Reservations & Walk-up Lines Guide

Ready to take on SXSW? Whether you're a first timer or a SXSW veteran, here's a rundown of event access by badge type and more.

New for South by Southwest 2026

Many SXSW events will offer two ways to get in — join the walk-up line or book a Reservation in advance. It’s never been easier to plan your schedule ahead of time and leave room for the serendipity that makes the week magic.

Reservations come with all SXSW Badges – Platinum (3 per day), Innovation, Film & TV, and Music (2 per day). When your Reservation window opens, sign in to the Schedule to reserve admittance to select conference sessions, film & tv festival screenings, music festival showcases, and comedy festival showcases.

Mentor Sessions & Workshops require Reservations, but these don’t count against your daily limit.

When Should I Arrive with a Reservation?

No Reservation? Hop in Line!

Walk-up Lines

Our events are available to badgeholders with and without Reservations. Reservations are venue-based and account for a portion of the room size, but they don’t indicate the venue is full. If you are not able to secure a Reservation for an event, just join your fellow badgeholders in the walk-up line.

Before You Go, Check the Event Status!

You can check the event status for each event on the SXSW Schedule or the SXSW GO mobile app to help you plan on the ground.

Open means plenty of space

Limited means the venue may reach capacity soon

Full means capacity is reached

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Common Sense for Walk-up Lines

Popular events tend to have longer lines and walk-up lines are first come, first admitted after Reservations. We recommend you plan accordingly and check the event status. If you arrive at the end of a very long line and the event status says Limited, check out nearby alternative programming on the SXSW GO App. We have thousands of events and unexpected discovery is a huge part of the SXSW experience that brings people back year after year.

FAQS

DO I NEED A RESERVATION TO ATTEND AN EVENT?

For sessions, screenings, and showcases, capacity is a mix of Reservation and walk-up. All our events are available to Badgeholders with and without Reservations. If you are not able to secure a Reservation for a certain event, check the event status on the SXSW Schedule or the SXSW GO App to plan accordingly. Reservations for Mentor Sessions and Workshops are required, but these don’t count against your total Reservations daily limit.

HOW DO I USE MY DAILY RESERVATIONS AND HOW MANY DO I GET?

Reservations are digital and available starting at the time of your badge’s reservation window through the SXSW Schedule or in SXSW GO. Before you can make Reservations, you must log in and link your badge in SXSW GO or SXSW ID, using the SXSW Link Code found in your registration confirmation email. If an event has available Reservations, click the “Reserve” button. The Reservation has been accepted if the button says “Reserved” and you’ll receive a confirmation email as well. Not all events have Reservations, these events will be walk-up only.

Platinum Badges have 3 Daily Reservations

Innovation, Film & TV, and Music Badges have 2 Daily Reservations

And for Platinum and Film & TV Badgeholders, starting on 3/5, you can reserve additional Film & TV screenings for non-conflicting events.

I HAVE A RESERVATION, WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND WHICH LINE SHOULD I GET IN?

With a Reservation, for conference sessions it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event start time for keynotes and featured sessions, and 15 minutes prior to the event start time for all other sessions, including check-in time for Mentor and Workshop Sessions. Join the specified Reservations line or move to the front of the line if there’s a single line for faster admission with your Reservation.

For music showcases, it is recommended to arrive by 10:00pm on the reservation date. Showcases start at 8:00PM, so be sure to check when your favorite band is playing to ensure your Reservation can be used. If you arrive after 10:00pm, Reservations for showcases no longer are applicable and you must join the badge walk-up line.

For comedy showcases and events, it is recommended to arrive 40 minutes before the event start time. Be sure to join the reservations line.

For film & tv screenings, it is recommended to arrive 40 minutes before the screening start time. Join the Platinum and Film & TV Badgeholders Reservations line.

I HAVE A RESERVATION, WHAT DO I SHOW ONCE I’M AT THE EVENT?

You will be sent an email for each successful Reservation request, including when to arrive at the event. To see all your Reservations, go to the My Reservations tab after signing into the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO App.

When you arrive at the event, your SXSW Badge is required for entry. Your badge is scanned and confirms with the door staff you have a reservation.

For Conference Sessions, go to the designated Reservations area. This will either be at the front of the main line or in its own designated line next to the entrance for the Sessions room. We will only hold your spot until 5 minutes after a conference session starts. After this, a Reservation cannot be honored.
For Film & TV Screenings, go to the Platinum and Film & TV Badge with Reservation line at the theatre. You must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the listed start time for the event screening. After this, a Reservation cannot be honored.
For Music Showcases, go to the front of the main line at the host venue. You must enter the venue before 10pm to be able to use reservations. After this, a Reservation cannot be honored. Music Showcase Reservations include one entry, reentry after leaving the venue will not be honored.
For Comedy Showcases, go to the designated Reservations area at the entrance to the venue. You must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the listed start time for the screening. After this, a Reservation cannot be honored.
For Mentor and Workshops Sessions, you must arrive 15 minutes beforehand to redeem your reservation. After this, a Reservation cannot be honored.

THE EVENT I WANT TO RESERVE DOESN’T HAVE A “RESERVE NOW” BUTTON

You are only able to request a reservation to an event that your badge has access to. When you login to SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO, you will see available events specific to your badge type indicated with Badge Icons. Events that have reservations will have a “Reserve” button. If reservations are all taken for that event, you will see a message letting you know.

Conference Sessions: the request period will end when the limited number of reservations are claimed or 12:01am on the day of the event, whichever comes first.
Mentors and Workshops: the request period will end when the limited number of reservations are claimed or 12:01am on the day of the mentors and workshops, whichever comes first.
Film & TV Screenings: the request period will end when the limited number of reservations are claimed or 9am the day of the event, whichever comes first.
Music Showcases: the request period will end when the limited number of reservations are claimed or 12pm noon on the day of the event, whichever comes first.
Comedy: the request period will end when the limited number of reservations are claimed or 12pm noon on the day of the event, whichever comes first.

Note: If you receive an error message when requesting a Reservation, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful Reservation request will result in a confirmation email notification. You cannot claim reservations exceeding your daily limit, conflicting with another reserved event, or more than once for the same event.

Reservations for a Mentors event or Workshop don’t affect daily limit.

SXSW EDU workshops affect daily limit

CAN I RETURN, EXCHANGE OR TRANSFER A RESERVATION?

If your plans have changed and you no longer need your Reservation, we’ve got you covered! You can return the Reservation to make it available for another attendee. You cannot directly transfer to another attendee, but the Reservation becomes available for all SXSW attendees. Returning an unused Reservation also allows you the opportunity to claim a Reservation for another event.

Simply visit My Reservations on the Schedule or in the GO app to return your pass. Click the “Return Reservation” button to return.

Conference Sessions including Keynote and Featured Sessions: returns can happen before 12:01am on the day of the event
Mentors and Workshops: returns can happen before 12:01am on the day of the event
Film & TV Screenings: returns can happen before 9am the day of the event
Music Showcases: returns can happen before noon the day of the event
Comedy Showcases: returns can happen before noon the day of the event

SXSW Reservations may be returned if you decide to no longer attend the event. ALL RETURNS ARE FINAL.

Need Additional Help?

If you are having an issue claiming a reservation, you may email us at info@sxsw.com.

Reservations Terms and Conditions

If you receive an error message when requesting a Reservation, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful Reservation request will result in a confirmation email notification.

RESERVATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A reservation provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the reservation (“Reservation(s)”).The name on your badge and Reservation must be identical. Reservations are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW badge. A Reservation only provides priority entry and does not reserve a specific seat or section in the venue. Admission subject to each venue’s capacity restrictions. All returns are final. Due to Texas liquor laws some venues may require a government-issued photo ID for entry. Reservations are not valid for minors at venues that do not admit minors. Reservations may not be available for some events. Failure to arrive at the specified event by the time listed below will result in your Reservation being forfeited.

Film & TV Screenings: You must arrive at the venue no later than 30 minutes before the start of the film and proceed to the Reservation line. The period to request a Reservation ends when the quantity of Reservations allocated have been claimed or at 9am on the day of the specified event, whichever comes first.

Comedy Showcases: You must arrive at the venue no later than 30 minutes before the start of the showcase and proceed to the Reservation line. The period to request a Reservation ends when the quantity of Reservations allocated have been claimed or at 12pm on the day of the specified event, whichever comes first.

Music Showcases: You must enter the venue no later than 10pm on the day of the specified event. The period to request a Reservation ends when the quantity of Reservations allocated have been claimed or at 12pm on the day of the specified event, whichever comes first. Reservations will not be honored for re-entry into the venue.

SXSW Innovation: You must arrive at the venue no later than 5 minutes after the start time for the specified event. The period to request a Reservation ends when the quantity of Reservations allocated have been claimed or at 12:01am on the day of the specified event.

Mentors and Workshops: You must arrive at the venue no later than 15 minutes before the start time for the specified event.The period to request a Reservation ends when the quantity of Reservations allocated have been claimed or at 12:01am on the day of the specified event.

If you receive an error message when requesting a Reservation, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful Reservation request will result in a confirmation email notification.