SXSW 2026 will be 'reimagined,' cutting days from music fest; Presale badges already available
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- South by Southwest 2025 wrapped up less than 24 hours ago, and the conference/festival has already announced preliminary plans for next year and opened presale for badges.
The biggest change SXSW 2026 will see is a cut-down schedule, and the elimination of a secondary weekend, which is typically dedicated solely to the music fest portion of the event.
"We’re excited to share a reimagined SXSW experience for our 40th event," SXSW said online in a post releasing the preliminary schedule and presale details for next year. SXSW cited the redesign of the Austin Convention Center as the reasoning behind the changes, since the center will be closed until 2029.
"With the Austin Convention Center undergoing a complete redesign until 2029, we’re taking this opportunity to reinvent spaces for our community by creating industry-specific hubs to enable new ways to connect and bring the SXSW community together, all while delivering the stellar programming we’re known for," the website stated.
South By will be cut down by two days in 2026, running March 12-18. The event typically runs nine days, with the opening weekend focusing on the conference tracks, film & TV fest, and comedy fest. The closing weekend is usually dedicated to the music festival, though the music portion begins early in the week.
SXSW is also changing the terms of badge access next year, saying they're "streamlining access to improve the experience." They're also "sunsetting secondary access for Interactive, Film & TV, and Music."
According to SXSW's website, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music registrants will have entry to all programming specific to their badge type, plus Keynotes, Expos, and Sales Lounges and Activations.
2026 badges are available at discounted presale prices until March 31, 2025.
SXSW EDU is scheduled for March 9-12, 2026. The complete list of events and full details will be announced at a later time, according to SXSW.