Badge Information
All SXSW Badges gain access to SXSW Online, the digital event component which includes live streamed content from Conference sessions to the iconic film and music festivals as well as unique networking opportunities and much more. And if you can’t make it IRL, check out the Online Pass.
Nico Vega at Antone's. Credit to Jim Antich.
Experience unmatched performances during SXSW Music Festival, with showcases from renowned and up-and-coming artists from around the world. Past festival showcases have featured Justin Morales, Gurriers, Yasmin Williams, Delivery, Ali, Bummer Camp and many more. In addition to international acts, The Live Music Capital of the World® represents every year with local artists such as Bee Blackwell, Bubba Lucky, Caleb De Casper, Exotic Fruitica, Graham Reyolds, Marry Cherry, Nemegata and many more. The 2026 festival lineup will be announced closer to the event.
Check out the top local artists to catch at SXSW this year.
Dev Patel at Monkey Man Premiere. Credit to Aaron Rogosin.
SXSW Film Festival
During the 38th annual SXSW Film Festival, thousands of fans, filmmakers, press, and industry leaders had the opportunity to experience film screenings, sessions, meetups and special events. A full film festival lineup will be announced closer to the event date. A few of the headlining film projects from last year included "The Studio" a comedy television show featuring Seth Rogan, Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O'Hara, "On Swift Horses" a period drama with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter and "The Accountant 2" an action-packed sequel starring Ben Affleck.
Be sure to catch a screening of these Austin based films at SXSW this year.
Eric Andre at SXSW. Credit to Shannon Johnston.
SXSW Comedy
Catch your favorite comedian, or a new up-and-comer, during the Comedy Festival at SXSW. See everything from stand-up and sketch comedy to podcast recordings and conversations throughout the week at SXSW. The 2025 festival featured big names like Lauren Lapkus, Brian Simpson, Lisa Gilroy and more. The festival lineup typically consists of over 60 can't-miss comedians and podcasts with lineup announcements taking place closer to the event in early 2026.
Conan O'Brien and Nick Kroll at the Featured Session Conan O'Brien Must Go. Credit to Andy Wenstrand.
SXSW Lineup: Conference Keynotes & Featured Speakers
Each year, the greatest minds from around the globe converge at the SXSW Conference and 2026 will be no different. Past year's speakers include former First Lady Michelle Obama, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones, author Amy Gallo, Founder of VP Records Patricia Chin and so many more. Stay tuned for the announcement of more Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions in event in early 2026.
Hotels Near SXSW
While the Austin Convention Center will be undergoing redevelopment and expansion during SXSW 2026, the festival’s expanded footprint will offer even more opportunities for attendees to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, unique venues, and local culture.
Stay at one of the city's boutique hotels just south of the Lady Bird Lake in South Austin, at a trendy property with great proximity to nightlife in East Austin or at an upscale high-rise hotel in Downtown, no matter where you land you'll be close to all the action. Be sure to book your accommodations early as hotels will fill up quickly closer to the event in March.
For information about transportation options during the festival, visit Get There ATX to learn more. Keep up with the full slate of panels and events at sxsw.com and make sure to check out the number of creative, tech and wellness expos at this year's event.