Now that you have your Music Badge, get ready to experience one of the most diverse music lineups available anywhere. South by Southwest began as a music festival 40 years ago, and the desire to put audiences in front of extraordinary talent from around the world has never waned.

For one week, immerse yourself in the conversations, culture shifts, artists, and industry that makes the music side of the festival so magical.

As a SXSW Music Badgeholder, you have access to the entire breadth of the Music Conference, the Music Festival itself, and the Music Clubhouse during South by Southwest. Whether you’re checking out the next breakthrough artist, a legendary performer, an experimental EDM act, or going to Music Showcases, you’ll be experiencing everything the SXSW Music Festival & Conference has to offer. Music Badgeholders can also attend Keynotes and Featured Speakers Sessions, along with Mentor Sessions, Panels, Workshops, and the immersive XR Experience Exhibition.

This guide delves further into how to make the most of your time at SXSW as a Music Badgeholder. Make sure you’ve looked at our quick-start guide for all badgeholders here: Attendee Guide.

Listen to the Official SXSW 2026 Playlist on Spotify to discover a multitude of global artists and start planning.

Second Window

Thursday, February 26 at 9am CT
Keynotes and Featured Sessions, Workshops, and Showcases

New for 2026, Reservations (two per day) are available for SXSW Music Badges. Reservations will let you plan ahead, but there will be a combination of Reservations and walk-ups available. It's the SXSW you've always known, just a little bit easier to navigate. When your Reservation window opens, sign in to the Schedule to reserve admittance to select Music Festival Showcases and Comedy Festival Showcases. Mentor Sessions & Workshops  require Reservations, but these don’t count against your daily limit.

Check out the Reservations and Walk-up Lines Guide for more information.

For Music Showcases, arrive no later than 10pm. Music Showcase Reservations are void after that time. Remember to move to the front of the line for faster admission. Arrive 30 minutes prior for Keynotes and Featured SXSW Music Conference Sessions. Arrive 15 minutes before Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and all other events. Join the Reservations line or if there is only one line, move to the front for faster admission.

Daily Keynotes showcase some of the world's most inspired thinkers with powerful new ideas in the ever-evolving worlds of technology, film, culture, and music.

Featured Sessions bring together some of the biggest and brightest names of our time. Spanning across various trends and Conference Tracks, Featured Sessions present a snapshot of the most transformative ideas shaping our future.

Music Badgeholders can let loose at the Music Opening Party. Looking to expand your circle with the whole SXSW community? Check out the Crossover Day Mixer, where all badgeholders from SXSW and SXSW EDU intersect. It's part of what makes SXSW one of the friendliest places to network.

Crossover Day Mixer at Arriba Abajo
March 12, 5pm – 7pm

Music Opening Party at Stubb's
March 12, 8pm – Midnight