Seenachan of the Japanese band Tokyo Syoki Syodo performs at the Mohawk at SXSW on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Jay Janner/American-Statesman
The South by Southwest Festival and Conference returns to Austin from March 12 to 18, bringing its annual convergence of technology, film and music. The sprawling event draws industry leaders, emerging talent and large crowds, transforming the city into a hub of premieres, product launches and live performances.
For first-time attendees, the scale can be daunting. Expect a packed schedule of screenings, concerts, exhibitions and networking events spread across downtown venues. Comfortable shoes — and careful planning — are essential.
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Here are 10 things to know before you go.
Paul Rudd walks to the red carpet of the ‘Death of a Unicorn’ movie premiere outside the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
Laura Roberts/Special to American-Statesman
1. When and where is SXSW?
SXSW runs March 12-18, primarily across downtown Austin. Events and showcases are spread across the Palmer Events Center, the Long Center, the Rainey Street District, the Red River Cultural District, clubs along Sixth Street and other venues in South and East Austin. A free community concert is also planned during the week.
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Panels begin at 9 a.m daily, and the last music showcases end at 2 a.m. each night.
Film screenings take place at the Paramount Theatre, Violet Crown Cinema and Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar Boulevard, with additional selections shown at Austin Film Society’s complex on Middle Fiskville Road.
Notably absent this year is the Austin Convention Center, which traditionally served as a central hub for conference programming. The facility closed in April 2025 after last year’s festival for a major redevelopment and is expected to remain under construction through late 2028, displacing events typically housed there until at least 2029. This year, programming for each track of the conference will be centered around a clubhouse. The Film & TV Clubhouse will be at 800 Congress Ave., the Innovation Clubhouse will be at Brazos Hall (204 E 4th St.) and the Music Clubhouse will be at The Downright Austin (701 E. 11th St.).
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H.E.R poses before walking over to the red carpet before attending the world premiere of “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield” at the Paramount Theatre during SXSW Conference & Festivals on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
2. Who are the big names at SXSW 2026?
Star power will be hard to miss at this year’s festival, where the film lineup boasts a steady flow of red carpet premieres. Among the buzziest titles: Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters,” led by Keke Palmer, Demi Moore and Eiza González; and the Apple TV series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman.
Other high-profile projects include “Pretty Lethal” with Uma Thurman, “Forbidden Fruits” with Lili Reinhart and Emma Chamberlain, and “Power Ballad,” pairing Paul Rudd with Nick Jonas.
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Beyond the screenings, the conference will bring marquee names to the stage, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Fonda, Spike Jonze, Serena Williams, Lisa Kudrow, Mark Cuban, Andy Cohen, Steven Spielberg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom — underscoring SXSW’s role as both a launchpad and a gathering point for established industry figures.
Jack’s Mannequin performs at the C3 Management Showcase at Stubb’s during SXSW on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
3. What bands are playing SXSW 2026?
The All-American Rejects are headlining the festival’s kickoff party at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on March 12.
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Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase will feature Lola Young, Fuerza Regida and BigXThaPlug at ACL Live on March 12-14, while Billboard’s The Stage hosts Don Toliver, Junior H and Mau P at Waterloo Park on March 13-15. Meanwhile, the SXSW-adjacent Sips & Sounds Festival leans mainstream with Christina Aguilera, Ravyn Lenae, Grouplove, Calvin Harris and Foster the People at Auditorium Shores on March 13-14.
Other notable SXSW music performers include Lainey Wilson, Alanis Morissette, Los Lobos, Charley Crockett, Passion Pit, Jack Johnson, Ella Langley, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Ty Dolla $ign and more.
People wait in line at the Paramount Theatre for “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield World Premiere” during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at the Paramount Theatre on Monday, March 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
4. What do the different SXSW badges mean?
Here’s a breakdown of what each badge gets you:
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Platinum badge: The all-access pass. Platinum badge holders receive primary access to conferences, film screenings, music showcases and more. A limited number of passes to the SXSW-adjacent Sips & Sounds Festival at Auditorium Shores will be available to Platinum badge holders.
Interactive badge: Focuses on the digital world, granting primary access to interactive conference sessions, workshops and technology showcases.
Music badge: Provides primary access to music showcases, industry panels, sessions and networking events.
Film & TV badge: Offers primary access to film and television screenings and related conference programming.
Badges for SXSW 2026 are still on sale, with prices reflecting tiered access. You can also purchase a Music wristband add-on for your Interactive or Film badge, but separate Film & TV wristbands are not available this year.
Film & TV badges are currently priced at $1,225, while Platinum badges cost $2,095. Innovation badges are listed at $1,495 and Music badges at $895.
5. Are there SXSW wristbands this year?
Music wristbands start at $149 and grant you secondary access to showcases at over 50 stages during the festival. Wristband holders get access to venues after Music and Platinum badge holders, however, they do not grant access to music conference sessions or the Music Clubhouse.
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In past years, you needed an Austin-area ZIP code to get a wristband. That’s no longer the case. Now, attendees from anywhere can purchase up to six wristbands at a time.
Film & TV wristbands were discontinued this year, but individual tickets for certain screenings will be available at select theaters.
The Austin band Die Spitz performs at the Marshall day party at the Mohawk at SXSW on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Jay Janner/American-Statesman
6. Are there free events that don’t require a SXSW badge or wristband?
There are numerous free day parties and live music showcases happening during SXSW that don’t require an official badge or wristband, including the Marshall day party, SoCo Stomp, South by San Jose and the festival’s Radio Day Stage and Global Stage. We have compiled a growing list of free events happening during SXSW.
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The festival will host a free community concert on March 15.
You can also pay a cover charge at the door for some SXSW music shows and snag individual tickets for Billboard’s The Stage at Waterloo Park on March 13-15, and Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase at ACL Live on March 12-14. Sips & Sounds, a festival running separately from SXSW taking place at Auditorium Shores on March 13-14, also has some tickets available.
7. What are the bag policies for SXSW?
There are no general bag restrictions for SXSW overall, but festival organizers encourage festgoers to travel light and warn that larger bags and backpacks will be subject to search at some venues. Paramount Theatre, Waterloo Park and Stubb’s BBQ operate a clear bag policy, but permit small clutches. ACL Live does not operate a clear bag policy, but does not allow large bags. It’s best practice to check the venue policy before heading out.
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SXSW is a weapons free event.
In the aftermath of the West Sixth Street shooting at Buford’s on March 1, festival organizers shared a statement saying that safety is their top priority and they are coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to ensure the safety of attendees.
For more information on SXSW’s safety resources and event policies, visit sxsw.com/attendee-safety.
Stefania Brito of Brazil waves to a robot dog on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
Laura Roberts/Special to American-Statesman
8. What’s the best way to get around Austin during SXSW?
If you’re staying in downtown or East Austin, you are probably within walking distance or a short bike ride from many key venues, including the SXSW clubhouses, downtown music hotspots and the Paramount Theatre.
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If you’re outside the central core, Capital Metro extends service hours for bus and train lines during the festival, and operates several park-and-ride lots. Rideshare apps are convenient, but expect surge pricing and wait times at peak times, particularly late at night on the weekend.
But driving in downtown Austin during SXSW can feel like a human Tetris match. Traffic is a nightmare and parking is virtually nonexistent. Bike, scooter, use public transportation and walk as much as possible – you’ll see more of the city and avoid traffic jams that would make even the most seasoned Texas driver weep.
Gurriers performs at Mohawk in downtown Austin at SXSW on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
9. What to wear during SXSW?
To be honest, comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. Pack a poncho or raincoat and bring layers to prepare for unpredictable Texas weather. It might be hot, it might be cold. You can never know when the day will turn from beautiful to ugly or overcast to beating-down sun, so be ready for anything. Even if it’s warm, we recommend a light jacket or shawl for indoor panels and screenings where the air conditioning can get intense.
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10. Does SXSW have food?
Ah, SXSW food memories. Whispers of endless buffets at industry parties, seem a distant echo of a bygone era. While those legendary spreads may be harder to come by these days, don’t despair. Austin’s food scene has you covered. With most events in downtown or east Austin, you’re within easy reach of a plethora of popular on-the-go spots. Favorites include NADC Burger, JewBoy Sliders, Roppolo’s Pizzeria, Marinara Miracles and Casino El Camino.
Our food critic, Matthew Odam, compiled this list of the best places to eat near downtown last year.