AUSTIN, Texas — As South by Southwest wrapped up another year of keynote speakers, various panels and concerts, the conference announced plans that will change how participants experience the festival in 2026 for their 40th anniversary.

Starting next year, one of the biggest changes announced will be the length of the conference/festival, including the elimination of the second weekend. 

SXSW usually runs nine days, with the opening weekend focusing on conferences, panels for film & TV and comedy fest. This is, in part, due to the Austin Convention Center being under construction in 2026, according to officials.

“We are really excited about the plans for SXSW 2026. With the Austin Convention Center closing down for three years, we believe it’s a great opportunity to put new ideas into action. A shorter SX gives attendees more of a chance to be here for the entire run. With the Conference, Film & TV Festival, and Music Festival all taking place concurrently over seven days, everyone will have the chance to experience the whole of SXSW," said organizers in a statement to Spectrum News 1.

"This gives music fans an opportunity to enjoy seven nights of showcases instead of the six we’ve had for several years," the statement continued. "It also allows us to continue the work the Music Festival programmers have done over the last decade in paring down the numbers of showcasing artists while spreading the shows out over a greater part of the event. This creates a more curated experience for attendees and artists while retaining the discovery that the music festival is known for. We also know that post-pandemic attendees want more personalized experiences, and we’re excited to explore new ways to bring people together.”

“With the Austin Convention Center undergoing a complete redesign until 2029, we’re taking this opportunity to reinvent spaces for our community by creating industry-specific hubs to enable new ways to connect and bring the SXSW community together, all while delivering the stellar programming we’re known for,” written by organizers on SXSW’s website.

Badge access will also look a little different.

SXSW is “streamlining access to improve the experience.” They’re also “sunsetting secondary access for Interactive, Film & TV, and Music,” according to SXSW organizers.

In addition to a shorter conference, presale badge prices will be lowered from the 2025 presale prices.

Presale for next year’s badges have already begun for the new dates, Thursday, March 12, through Wednesday, March 18. Next year’s badges are available at discounted presale prices until March 31, 2025.

CORRECTION: There has never been a dedicated music festival weekend for SXSW, as the Film & TV Festival has always run concurrently with the SXSW Music Festival throughout the event. (March 17, 2025)