SXSW 2026 Celebrates 40 Years with Stellar Lineup

The iconic music and arts festival returns to Austin with a mix of legendary acts and rising stars.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 40th annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival is set to take place from March 12-18, 2026 in downtown Austin, Texas. The highly anticipated event will feature performances from a diverse array of musical talent, including veteran acts like Charley Crockett, Lainey Wilson, and Los Lobos, as well as up-and-coming artists such as Miss Bashful, Ink, and Kairo Keyz. In addition to the music lineup, SXSW will also host its annual SXSW EDU conference from March 9-12, focusing on higher education in the arts.

Why it matters

SXSW has become an essential cultural touchstone, drawing music and arts professionals, performers, and fans from around the world to Austin for nearly a full week of live music, networking, and educational programming. The festival's 40th anniversary celebration promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the enduring appeal and evolution of this iconic music festival.

The details

The 2026 SXSW Festival will feature performances from a diverse array of musical talent, including veteran acts like Charley Crockett, Lainey Wilson, Los Lobos, Money Mark, Passion Pit, and Quinn XCII, as well as up-and-coming artists such as Miss Bashful, Ink, Kairo Keyz, Sosocamo, Hermanos Espinoza, MC Danny, and Joe Harvey-Whyte. Other notable performers include Lola Young, Reaper, Hannah Cohen, and Switchfoot.

  • The SXSW 2026 Festival will take place from March 12-18, 2026 in downtown Austin, Texas.
  • Prior to the festival, the SXSW EDU conference will be held from March 9-12, 2026, focusing on higher education in the arts.

The players

SXSW

An annual music, film, and interactive media festival that has been held in Austin, Texas since 1987, and has grown into a global phenomenon.

Charley Crockett

A veteran American singer-songwriter and musician who will be performing at the SXSW 2026 Festival.

Lainey Wilson

An American country music singer and songwriter who will be performing at the SXSW 2026 Festival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Festival badges and wristbands for SXSW 2026 are available for purchase at SXSW.com.

The takeaway

The 40th anniversary of the SXSW Festival promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the enduring appeal and evolution of this iconic music and arts festival. With a diverse lineup of legendary and emerging talent, SXSW 2026 will celebrate the festival's rich history and continued influence on the music industry and cultural landscape.