SXSW 2026: The Best Music, Panels and Celebrity Moments

Hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world gathered in Austin for South by Southwest (SXSW), transforming the city into a hub for technology, music, film and the creative industries. The annual festival, known for fostering innovation and cultural exchange, brought together entrepreneurs, artists, industry leaders and emerging talent across disciplines.

Keynote speakers included Steven Spielberg, Steve Carell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Larry David, each offering insights from their careers. Keke Palmer, Paul Rudd, Michelle Pfeiffer, Demi Moore, Elle Fanning and LaKeith Stanfield were among the high-profile figures debuting new film and television projects. During music week, artists including Noah Kahan and Jack Johnson delivered standout performances.

Around the city, brands and entertainment companies transformed venues into immersive activations that drew long lines of attendees. From Rivian’s off-road driving experience to “Peaky Blinders” themed takeovers, these pop-ups offered interactive programming and exclusive experiences.

For seven days, TRIBEZA was on the ground capturing the energy of the festival’s packed schedule — from conference sessions and film premieres to brand activations and late-night events. With so much happening at once, distilling SXSW into a single snapshot is nearly impossible, but several moments stood out.

Here’s a look at the people, performances and events that generated the most buzz at SXSW 2026:

Rolling Stone arrives at South By

Rolling Stone and SXSW joined forces for the Future of Music showcase at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, delivering three nights of performances from rising stars shaping the industry’s next wave. The lineup featured Lola Young, Fuerza Regida, BigXThaPlug and others. While an official SXSW event, the showcase was also open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to long lines as fans waited hours outside the venue for a chance to attend. The series reinforced SXSW’s reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent, offering audiences a glimpse into the next generation of chart-topping artists.

A family affair across movie premieres and afterparties

Hollywood families were a recurring presence at SXSW, with several multigenerational duos appearing at premieres and events. Dakota Fanning attended as an executive producer of Apple TV+ series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” starring her sister Elle Fanning, while also promoting her film “The Sun Never Sets.” Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke were both in Austin with separate projects, “Pretty Lethal” and “Wishful Thinking,” respectively. Leslie Mann and Maude Apatow appeared together for the premiere of Apatow’s directorial debut “Poetic License,” which stars Mann. Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick were joined by their children, Travis and Sosie Bacon, for the premiere of “Family Movie,” a project featuring the entire family and filmed in Round Top.

Spotify 20: Live at Stubb’s

Spotify marked its 20th anniversary with a one-night-only concert at Stubb’s on March 14 during SXSW, bringing together artists spanning multiple eras of music. The lineup featured Alanis Morissette and rising country artist Ella Langley, with a DJ set by St. Vincent. Morissette delivered a set of career-defining hits, including “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” joined at one point by St. Vincent. Langley previewed new material alongside her breakout track “Choosin’ Texas,” while St. Vincent opened and closed the evening with a rare DJ performance.

Steven Spielberg live on the Big Picture podcast

Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg appeared at SXSW for a keynote conversation with Sean Fennessy, host of “The Big Picture” podcast, on March 13 at the Hilton Austin. During the discussion, Spielberg revealed he is developing a long-anticipated Western and hopes to film it in Texas. The conversation reflected on his decades long career, touching on his creative process, early influences and the importance of the theatrical experience. Spielberg also discussed his upcoming film, “Disclosure Day,” set for release June 12, and its connection to his continued interest in extraterrestrial themes. Filmmakers and actors including Adam Scott, Robert Rodriguez and Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert were in attendance.

Christina Aguilera at Sips & Sounds

Coca-Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival took over Auditorium Shores on March 13-14, featuring 16 artists across two days, including Calvin Harris, Major Lazer Soundsystem, Foster the People and Ravyn Lenae. Christina Aguilera headlined Friday night, delivering a powerful set that emphasized her incredible vocal range and control. Her performance drew one of the festival’s largest crowds, with audience members singing along to her hits like “Genie In a Bottle” and “Beautiful,” as the set built toward a fireworks finale over downtown Austin.

Create & Cultivate Future Summit

Entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creators gathered for the Create & Cultivate Future Summit at Assembly Hall on March 15. The event featured speakers including Jonathan Van Ness, Hayley Williams, Codie Sanchez and Allison Ellsworth. Panels explored the future of business, technology and culture. More than 6,000 attendees participated in hands-on workshops and curated networking sessions. The summit also included a shoppable marketplace, brand activations and dedicated networking spaces throughout the venue, culminating in a closing happy hour.

Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW

Billboard’s three-night SXSW concert series drew sold-out crowds to Moody Amphitheater, with headlining sets from Don Toliver, Junior H and Mau P alongside a mix of emerging artists. Despite a weather-related move to The Concourse Project, Mau P closed out the weekend with a high-energy set, while Billboard House at Mohawk served as a central hub for panels, showcases and afterparties.

SHE Media Co-Lab

The SHE Media Co-Lab returned to SXSW for its fourth year with two days of programming focused on women’s health, longevity and cultural shifts. The event closed with a conversation between Judy Greer and Kara Swisher, highlighting career evolution and opportunities for women in film. Additional sessions featured voices including Robin Arzón, Gretchen Rubin and Ashley Park, exploring topics from parenting and wellness to midlife reinvention.