South by Southwest 2025 brings together groundbreaking film, music, comedy, and technology from March 7-15, showcasing tomorrow’s cultural phenomena today.

The streets of Austin will once again transform into a creative hub this March as South by Southwest (SXSW) returns for its 32nd edition from March 7-15, 2025. What began as a modest music festival has evolved into one of the world’s premier gatherings for film, music, comedy, technology, and culture—a nine-day celebration where industry veterans and emerging voices collide.

With a staggering lineup featuring everything from Hollywood premieres to groundbreaking independent films and innovative XR experiences, SXSW continues its tradition of showcasing tomorrow’s culture today. The festival has launched careers and premiered future hits, with past successes including the films “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Civil War,” and “Monkey Man.”

South By Southwest 2019, courtesy of Daniel Benavides/Wikimedia Commons.

A cinematic showcase like no other

The 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival promises to be a feast for movie lovers with an impressive lineup spanning multiple genres and formats. Opening night kicks off with Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” starring Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, a newly appointed Hollywood studio head navigating the chaotic world of filmmaking. The Headliner section boasts star-studded premieres, including “The Accountant 2” with Ben Affleck, “Another Simple Favor” reuniting Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, and “Death of a Unicorn” featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega.

Beyond the glitz, SXSW stays true to its indie roots with sections highlighting emerging filmmakers—from narrative features like “My Uncle Jens” to compelling documentaries such as “Arrest the Midwife” and “The Python Hunt.” For film buffs planning their festival experience, the complete Film & TV lineup provides details on all screenings.

Photo courtesy of John Rogers/Flickr.

Music takes center stage

While film might open the festivities, music remains SXSW’s beating heart. From March 10-15, the Music Festival will transform Austin into a global soundstage featuring established stars and tomorrow’s breakout acts. The festival has been a crucial launching pad for countless artists—past performers include everyone from Billie Eilish and Lizzo to Kendrick Lamar and The Black Keys.

This year’s lineup continues that tradition of diversity, with artists spanning genres and geography. For industry professionals, the Music & Tech and Music Industry conference tracks offer invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of music creation, distribution, and consumption, exploring everything from AI in music production to strategies for today’s digital ecosystem. Check out the Music Festival page for artists and performance schedules.

Comedy brings the laughs

The SXSW Comedy Festival returns March 7-10 with a stellar lineup featuring some of the funniest voices in entertainment. Comedy stars Sam Jay, Lisa Gilroy, Godfrey, and Melissa Villaseñor headline alongside dozens of talented performers across stand-up, improv, and podcasting.

Special programs include iconic showcases like “Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast,” “Upright Citizens Brigade’s ASSSSCAT,” and “Doug Loves Movies,” offering attendees a chance to experience comedy in various formats. The festival has become known for spotlighting emerging comedic talent alongside established names, creating a unique environment where comedy’s future unfolds live on Austin stages. The complete Comedy Festival lineup provides details on all performers and special programs.

A conference at the cutting edge

The SXSW Conference (March 7-13) remains the intellectual powerhouse of the festival, bringing together visionaries from various industries to explore ideas that will shape our future. With 23 distinct tracks ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Climate & Sustainability to Film & TV Industry and Psychedelics, the conference offers something for every curious mind.

Keynote speakers include technology leaders Jay Graber and Arvind Krishna alongside musician John Fogerty, while Featured Speakers represent fields from health (Dr. Peter Attia) to sports (Candace Parker). New for 2025, Itaú will provide digital translation services in Spanish and Portuguese for Conference Keynotes and Featured Sessions, making these groundbreaking conversations more accessible than ever. Explore the full range of Conference tracks to plan your educational experience.

Photo courtesy of kris krüg/Flickr.

Texas-Sized XR innovation

The XR Experience sections showcase mind-bending immersive art that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. The competition lineup features innovative projects like “In the Current of Being,” a haptic experience chronicling a survivor of electroshock conversion therapy, and “Traces: The Grief Processor,” a multiuser VR experience exploring emotional transformation.

The Spotlight section includes standouts like “EchoVision,” which invites participants to echolocate like a bat, and “Sweet!” an AI-driven candy store experience that reveals the hidden history of sugar. For those interested in the technology behind these experiences, the XR Conference track (March 9-11) explores how immersive technologies are being implemented across multiple industries. The XR Experience section of the website provides details on all immersive projects.

Photo courtesy of Anna Hanks/Wikimedia Commons.

Navigating the festival

With so much happening simultaneously, strategic planning is essential for SXSW attendees. Badge holders should prioritize their must-see events while leaving room for unexpected discoveries—often the most memorable SXSW experiences happen spontaneously. The official SXSW Schedule and mobile app help attendees manage their personal itineraries, while the Attendee Guide provides essential information on venues, transportation, and accessing events.

For those looking to make industry connections, RSVP opportunities for Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and Featured Speaker Connects offer valuable face time with leaders in various fields. Austin’s hotels fill quickly during the festival, so securing accommodations through SXSW Hotels is highly recommended for visitors.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Courier Texas staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.