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Cultural · Austin, Texas, USA

SXSW (South by Southwest) Austin

“World's biggest tech + music + film convergence — 10 days, 5,000+ speakers + shows”

SXSW is the world's biggest convergence festival — Interactive (tech), Film + Music in one 10-day event in Austin, Texas. Career-launching for musicians, movies + startups. Twitter launched here (2007). Book hotels 6-12 months ahead — Austin sells out.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
March 12-21 (10 days)
Following year
2028
March 10-19

Mid-March annually. Usually starts Friday before spring break. 10-11 days.

Duration
10 days
Crowd
300,000+ visitors —
Budget/day
$300-800 (Austin hotels 3-5× normal + badge $700-2,000)
Book ahead
8+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Tech + music + film industry pros + culture travellers
  • ✓Book Austin hotels 8-12 months ahead — rates 3-5× normal
  • ✓Badge tiers: Interactive ($995), Music ($795), Film ($795), Platinum all-access ($2,095)
  • ✓Free unofficial "SXSW fringe" events don't require badge — Rainey Street + East Side
  • ✓Book Airbnb 6-8 months ahead — cheaper than hotels
  • ✓RSVP + wristbands vs badges — many parties are free with RSVP only
  • ✓Downtown Austin 6th Street is party ground zero

Book hotels for SXSW (South by Southwest) Austin 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 8+ months ahead.

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Frequently asked

When is SXSW 2027?
March 12-21, 2027 (10 days). Interactive festival first 4 days, then Music + Film overlap remaining days.
How much is SXSW?
Badge $795-2,095. Hotel + food + travel $2,000-6,000 total for the week. Free/RSVP events don't need badge.
Do I need a SXSW badge?
Not for unofficial events (fringe parties, Rainey Street, East Side venues). Yes for official Convention Centre + keynote speakers + official showcases.
Which SXSW festival is best?
Interactive for tech/startup networking. Music for showcase discovery + parties. Film for premieres + industry access. Platinum badge covers all 3.
Where should I stay for SXSW?
Downtown Austin. East Side (cheaper, edgier, Uber to downtown). Domain area (business hotels, longer commute).

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SXSW (South by Southwest) Austin price + date alerts

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