or nine days, SXSW 2025 once again brought together the best in tech, film, television, music, and innovation. From legendary keynotes like John Fogerty and Tom Morello to the latest in cutting-edge technology and world-premiere film screenings, the festival delivered everything fans love about SX. But as the dust settles, the biggest news isn’t just what happened—it’s what’s coming next.
Big changes are in store for SXSW 2026, and they mark a bold new era for the festival. With the Austin Convention Center shutting down for three years, SXSW is shifting to a shorter, seven-day format where music, film, and conference events all run simultaneously. What does this mean? More immersive experiences, more time to discover new artists and ideas, and a streamlined event that allows attendees to experience the entire festival from start to finish—a first in SXSW history.
The SXSW 2025 Highlights That Set the Stage for the Future
- Big Name Keynotes & Panels: From Metallica’s Lars Ulrich chatting with Zane Lowe to a powerhouse Last of Us panel with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, this year’s lineup delivered.
- Film & TV Festival Firsts: Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor and Seth Rogen’s The Studio kicked off the festival, while On Swift Horses closed it in cinematic style.
- Music Festival Evolution: With fewer, more curated showcases, the music scene felt tighter and more intentional—something SXSW plans to expand on in 2026.
- Tech & Innovation at the Forefront: From NASA’s Artemis II astronauts to the latest in AI and media, SXSW’s tech programming continued to push boundaries.
What’s Changing in 2026?
- A Seven-Day SXSW: Shorter, but more immersive—with music, film, and the conference happening at the same time.
- More Nights of Music: Music showcases expand to seven nights instead of six, giving fans even more time to experience new artists.
- A More Curated Music Festival: Fewer acts, more discovery—SXSW is refining its approach to showcase emerging talent while spreading performances across more venues.
- More Personalized Experiences: As post-pandemic audiences seek deeper, tailored experiences, SXSW is embracing new ways to bring people together in smaller, more meaningful ways.
The future of SXSW is leaner, smarter, and more connected than ever. As the festival enters this new phase, one thing remains clear: SXSW is still where the world comes to discover what’s next.
Get your 2026 badge at this year’s special rates during the SXSW 2026 Presale—available until March 31, 2025!
