Published February 18, 2026
Springtime in Austin brings one of the city’s most anticipated events—South by Southwest Conference & Festival. Each year, SXSW transforms Austin into a dynamic showcase of music, film, tech, and big ideas, drawing creatives and innovators from around the world. Whether you’ve attended for years or you’re planning your first visit, consider this your guide to navigating the energy, events, and excitement that take over the city before, during, and after the festival.
This year, South by Southwest will take place over 7 days, from March 12–18, bringing nonstop energy and creativity to Austin. The Music Festival will kick off on day one, March 12th, and continue throughout the entire week, with performances taking over venues across the city each night. Alongside the music, attendees can explore Conferences, Film & TV programming, Comedy showcases, and Exhibitions. Be sure to explore the official SXSW timeline here for a full breakdown of programming and to plan your schedule accordingly.
If you’re planning to take part in this year’s South by Southwest festivities, reserving your badge early is an important first step. Advance registration ensures smoother access to events and helps you stay organized before the excitement begins. Be sure to review the official registration timeline for details on when and where badge pickup will be available prior to opening day. SXSW also offers a range of badge options—including discounted rates for qualifying attendees—and you can visit here to take their official Badge Quiz, which helps you select the best fit based on your interests and goals for the week.
SXSW EDU 2026 advanced registration opens Monday, February 23rd at 9:00am for badges. Find locations below! You must pick up your badge in person with a valid photo ID to attend any official sessions, events, or socials.
If you’re coming to Austin for SXSW, the next step is locking in your accommodations for the week. Planning ahead is key, as the city fills up quickly with attendees gearing up for seven days of music, film, conferences, and more. To reserve your stay through SXSW’s official Housing & Travel partners, visit here.
SXSW week has arrived, and for first-timers, the buzz and energy around Austin can be both thrilling and a little overwhelming. With so many events happening across the city, it’s easy to feel lost in the excitement. To help you stay on track and make the most of your experience, we’ve put together a few tips so you won’t miss a thing!
Direct links to SXSW Categories:
When building your SXSW event calendar, take advantage of the official tools available on the SXSW website here. You’ll find a full daily timeline, programming schedule, and curated recommendations from the SXSW team to help plan your experience.
Keep your busy schedule and badge info at your fingertips with the SXSW GO mobile app, available for both iOS and Android. Follow SXSW’s official social media channels to stay updated on news and announcements before, during, and after the event. For more planning resources and services, check out the online Attendee Services Hub here.
After experiencing all the energy and creativity of SXSW, you may find yourself wanting more of what makes Austin so unique. If the city has captured your heart, why not consider making it your permanent home? At Moreland Properties, we help you turn that dream into reality. Visit here to browse current listings and start your next chapter in this vibrant, ever-evolving city.
