There are four SXSW Badge types: Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music. Badges are tied to two access types:

• Primary: admitted first
• Secondary: admitted second, after primary line

The Platinum Badge offers primary access to all SXSW events, including but not limited to: Conference Sessions, Music Showcases, Film & TV screenings, Comedy Showcases, and networking opportunities.

The Interactive Badge gives you access to professional development and learning opportunities with primary entry to all Conference events including sessions, mentors, and workshops. The Interactive Badge also grants you secondary access to a majority of Film & TV screenings and Music showcases, subject to venue capacity.

The Film & TV Badge is your pass to nine days of screenings, including world premieres, featuring a high caliber and diverse lineup of Film, TV, and XR during the Film & TV Festival. During the Conference, these badgeholders have primary access to Film & TV sessions, including mentor sessions and workshops. Plus, secondary access to a majority of Interactive and Music programming and Music Festival showcases.

The Music Badge is your primary entry key to our legendary Music Festival showcases as well as music programming, mentor sessions, and workshops at the Conference. Plus, secondary access to most Interactive and Film & TV programming, and Film & TV Festival screenings.

All badgeholders have primary access to daily Conference Keynotes, Featured sessions, Comedy Festival showcases, Exhibitions, and the Registrants Lounge.

Throughout SXSW, you’ll find icons matching your badge type to help you navigate through the event.

SXXpress Passes

A portion of each event’s capacity is allocated for the SXXpress pass pool, granting front-of-line access to events. Badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes that correspond to their badge type in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am CST, two days before each event for Platinum badgeholders, and at 9am CST the day before each event for Interactive, Film & TV, and Music badgeholders. Restrictions apply. See SXXpress Pass for details.

Event Status allows you to check the current status for ongoing and upcoming events. A Green-Yellow-Red indicator appears on the SXSW GO app, the online SXSW Schedule, and on the digital Event Status Boards located around the Austin Convention Center and other venues.

Primary Access

Platinum and Interactive badge holders gain primary access to all Conference programming.

If you have a Film & TV or Music Badge, you have primary entry to the respective Conference tracks and events that match your badge type.

All badgeholders have equal access to daily Keynotes, featured sessions, and 8 designated conference tracks (see Conference Track Timeline). This programming does not have secondary access.

Secondary Access

For Interactive tracks, if space remains after Platinum and Interactive badgeholders are seated, Film & TV and Music badgeholders will be admitted next.

For Music tracks, if space remains after Platinum, Interactive and Music badgeholders are seated, Film & TV badgeholders will be admitted next.

For Film & TV tracks, if space remains after Platinum, Interactive and Film & TV badgeholders are seated, Music badgeholders will be admitted next.

Encore Sessions

Each year at the SXSW Conference, the multitude of topics bring a high demand for sessions across multiple tracks of programming. While Conference sessions can quickly fill up, Encore Sessions provide additional opportunities to experience this season’s most compelling content. Check the SXSW Schedule for Encore Sessions announced daily during the March event.

Lining Up for Film & TV Festival Screenings

You should arrive 1 hour before screening time. When you arrive, look for the line that corresponds to your badge type.

Primary Access

• Queue Cards are distributed to Platinum and Film & TV badgeholders starting one hour before screening time, and will be handed out until capacity has been met. This ensures your admission as long as you stay at the venue and are in line when seating begins.
• Buffer Cards will be handed out to remaining badgeholders after all available Queue Cards are distributed. While these cards do not guarantee entry to the venue, they will help Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders to secure a seat if any become available.

Secondary Access

If seats still remain after Platinum and Film & TV badgeholders are admitted, Film & TV Wristbands, Music Badges, and Interactive Badges may access a screening via the Secondary Access Line.

Public Pre-Sale Tickets

A limited number of Public Pre-Sale Tickets will be available for select screenings. More info coming soon.

Please note, if you are a Central Texas resident, planning to attend five or more screenings, consider purchasing a Film & TV Wristband. Eligible zip codes are verified at checkout.

Public Day-of Tickets

On the day of a screening, if seats still remain after Primary and Secondary Access are admitted, day-of tickets will be sold starting at $30 (plus venue fees) 15 minutes before showtime at the venue box office.

Film & TV Festival Venues

The SXSW Film & TV Festival take place at various Official Venues across Austin. Learn more information about each venue location, transportation options and more.

Film & TV Venues

Film & TV Festival Status Board

Check the Film & TV Festival Status Board or see the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go. Remember that event status will be available starting on the first day of events.

Film & TV Festival Status Board

Primary Access

Music and Platinum badgeholders get primary access to Music Festival showcases.

Secondary Access

If space remains after Platinum & Music badgeholders are admitted, Interactive Badges, Film & TV Badges, and Music Wristbands may access a showcase via the Secondary Access Line.

General Admission Tickets

After both primary and secondary lines have entered, general admittance tickets may be available to the public at official SXSW Music Festival venues, subject to venue capacity. Access information is posted at the door of each venue.