SXSW Music Festival in Austin 2025, Texas

Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival is a global beacon for talent, creativity, and discovery, held each March in the vibrant heart of Texas. Renowned as the launchpad for music’s brightest stars, SXSW has propelled artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper, and Megan Thee Stallion into the spotlight. This global event also featured Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg as key speakers. For 2025, the festival will take place from March 7–15, transforming Austin into a cultural epicenter where the next breakout stars may be performing. With its unparalleled mix of music, film, comedy, and technology, SXSW is more than a festival—it’s an incubator for what’s next.

The Music Showcase

At its core, SXSW is synonymous with music. The festival’s Music division spans a week of electrifying performances, with artists from across genres and around the world converging in Austin’s famed venues, from intimate bars to grand stages. Some performances take place right in the streets of Austin. SXSW is also known for a large number of parties and events. Some of them are private, but many others are open to anyone who wants to celebrate. Beyond performances and parties, the event features panels, workshops, and networking sessions designed to connect musicians with industry professionals.

2025 Lineup

The SXSW 2025 Music Festival boasts an unparalleled lineup that celebrates the diversity and innovation of global music. From the regional Mexican stylings of Cuernavaca’s Justin Morales to the high-energy punk anthems of Dublin’s Gurriers, this year’s roster spans continents and genres. Rising stars take center stage, including Indonesia’s psychedelic funk band Ali, Montreal’s art-punk ensemble La Sécurité, and Virginia’s instrumental prodigy Yasmin Williams. Representing established excellence, Japanese environmental music pioneer Shiho Yabuki and new wave-pop artist Twin Shadow—an SXSW alum—will captivate audiences, with Twin Shadow unveiling his sixth album, Georgie, live at the festival.

Collaborative artistry takes the spotlight as Immersion (featuring Colin Newman of Wire and Malka Spigel of Minimal Compact) teams up with ambient pioneers SUSS for the U.S. debut of their Nanocluster series, marking the first stop of their tour. Local and international artists alike will light up SXSW, from Big Freedia, the queen of New Orleans Bounce, to Jakarta’s genre-bending jazz-funk trio Mad Madmen. London’s Master Peace, South Carolina’s alt-punk trio SWEET SPINE, and avant-punk performer J’cuuzi from Austin promise to deliver unforgettable sets. Other notable acts include jasmine.4.t, signed to Phoebe Bridgers' Saddest Factory label, and Aiko, the Czech Eurovision semi-finalist, with her enchanting pop sounds. Montreal’s indie supergroup Total Fucking Darkness rounds out the lineup with their nostalgic, synth-driven vibes.

Film & TV

SXSW’s Film & TV Festival is equally groundbreaking, premiering films and shows that challenge boundaries and captivate audiences. From indie gems to blockbuster debuts, the festival celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms. Attendees can immerse themselves in screenings, Q&A sessions with directors and actors, and workshops that explore the future of visual storytelling. With its reputation for debuting bold and innovative works, SXSW’s Film & TV Festival has become a must-attend event for cinephiles and industry insiders alike.

Comedy Festival

Adding levity to the mix, the SXSW Comedy Festival showcases the best in stand-up, improv, and scripted comedy. Featuring a blend of rising talent and household names, the festival brings the art of humor to the forefront. Attendees can enjoy live performances, podcasts, and panels that delve into the craft of comedy. With Austin’s quirky charm as a backdrop, the SXSW Comedy Festival offers a dynamic platform for comedians to test new material and connect with audiences in an intimate and vibrant setting.

Tickets

In 2025, the Music Badge with primary access to music events costs $795. Platinum Badge with access to all SXSW events is $1895. SXSW 2025 promises a whirlwind of discovery, uniting established legends with rising innovators, ensuring every attendee leaves inspired. With its rich array of talent, the festival reaffirms its status as a global nexus for groundbreaking art.