AUSTIN, Texas — The annual South by Southwest Conference & Festival is back in Austin from March 12-18, bringing the latest in tech innovation, film releases, artist showcases and more. Fortunately, you don’t need a badge to take advantage of many of these exciting events.
SXSW Edu Expo
Wednesday, March 11 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Austin Marriott Downtown – Moontower Hall
Interactive exhibits showcasing “what’s next and new in education.” Organizations in attendance include the University of Texas at Austin, Random House Children’s Books, TableTop Science, the South Texas Vocations Technical Institute and more.
Congress Avenue Block Party
Thursday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 18 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. @ 900 Congress Street Closure
Formerly the Registrant Lounge, the Congress Avenue Block Party will be the meeting space for SXSW attendees to get access to daily free drinks, food and brand swag. For the first time, the event is free and open to the public.
Radio Day Stage at Downright
Friday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 18 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Downright Austin Backyard
SXSW is partnering with radio stations for a series of performances broadcast live from the festival. Featured artists include runo plum, Adult DVD, Radium Dolls and more.
Global Stage at Downright
Thursday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 18 | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. @ Downright Austin Backyard
The Global Stage will feature international acts and showcases by All The Vibes and Tokyo Calling. Performers include Sibby Liv, DJ AG, Jamie Dred, BANSHIMOKU and more.
Flatstock
March 13-15, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Austin Marriott Downtown – Moontower Hall
The Flatstock art market offers a place where attendees can admire poster art and meet the artists who created it.
SXSW Expo: International Innovations
Saturday, March 14 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Fairmont – Manchester Ballroom
The International Innovations Expo showcases hundreds of exhibitors from around the world in industries like tech, design, social good, entertainment, health, wellness and more.
Orville Peck concert with Rivian
Masked vocalist Orville Peck will bring his country tunes to Rivian Electric Joyride on the 800 Block of Congress on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) Register here.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
Sunday, March 15 | 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Auditorium Shores
Enjoy free, family-friendly live music with a skyline view at Auditorium Shores.
IMAX at SXSW: ‘STORMBOUND’ Screening and Q&A
Sunday, March 15 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ The Bullock Texas State History Museum
A screening of “STORMBOUND” in IMAX, followed by Q&A with director Miko Lim and Jeff and Sara Gammons. The film follows Jeff, a storm chaser who has pushed to document every major hurricane in the U.S. for the last 30 years.
The Lumineers concert with Rivian
Ho hey! Alternative folk band The Lumineers will take the stage at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.) Register here.
SXSW Expo: Emerging Tech
Wednesday, March 18 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Fairmont – Manchester Ballroom
A showcase of some of the businesses leading technology development.