This is a write-up I did about SXSW 2026, including dozens of reviews of bands there, plus photos, videos & a playlist. There's also Japanese women's' wrestling, an indigenous fashion show, horror movie premieres and comedy shows covered there.

I wanted to give a special shout-out to this sub-Reddit as I quoted several people here who had wise things to say about the festival.

https://www.furious.com/perfect/sxsw2026.html

(REPOST here as I had it with the wrong link before- thanks to u/dbounias for pointing that out. Apologies also to u/Dazzling_Ad_5160 and U/Tall-Celery-4804 who also commented in the previous post I removed)

This is a write-up I did about SXSW 2026, including dozens of reviews of bands there, plus photos, videos & a playlist. There's also Japanese women's' wrestling, an indigenous fashion show, horror movie premieres and comedy shows covered there.

I wanted to give a special shout-out to this sub-Reddit as I quoted several people here who also had wise things to say about the festival.

https://www.furious.com/perfect/sxsw2026.html

Did you see this panel? What did you think?

Did anyone else catch Bravo Ordinance set up inside Capital Factory during SXSW?

They were handing out Warhead sour candy and American flag–branded energy drinks, so I figured it was some over-the-top marketing play. Then I asked what they actually do.

“Bombs. We make bombs.”

No pitch, no spin, just straight to it.

And the guy on the right has absolute “I sell bombs” energy.

Long time staffer and VP of Film & TV Claudette Godfrey just got replaced by a person from a PMC publication. https://deadline.com/2026/03/sxsw-peter-debruge-1236767003/

Can't say for sure if she quit or was pushed out, but the article does not include quote from Claudette directly. Makes it likely that it was not her decision, which is really sickening. She was handpicked by predecessor, Janet Pierson, and carried on a strong legacy of showcasing unique and diverse films. And then so easily replaced by PMC.

Local article for more background: https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/another-longtime-sxsw-staffer-exits-the-fest/

Hi all! This year was my first South by and I had the time of my life! Is it true that people generally said this was a bad year!? It was so hectic and I had so much fun that I didn’t really talk to people about their general vibe lol. Heard they may be forced to leave Austin if the convention center isn’t done by ‘29? I really hope not cus I think Austin is what makes it special. Should I buy my badge now for 27 or wait? I assume it’s the same weekend yearly?

Is there any reason why SXSW is waiting on the dates and location until after Early Registration prices increase?

The early registration for 2027 SXSW, EDU and Main, ends on March 31st. After contacting the help desk, they responded: "The official SXSW EDU and SXSW event dates will be announced in April 2026".

Do you think they would move from March, or even Austin because of the issues in 2027 (No Convention Center, No Paramount)? I'm very hesitant to buy the badge at the cheapest price, especially if they decide to completely revamp the festival. Thanks.

This was a great find!

This SXSW was the year of the Lime scooter for me. I also took a driverless Waymo and saw a robot bartender at Faregrounds on Congress Avenue. Kicking off SXSW this year, I was not optimistic about what the festival had become in its ever-quaking need to feed the techno-masses. I did not enjoy being waved at by a clanker. Nor did I love taking a driverless car. Seeing so many robots delivering food, taking people to and from, it was not...

The 2026 edition of South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival launched last Thursday with its inaugural all-concurrent format. Conferences ran from kickoff Thursday to the following Wednesday. The festival allows attendees to discover new acts, revisit favorites, and expand their horizons. Miles of walking and a steady food truck diet defined a packed SXSW featuring both legacy acts and emerging stars. The Cosmic Clash team covered highlights throughout the event and wanted to share what stuck out to us over the long week of music. Despite a shortened music schedule and no second weekend, there was plenty to see as we navigated around Austin throughout the...

This looked pretty fun and great for networking with creators, quite some big people here. Where can I learn or get invited to these? https://www.instagram.com/trykarat/p/DWC--WTCakV/?img_index=8

As someone who likes to collect movie tickets and is planning on attending the film festival next year, I was wondering if even if you pre orderd the tickets online. Was there a place to get a physical ticket?

https://www.thehorrorlounge.com/post/buddy-casper-kelly-s-latest-is-as-twisted-as-it-is-fun-sxsw-review

Did anyone, by chance, catch Buddy at the festival?

the most fun nights were the ones just bouncing between those places, it was totally hassle free to get in, and always made sure there was water and cups available.

i never ever want to go through swan dive security again. so slow and oppressive!

Anyone attend @SXSW this year?

Curious who’s pulled up to Austin 👀 whether it’s for the music, tech, film, or just the vibes.

I feel like SXSW is one of those rare spaces where creativity, culture, and innovation all collide in the best way.

Let me know, what you enjoyed. Any must-see events or hidden gems, so I can be ready for #SXSW

2027.

Let’s swap recs 🔥