SXSW 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare

South by Southwest remains one of Austin’s biggest draws, blending music, film, interactive, and new formats each spring. SXSW 2026 promises an expansive schedule, more curated networking events, and hybrid options for remote attendees. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival veteran, planning is key.

New & Noteworthy for 2026

This year’s festival emphasizes hybrid programming and curated micro-experiences. Expect smaller, invitation-based sessions alongside the big keynotes. Organizers also increased the number of accessible venues and added more daytime family-friendly programming.

Tickets & Registration

Buy early. Badge tiers sell out quickly, and many networking events require separate RSVPs. For visitors, look at the single-track passes to avoid overwhelm while still accessing major talks.

Where to Stay

Downtown hotels remain convenient, but neighborhood rentals in East Austin and South Congress offer a local flavor and shorter walking distances to evening venues. If you prefer quieter sleep, book outside of the immediate downtown zones and factor in rideshare timing.

Transportation Tips

• Plan for high demand: rideshares surge and traffic gets heavy.
• Consider biking between proximate venues — there are often protected lanes and a quicker door-to-door time.
• Use festival shuttles for dedicated runs between major blocks; they free up time to prep for sessions.

Networking & Events

Make a plan: pick a few must-attend keynotes but leave space for serendipity. Curate a calendar of evening showcases and smaller meetups that match your goals: industry contacts, investment conversations, or creative collaborations.

"The best connections happen in smaller rooms after the main events — seek out invite-only and micro-sessions."

Health & Safety

Festival organizers continue to recommend staying home if ill. While mask policies may be optional in many venues, carrying a high-quality mask and hand sanitizer remains a wise choice. Keep hydration and sleep on your list — SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint.

Packing Checklist

• Chargers & power bank
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or reliable roaming plan
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Business cards or digital contact strategy

Local Tips

Don’t miss off-festival spots: late-night barbecue joints, coffee shops that host extended brunches, and neighborhood music bars with surprise sets. And if you’re new to Austin, take an afternoon to wander Zilker Park or the Blanton Art Museum to decompress.

Final Words

SXSW is a test of stamina and curiosity. Be intentional about the sessions you select, pace your evenings, and create pockets of downtime to process what you’re learning. If you leave with a handful of meaningful contacts and one or two unexpected insights, you’ve had a successful festival.

Prepared by Austin Reed — follow live updates during SXSW at austins.top/sxsw.