SXSW 2026: Festival Updates Amid Convention Center Renovations

A representative from SXSW has announced significant changes for the upcoming 2026 festival as the Austin Convention Center is scheduled for renovation. As a result, SXSW 2026 will be shortened by two days, which will impact what is typically the festival’s music-focused second weekend. However, attendees can look forward to an extended night of music that will intertwine with the festival’s film and television programming.

“We are genuinely thrilled about the future of SXSW 2026,” stated the spokesperson in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “With the Austin Convention Center closing for three years, we see this as a prime opportunity to implement innovative concepts.”

Adaptations and Venue Changes

In light of the convention center’s unavailability, SXSW will transition to various locations across Austin, diversifying the venues for attendees. This change is part of a broader strategy to maintain the festival’s vibrant atmosphere despite the logistical challenges posed by the renovation.

Trends in Festival Attendance

This update comes shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 SXSW edition, which ended last Saturday. Reports indicate a decline in music festival participation since the peak in the 2010s when around 2,000 bands performed. The recent festival saw a total of only 1,012 bands on stage.

In April 2021, Penske Media, the parent company of The Hollywood Reporter, made a strategic investment in SXSW, indicating a commitment to fostering a long-term partnership with the event.

Stars and Highlights of SXSW 2025

In recent years, the film and television segments have gained prominence within SXSW. This year’s festival featured notable appearances from Michelle Obama, who recorded a podcast episode with her brother, college basketball coach Craig Robinson, and Chelsea Clinton. Prominent celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Paul Rudd, Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Issa Rae, and Ben Affleck also attended to premiere their latest film and television projects.

Musical performances from this year included well-known artists such as John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Khalid, and Jurassic 5’s Soup. Despite strong line-ups, The Austin American-Statesman reported that upcoming stars like Megan Moroney and Ivan Cornejo struggled to fill the large venue ACL Live, even with the option of free public RSVPs.

Insights from a Music Journalist

Long-time local music journalist Andy Langer, who has attended the festival since its inception in 1987, shed light on attendee behavior in a widely-shared Facebook post. He noted, “It’s increasingly evident that as SXSW Music begins, the downtown area becomes noticeably less crowded, with less vehicular traffic and declining hotel occupancy.”

Expanding the SXSW Brand Globally

Meanwhile, Penske Media Corporation is actively expanding SXSW’s reach internationally. Following its debut in Australia in 2023, the festival is set to make its first appearance in London in June.

For more information, visit the complete coverage on The Hollywood Reporter.