Community Concert at Lady Bird Lake Returns With Free Auditorium Shores Show Featuring Tune-Yards
The Lumineers To Headline Free Concert At Moody Amphitheater At Waterloo Park, Presented By Rivian
New for 2026, The Congress Avenue Block Party Is Free And Open To The Public, With A Performance From Orville Peck, Presented By Rivian
Tickets Available Now For Billboard’s THE STAGE and Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcases, And The Dropout Improv at ACL Live
March 9, 2026 | Austin, Texas — South by Southwest® (SXSW®) today announced the lineup of free and premium events for the 40th edition of SXSW, from March 12-18. Open to both SXSW badge holders and the Austin community, the free and premium events feature performances, art, experiences and more to make the festival accessible to everyone.
The annual Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake returns on Sunday, March 15 with a performance from Tune-Yards. Free and open to the public, the show starts at 5:30pm CT at Auditorium Shores.
The Lumineers will perform at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on Monday, March 16th, presented by Rivian to celebrate the debut of the R2 and the energy of SXSW. Free, open to the public and family-friendly, this concert continues the SXSW community performance tradition. An RSVP is required for entry. To RSVP, visit here.
Free Events
The following events are free and open to the public (dates and times vary):
SXSW EDU Expo
Wednesday, March 11 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- The SXSW EDU Expo unites global education professionals with trailblazing organizations and thought leaders through a dynamic showcase of interactive exhibits, networking, and future-forward programming.
Congress Avenue Block Party
Thursday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 18 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
- The Congress Avenue Block Party (formerly known as the Registrant Lounge) is the go-to space for SXSW attendees to maximize their SX experience, offering daily drinks, food, and sponsor swag for badge holders, and open throughout the event to the public as well. Orville Peck will perform a free show on March 14 at 7pm CT presented by Rivian.
EQ Austin Presents Austin Sounds Showcase
Thursday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00pm
- Seven nights of all-Austin SXSW showcases, presented by EQ Austin and supported by KUTX and Austin Arts Culture Music & Entertainment (AACME).
Global Stage at Downright
Thursday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00pm – 12:00am
- The Global Stage at the Downright Austin will highlight international acts from around the world every evening until midnight, featuring showcases presented by All The Vibes and Tokyo Calling.
Radio Day Stage at Downright
Friday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 18 | 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Located at the Downright Austin, the Radio Day Stage features some of our favorite radio stations for a series of performances, broadcast live from SXSW.
Flatstock
Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
- With iconic concert posters and other pop-culture art and artifacts, Flatstock offers a recurring opportunity to experience fine poster art in person and connect directly with the visionary artists behind it.
SXSW Expo: International Innovations
Saturday, March 14 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- The SXSW Expo features hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe showcasing the cutting-edge of technology, design, social good, entertainment, health and wellness and more.
SXSW Expo: Emerging Tech
Wednesday, March 18 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- The Emerging Tech Expo features businesses at the forefront of revolutionary technology, with breakthrough exhibitors who are shaping the future of tomorrow’s solutions.
Premium Events
The following are premium events put on by SXSW partners and sponsors, with tickets available for purchase—no badge required:
Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW
Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15
- Billboard returns to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park to present three nights of music performances, headlined by R&B and hip-hop artist Don Toliver, Música Mexicana sensation Junior H, and acclaimed Dutch-DJ and producer Mau P. Tickets available here.
Rolling Stone Future of Music
Thursday, March 12 – Saturday, March 14
- Rolling Stone brings their fourth annual Future of Music showcase to ACL Live at the Moody Theater, featuring Grammy Award winning singer Lola Young, the groundbreaking Mexican American group Fuerza Regida, and Texas-based rapper BigXThaPlug. Tickets available here.
Sips & Sounds Music Festival
Friday, March 13 – Saturday, March 14
- Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival is a two-day music celebration at Auditorium Shores, with performances from Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Foster The People, and more. Tickets available here.
The Dropout Improv Show
Tuesday, March 17 | 7:00pm
- The highly popular comedy platform takes its sharp wit and quick-thinking comedy offline and onto the stage in a special SXSW performance at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. Tickets available here.
About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is known worldwide for conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of technology, film and television, music, education, comedy and culture. The annual event serves global professionals through sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and networking that consistently generates unexpected discoveries when diverse communities come together. SXSW 2026 runs March 12-18 in downtown Austin, preceded by SXSW EDU March 9-12. Learn more at sxsw.com.
SXSW continues to connect creative communities around the world through its flagship event in Austin and SXSW London, which launched in 2025—reflecting SXSW’s commitment to fostering meaningful exchange across culture, technology, and creativity.
SXSW 2026 is Driven by Rivian.
