SXSW returns to Austin March 12-18, 2026 for its 40th anniversary edition, bringing its signature blend of tech, culture and creativity to a citywide stage. But this year, things look a little different. The event’s regular hub – the Austin Convention Center – has been demolished to make way for a new facility double the size, due to open 2029. This year’s festival looks set to have more of a village feel as a result, with events distributed across a series of clubhouses in the city. With more than a dozen programming tracks spanning everything from AI to XR, the schedule is fit to burst with everything from headline keynotes and big-stage panels to intimate fireside chats and unexpected pop-ups — all designed to spark new thinking and fresh perspectives.
Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of SXSW programming? Fear not. Whether you're a festival newbie or simply short on time, VML Intelligence will be doing the hard work for you, combing through the packed program to cover the standout sessions — from main-stage moments everyone will be talking about to some hidden gems worth seeking out.
Check out our must-see session picks below. If you are not lucky enough to be in Austin, follow the SXSW YouTube channel, which usually streams the keynotes and featured sessions. For everything else, the Intelligence team will be on the ground, reporting back with key takeaways, emerging signals and cultural shifts from the festival so make sure to check the VML Intelligence page for all of our reporting from SXSW 2026.
