South By Southwest
From March 12 to March 18, South by Southwest will be happening right here in Austin! For those who don’t know what that is, South by Southwest is an annual conference in Austin, where film, media, music, and conferences from all over the world take part alongside each other throughout the city. While some of the events require badges (that you must pay for), below are some free events that are worth going to!
Full schedule of SXSW by the day
Films
While you have to pay to see the movie premiere, typically at the Paramount Theater on North Congress, the entrance of the actors is just as memorable! Entering on carriages or in cars, they step out onto the red carpet to greet their fans before slipping inside for their film’s premiere. Here are some films being shown at this year’s SXSW:
Pretty Lethal
Basic starring Leighton Meester
The Comeback Season 3 starring Lisa Kudrow
The Pirate King – World Premiere
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice starring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eliza Gonzalez
Over Your Dead Body starring Samara Weaving, Jason Segel, and Timothy Olyphant
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
Wishful Thinking starring Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke
Additionally, here is a broader list of films that will be shown
Music
SXSW is a chance to listen to less famous singers and bands, perhaps finding your next favorite artist!
Here is the lineup of 2026 SXSW Showcasing Artists
Innovation
Among many of the conferences at South by Southwest, there is a futuristic convention with all of the fresh international inventions and modern visions for the future! In 2019, they had self-driving cars, and years before that they had robo-dogs and more!
Speakers
Actress and Activist Jane Fonda, who famously acted in Book Club and 9 to 5, will be speaking with Jessica Weitz and W. Kamau Bell about free speech and powerful ways to rise up and act out.
Serena Williams will speak on the obstacles she’s overcome as an athlete and founder of Serena Ventures and how others can impact the world too.
Gavin Newsome, the governor of California, will be speaking with Vivian Tu in a live podcast recording.
Andy Cohen, a famous TV show host, will talk about the evolution of entertainment as media continues to grow.
Keke Palmer will be speaking with others in a live podcast recording for her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.
Bob Odenkirk will be talking about his evolution from critically acclaimed actor to impressive and undeniable lead in actions.
Here is a broader list of speakers coming to SXSW 2026
Comedy
If you want to see some fun stand-up acts, here is the lineup