds, culture connoisseurs, and frequent purveyors of Austin’s creative arts scene, our staff certainly had some things to say when we asked who they were excited to see on the H-E-B Stage this year.

Check out their picks from this stellar lineup (spoiler: we like them all).

P.S. – Check out our Drop-In 2026 playlist to build your own can’t miss, won’t miss list.

WE ASKED: The whole lineup is solid, but who are you most excited to Drop-In this summer?

THEY SAID:

Felt Out – Hannah from Marketing

Excited to have Felt Out back at the LC! I love their haunting, etherial sound – it all feels like a dream inside a memory

Como Las Movies – Dallas, Producer

Como Las Movies has been on my list of “hope-to-get” for The Drop-In for years. Retaining a unique and fun sound through a rotating cast of musicians over the years is not easy. They thread the needle of being distinctively cumbia and undeniably pop. Shake ya booty.

Fastball – Jordan from Box Office

No self-respecting child of the 90s would miss the chance to potentially hear ‘The Way’ live.

Bonnie Montgomery – Samuel from Marketing

I love storytelling and country music, which makes me even more excited to see Bonnie Montgomery on the lawn this summer!

Jackie Venson – Dana from Programming

Really excited to have Jackie Venson play The Drop-In this year…She’s been on my bucket list to book for the series for years and so pleased that the stars finally aligned!

Mean Jolene – Annie from Box Office

A little bit sweet and a little bit sassy, and with a splash of female empowerment and melodies reminiscent of days gone by, this pop-rock group will make you want to groove right along with them.

Fastball – Julie from Development

Fastball became popular the year my husband and I got engaged, so their music brings back memories of a special time in my life. I didn’t learn they were from Austin until years later, when I moved here to pursue a career path that led me to nonprofit arts and entertainment…and now, the Long Center. So, their music bridges two important chapters of my life.

Hayden Butler – Jordyn from Marketing

I came to know and love Hayden Butler’s music through his residency at legendary honky tonk, Sagebrush. He’s one of the best acts to go two-stepping to here in town, and I can’t wait to have that energy out on the lawn!

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch – Sam from Programming

I’m excited to see Gus Baldwin & The Sketch play The Drop-In. Bringing multi-genre elements to a classic rock n roll approach, their performances are always super fun and engaging.

And there’s so much more where this came from! You can’t go wrong with any Drop-In, and that’s our favorite thing about it. Make sure you’re signed up to get RSVP alerts on Mondays (remember, it’s free) and we’ll see you there! Oh, also keep an eye out on @longcenter for Friday artist reveals.

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

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