SXSW 2025 Recap and a Look Ahead to SXSW 2026
South by Southwest (SXSW) is Austin's signature event, a sprawling, chaotic, and exhilarating convergence of
technology, film, and music. Each March, the city transforms into a global hub for creativity and innovation.
Here’s a look back at the highlights from SXSW 2025 and a preview of what to expect from SXSW 2026.
A Recap of SXSW 2025
SXSW 2025 marked a confident return to the festival's sprawling, discovery-focused roots. The event brought
together a vibrant mix of corporate activations, independent showcases, and creative energy, reaffirming its
status as a premier destination for what's next.
Key Themes & Highlights
* **Interactive:** The tech-focused portion of the festival was dominated by conversations about Artificial
Intelligence, with sessions exploring its impact on art, business, and society. Data privacy was another major
theme, with discussions on everything from the information collected by our cars to the broader implications of
our digital footprints.
* **Film & TV:** The festival premiered a diverse slate of films and television series. The Marc Maron
documentary, *Are We Good?*, which candidly explored the comedian's journey with grief, generated significant
buzz. The Film & TV Festival Award winners included the charming *Good Boy*, which took home "Howl of Fame"
honors, highlighting the festival's knack for celebrating unique and compelling stories.
* **Music:** The music festival was a city-wide spectacle, with hundreds of artists from around the globe
performing at official showcases and countless unofficial day parties. The lineup was as eclectic as ever,
featuring everything from the J-pop of Aiko to the classic hip-hop of Jurassic 5's Soup. The festival's heart
and soul remained the thrill of discovery—walking down the street and stumbling upon your new favorite band.
The Venues of SXSW 2025
During SXSW, virtually every stage in Austin becomes a venue. The 2025 festival saw official showcases packed
into the city's most beloved clubs. The Red River Cultural District was a major hub of activity, with venues
like **The Mohawk**, **Cheer Up Charlies**, and **Stubb's** hosting nightly lineups. Downtown, historic
institutions like **Antone's** and **The Continental Club** were filled to the brim, while East Austin
hotspots like **Hotel Vegas** and **The White Horse** drew crowds for their unique showcases. The festival
utilized the full spectrum of Austin's music scene, from the largest theaters to the smallest dive bars.
## A Look Ahead to SXSW 2026
While specific panels and performers are still months away from being announced, the shape of SXSW 2026 is
already coming into focus.
* **Dates:** Mark your calendars! SXSW 2026 will take place from **March 12-18, 2026**. The education-focused
SXSW EDU conference will precede it, running from **March 9-12**.
* **Theme:** The official tagline for 2026 is **"All Together Now,"** suggesting a renewed focus on the
convergence of the festival's different tracks and the collaborative spirit that drives creativity.
* **What to Expect:** The core components of SXSW will remain: a forward-thinking Interactive festival, a
diverse Film & TV festival, and a massive Music festival dedicated to discovery. Applications for artists,
filmmakers, and speakers are currently open, and you can expect the first round of programming announcements
to roll out in the fall. As always, expect the unexpected—surprise performances, groundbreaking ideas, and a
city buzzing with energy and opportunity. Registration for SXSW 2026 is set to open in October 2025.