SXSW 2025: South by Southwest Conference & Festivals

Q: Who will be at SXSW?

With multiple keynote speakers, exhibitions, concerts , and conference sessions, this year’s SXSW lineup is sure to impress. Visit the SXSW website to view the full lineup of speakers and musicians . See the Line Up

Bringing thousands of visitors to Austin each March, SXSW is one of the world's premier events showcasing music, film and interactive media. From March 7-15, 2025, the internationally-recognized event is going all out with live panels, special events, cinema and much more. Check out our guide to plan your 2025 SXSW experience. More details to be announced in early 2025.

When is SXSW 2025?

SXSW In-Person and Online
March 7-15, 2025

From March 7-15, experience unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking with creatives from around the world. The event features Conference sessions, Film Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, world-class exhibitions, networking opportunities, competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more.

Register and book your hotel early for the best rates. Find restaurants, attractions and more planning resources in our digital Austin Insider Guide.

Badge Information

All SXSW Badges gain access to SXSW Online, the digital event component which includes live streamed content from Conference sessions to the iconic film and music festivals as well as unique networking opportunities and much more. And if you can’t make it IRL, check out the Online Pass.

Chelsea Handler and Jen Psaki at a SXSW keynote in 2023.
Chlesea Handler and Jen Psak at the SXSW Conference. Credit to Holly Jee.

Conference Keynotes & Featured Speakers

Each year, the greatest minds from around the globe converge at the SXSW Conference and 2025 will be no different. In 2024, Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions ranged from musicians to actors to notable public figures, like Jane Fonda, Selena Gomez, Dan Auerbach & Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, Meghan Markle and more. Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions will be announced closer to the event in early 2025.

Otoboke Beaver at the Rolling Stone Future Of Music Showcase at the SXSW Music Festival. Credit to Katrina Barber.

SXSW Music Festival

Experience unmatched performances during SXSW Music Festival, with showcases from renowned and up-and-coming artists from around the world. The 2024 musical lineup featured showcasing artists include Bootsy Collins, Hinds, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys and Ralphie Choo. The Live Music Capital of the World® was represented by talent such as Ben Buck, Big Wy's Brass Band, Cactus Lee, Madison Baker, Night Drive, Zach Person and many more. Showcasing artists will be announced closer to the event date in early 2025.

Check out the top local artists to catch at SXSW this year.

Chris Pine on the SXSW red carpet before the Dungeons and Dragons Premiere.
Chris Pine at the Dungeons & Dragons showing at the SXSW Film Festival. Credit to Adam Kissick.

SXSW Film Festival

During the 31st annual SXSW Film Festival, thousands of fans, filmmakers, press, and industry leaders will had the opportunity to experience film screenings, sessions, meetups and special events. Headlining films included "The Fall Guy" an an action movie with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, the comedy, drama "The Idea of You" featuring Anne Hathaway, a reimagined production of "Road House" starring Jake Gyllenhaal and many more.

Be sure to catch a screening of these Austin based films at SXSW this year.

Eric Andre holding a mic and doing a comedy set at SXSW.
Eric Andre at SXSW. Credit to Shannon Johnston.

SXSW Comedy

Catch your favorite comedian, or a new up-and-comer, during the Comedy Festival at SXSW. See everything from stand-up and sketch comedy to podcast recordings and conversations throughout the week at SXSW. The 2024 festival featured big names like Samantha Bee, Nick Kroll, Lilly Singh and more. The festival lineup typically consists of over 60 can't-miss comedians and podcasts with lineup announcements taking place closer to the event in early 2025.

For information about transportation options during the festival, visit Get There ATX to learn more. Keep up with the full slate of panels and events at sxsw.com and make sure to check out the number of creative, tech and wellness expos at this year's event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South By Southwest?

South by Southwest, commonly referred to as SXSW, is a conference and festivals that focuses discussion on several key industries like tech, music, film, education and more. Founded in Austin in 1987, this conference has grown exponentially over the years to become the world renowned conference that it is today.

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Where is SXSW?

SXSW events take place all over the city of Austin with the main hub located at the Austin Convention Center. However, the majority of the venues and events are within walking distance making it easy to get around and move from one location to the next.

Getting Around

Does SXSW offer accessibility resources?

SXSW is dedicated to providing a variety of resources for everyone to enjoy their SXSW experience. In addition to offering Accessibility Designated SXSW Badges, the event also features ASL interpreters for keynote and select sessions, closed captioning for conference and film events, availability of companion wristbands and sensory rooms for individuals with sensitivities.

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Can you go to SXSW for free?

A variety of exhibitions and musical showcases are free to attend throughout the week of the conference. However, to gain access to more exclusive programming or all events you will need to purchase a badge.

More Free Events

Who will be at SXSW?

With multiple keynote speakers, exhibitions, concerts, and conference sessions, this year’s SXSW lineup is sure to impress. Visit the SXSW website to view the full lineup of speakers and musicians.

See the Line Up

Is SXSW a big deal?

SXSW is a world renowned conference and festival that people travel from around the world to attend. This annual convergence of tech, music and film industries consume Downtown Austin every March with educational keynotes addresses, unique brand activations, constant live music and more.

What's the point of SXSW?

The SXSW conference and events are meant to educate and help industry professionals achieve their goals. From keynote speakers to one-on-one mentor times, SXSW offers conference goers the opportunity to hear and learn from several different industry leaders on the topics that matter to them.

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Can anyone go to SXSW?

Anyone is welcome to purchase a badge and attend SXSW. There are a wide variety of events and exhibitions that cover a multitude of topics ensuring there is something for everyone.

SXSW Topics & Tracks