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SXSW 2026 Expands Free, Citywide Programming as Festival Gets Underway

The reworked downtown footprint brings new open-to-all activations alongside RSVP and ticketed brand showcases.

Overview

  • A new Congress Avenue Block Party runs March 12–18 at 900 Congress Ave. and is free to the public with festival-promoted perks like food, drinks and swag bags.
  • Flatstock opens today through March 15 at the Austin Marriott Downtown, showcasing poster art and giving attendees a chance to meet the artists.
  • The SXSW Expo’s public “International Innovations” day is Saturday, March 14, with hundreds of global exhibitors covering tech, design, entertainment, health and more.
  • Community Concerts at Auditorium Shores return Sunday, March 15 with a free Tune‑Yards performance scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
  • Rivian presents a free Lumineers show at Moody Amphitheater on Monday, March 16 that requires an RSVP, while separate ticketed partner events include Coca‑Cola’s Sips & Sounds and showcases from Billboard and Rolling Stone.