SXSW signage
Courtesy GS Photography | SXSW signage
Courtesy GS Photography

The ultimate guide to SXSW 2025

Everything you need to know about SXSW 2025, from must-see sessions to ticket options.

Kayla Hui
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Austin is gearing up to host one of its biggest annual events: South by Southwest (SXSW). The nine-day festival will be one for the books, featuring keynotes from CEOs like Bluesky’s Jay Graber, live talks with actors, CEOs and professors, as well as music performances from international talent, including Mexican singer Justin Morales and Japanese sensation Shiho Yabuki. Celebrities are also expected to make appearances, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey set to discuss HBO’s Emmy-winning series “The Last of Us.”

With so much to see and do, SXSW can be overwhelming, but we got your bases covered. From this year’s sessions to securing tickets, here’s your complete guide to SXSW 2025

What is SXSW?

Imagine the biggest names in tech, music, education, film and culture all in one place—that’s SXSW. Each year offers something new, but you can expect keynotes, workshops, film screenings and performances from rising and established artists alike. SXSW is where innovation, technology, culture and entertainment collide, and it has even propelled the careers of notable artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper and Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion. 

When is SXSW 2025?

SXSW 2025 will take place over nine days, from March 7 to 15. Sessions and performances vary daily, so be sure to check the SXSW website for the full schedule. 

How to get tickets to SXSW 2025?

You can purchase tickets directly online at the SXSW website. There are four different pass options: 

  • Platinum ($2,195) - Offers primary access to all events, early access to five SXX passes per day to skip the lines and entry to platinum recharge zones. 
  • Interactive ($1,595) - Ideal for those interested in tech, innovation and networking events. 
  • Film & TV ($1,355) - Best for cinephiles looking to attend screenings and industry panels.
  • Music ($895) - Perfect for those attending solely for concerts and music showcases. 

When: March 10, 2025, 1-2pm

Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber will discuss the future of social media, addressing the lack of innovation in the space and how her platform aims to give users more control. 

When: March 7, 2025, 11:30am-12:30pm

Ever wondered what it takes to prepare for a journey in space? Hear firsthand from astronauts gearing up for Artemis II, the highly anticipated April 2026 mission that’ll make history by including the first woman, first person of color and first Canadian to circle the moon.  

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When: March 9, 2025, 6-7:48pm and March 10, 2025, 11am-12:48pm

Catch the SXSW premiere of Holland, a thriller starring Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vadergroot, a teacher and homemaker whose seemingly picture-perfect life unravels after she and a colleague uncover a dark secret. 

When: March 8, 2025, 1-2pm

Issa Rae brings her signature wit and charm to Austin for a keynote discussion about her New York Times best-selling book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, and how she’s redefining storytelling and representation through her multimedia company, Hoorae. 

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When: March 14, 2025, 8-8:40 pm

This Guadalajara-based indie pop and punk poetry group is bringing its electrifying sound to the 512. Currently working on their first full-length album, club mariposa, Babas Tutsipop blends their groovy beats, synth-heaving melodies and themes of queer identity into their music.  

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