SXSW 2026: Changes and what you should know

SXSW 2026: Changes and what you should know

The 2026 SXSW Conference & Festival will feel a bit different from in years past but will still be full of celebrities, music and activations.

Why Does SXSW Feel So Different This Year?

Since 1987, South by Southwest has drawn thousands to Austin to engage with music, film, and innovative technology. While the festival continues to ensnare the attention of the world, it has undergone some major changes in recent years, including top-level ownership as well as physical logistics, and the 2026 iteration of the fest will likely feel more different than it has in years. Below, we dig into why that is, along with other key storyline…