The South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) has announced a significant transformation for its upcoming event, revealing the first 100 showcasing artists for the festival scheduled from March 12 to March 18, 2026. This year’s lineup emphasizes genre-bending experimentation and a broader international presence. The festival will kick off with a performance by the All-American Rejects, in an opening event sponsored by Rivian.
In a notable shift, SXSW is trimming its schedule by two days, signaling a pivotal change in its approach. Historically known for its extensive music lineup, the festival has seen a growing interest in its Film and TV program. Despite the reduced schedule, SXSW emphasizes that the Music Festival will expand from six to seven consecutive nights of performances, enhancing its focus on musical discovery.
The initial wave of showcasing artists reflects a commitment to diversity and innovation. Among the recognized names is DJ_Dave, an experimental electropop producer known for live coding her music on stage. The lineup also features Hudson Freeman, a rising folk artist from Brooklyn whose single “If You Know Me” has gained significant traction. Another highlight is runo plum, an indie-rock group from Minneapolis celebrated for its emotive sound.
The festival is not only showcasing established talent but also embracing a range of international acts. Emerging Indonesian punk band Grrrl Gang joins Texan genre-defying artists such as La Texana and the art-rock ensemble CHALK. The complete list of 100 artists includes a wide array of genres, from Americana and hip-hop to electronic and post-punk.
Alongside the artist announcement, SXSW revealed its first 50 showcase presenters. Returning legacy platforms like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and NPR Music Stations will join newer entities, marking SXSW’s expanding cultural reach. Notably, the team behind Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, a popular nonaffiliated event in recent years, will participate in official programming for the first time, alongside Dream Con.
The festival’s restructuring reflects a commitment to reinvigorating the musical landscape at SXSW while maintaining its reputation as a premier platform for artistic exploration. Badges for the event are available for purchase at sxsw.com/badges, inviting audiences to experience the diverse offerings of this newly envisioned festival.
