Seven Days of Ideas, Music, Film, and the Future — March 12–18, Austin, Texas

Courtesy of SXSW Conference & Festivals / SXSW Official Media

SXSW 2026 kicks off the new year with an open invitation to dream bigger, think bolder, and experience the future before it becomes the present. Returning to Austin, Texas from March 12–18, the global festival brings together innovators, artists, filmmakers, and forward-thinking leaders for seven days of immersive discovery across conference sessions, live music showcases, and headline-making film and TV premieres. SXSW remains a cultural crossroads where unexpected moments spark lasting ideas.

At the heart of SXSW is its future-focused conference programming. This year’s lineup explores creativity, technology, media, and business through conversations designed to challenge conventional thinking. One featured session to watch is The Mythical Model: Next Gen Creator-Brand Partnerships, led by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, offering insights into how creators and brands are reshaping collaboration in the digital age. These sessions set the tone for what’s next across industries.

Film and television take center stage with a high-profile Opening Night Film that sets the cinematic mood for the week. SXSW 2026 opens with Boot Riley’s I Love Boosters, starring Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Demi Moore, and more. Known for spotlighting bold storytelling and boundary-pushing voices, the SXSW Film & TV Festival once again positions itself as a launchpad for stories that resonate far beyond the screen.

Music pulses through Austin as Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW returns from March 13–15. With headliners Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P, the showcase promises unforgettable live performances and genre-spanning energy. From intimate venues to packed stages, SXSW’s music programming captures the sound of now while introducing the artists shaping tomorrow.

As SXSW 2026 approaches, now is the moment to be part of it. Early registrants can unlock the full SXSW experience while saving on Platinum badge walk-up rates, gaining access to every corner of the festival’s creative universe. From conference rooms to concert halls, SXSW is where ideas collide, cultures connect, and the future begins.