A full weekend, sometimes multiple, of live music, performed on multiple stages for massive crowds of music lovers—music festivals really are the beating heart of the music industry. From techno festivals like EDC Orlando, to longstanding festivals like the New Orleans Jazz Fest, and even unique, moving festivals on a boat like the Groove Cruise, there is really nothing like a music festival.
One festival that has become an essential cultural touchstone is none other than South by Southwest, SXSW for short, down in Austin, Texas, perhaps the greatest city for live music in the US. Dating back to 1987, SXSW has grown into a global phenomenon, where music and arts professionals, performers, and fans gather for nearly a full week to enjoy the thing they love most.
SXSW will enjoy its 40th year this coming March, and the stage in Austin is set and ready. Here’s everything you need to know about where, when, and who will be making this year’s SXSW Festival one for the history books.
SXSW Takes Place From March 12–18 In Austin With A Stellar Lineup Of Artists
This year’s South by Southwest Festival will take place from March 12–18 in Downtown Austin, Texas. Prior to the festival itself, from March 9–12, is SXSW EDU, a pre-festival event that focuses on higher education in the arts. Many of the industry’s greatest leaders and moguls will undoubtedly be in attendance, and will also be leading programs and panels at the conference.
After SXSW EDU comes one of the biggest music festivals in the nation, with some incredible musical talent, both old and new. This year, the SXSW showcase will see performances from artists like Charley Crockett, Lainey Wilson, Los Lobos, Money Mark, Passion Pit, and Quinn XCII. SXSW will also showcase new and emerging talent with performances from Miss Bashful, Ink, Kairo Keyz, Sosocamo, Hermanos Espinoza, MC Danny, and Joe Harvey-Whyte.
Lola Young, Reaper, Hannah Cohen, and Switchfoot will all be in attendance as well, showcasing a breadth of talent from multiple generations, across multiple corners of the world. While SXSW is most definitely among the greatest music festivals in the US, it stretches the bounds of what a music festival can be, and can easily be described as a cultural, networking, educational festival as well.
In 2026, SXSW is in pure celebration mode for its 40th year, and it is going to be one to remember. Festival badges and wristbands are available for purchase at SXSW.com.
- Location
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Austin, Texas
- Description
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The SXSW Conference is an annual event held in Austin, Texas, that celebrates the convergence of technology, film, music, education, and culture. It features a diverse range of programming, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, networking events, and live performances, attracting professionals, creators, and innovators from around the world to explore new ideas and emerging trends.
- Dates
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March 12–18, 2026