SXSW announced plans to shorten its 2026 music festival due to the closure of the Austin Convention Center, which begins a four-year redevelopment project on April 1, 2025. The iconic music weekend, running since 1987, will be reduced by two days.

Organizers plan to spread events across various Austin venues, viewing the convention center's closure as an opportunity for innovation. "We're really excited about the plans for SXSW 2026," a representative told The Hollywood Reporter. "We believe it's a great opportunity to put new ideas into action."

The festival has faced declining band participation since 2010, with SXSW 2025 featuring approximately 1,012 performing acts. Musicians have criticized the event's invitation-only policy and application fees, arguing they don't receive adequate festival access or compensation for their performances.

The film and television segments have increasingly overshadowed the music portion. While 2025's festival attracted major celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Paul Rudd, and Ben Affleck promoting media projects, musical performances included artists such as John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Khalid, and Larkin Poe.

Veteran journalist Andy Langer, who has covered SXSW since its inception, notes a significant drop in attendance during the music segment: "For years, it's been impossible not to notice how parking woes, hotel prices, traffic etc. drop off considerably when SXSW Music begins. The town empties out considerably the Wednesday AM after tech/film ends."

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