South by Southwest Conference & Festivals will start March 11 and continue through March 20. This is the first in-person SXSW since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.

COVID-19 guidelines for SXSW are as follows:
  • Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test is required for all attendees. SXSW staff will be using the Clear App Health Pass to verify vaccination status. Visit www.sxsw.com/covid19-guidelines to learn how to set up the Clear App Health Pass.
  • Face masks will be required for all conferences and exhibitions as well as outdoor locations if required by the venue.
The SXSW Education Conference, an event that focuses on innovation and learning in the education industry, is from March 7-10. Visit www.sxswedu.com to view the schedule.

A few keynote speakers featured at this year’s SXSW festival include Beto O’Rourke, Texas gubernatorial candidate and former U.S. representative; The Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith; Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini; singer-songwriter Linda Perry; author Ann Hiatt; American Airlines CEO Doug Parker; and more.

This year’s festival includes a variety of free events, including but not limited to:
  • Disney + Outdoor Screening at SXSW featuring showings of Disney’s "Cruella and "Jungle Cruise" and Marvel Studios’ "Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings." March 12, 10:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
  • Hip-Hop Yoga Flow-stival. March 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • SXSW Art Installation. March 11-19, various times and locations
  • Austin country band, Croy and the Boys. March 17, 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Los Angeles rock band The Dumes. March 18, 6-6:30 p.m.
  • Austin soul group Kalu and the Electric Joint. March 17 5:50-6:20 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton will make her first-ever appearance at SXSW on March 18, where she will have a conversation with James Patterson about her project “Dollyverse” at ACL Live moderated by Connie Britton. The conversation will be followed by a live performance from Parton. Parton’s project, “Dollyverse,” includes limited-edition NFTs from the artist.

For more information about SXSW and how to purchase a badge, visit www.sxsw.com.