SXSW’s 40th — What’s changing
SXSW is marking its 40th anniversary in March 2026 by bringing Innovation, Film & TV and Music together in the same week for the first time. Organizers have expanded the Music Festival into seven consecutive days and nights — adding an extra night in 2026 — and are staging a pop‑up “SXSW village” across downtown Austin to fill the visual and logistical gap left by the Austin Convention Center.
- Seven days to showcase 40 years of legends: past, present and future across Innovation, Film & TV and Music.
- Music Festival expands to seven consecutive nights, increasing chances to discover breakout acts.
- Organizers will convene a pop‑up SXSW village across downtown Austin as a new central hub.
- Heavy emphasis on Austin venues and local businesses — a return and tribute to SXSW’s roots.
Why it matters: more nights and a downtown village mean SXSW is doubling down on discovery and on-the-ground experiences — expect packed showcases at iconic Austin rooms and more surprise moments that happen only in this city.
What to watch next: the full lineup and daily schedule, pop‑up village maps and venue listings, and ticketing updates for the additional night. For more, see SXSW.
Source: https://www.sxsw.com/news/2025/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sxsw-2026-right-now/