Editor

SXSW are putting the finishing touches on the first in-person SXSW in three years. It’s almost surreal that it’s actually happening, and it’s no lie that we can’t wait to see you all. 

We would be remiss, though, if we didn’t acknowledge two big issues facing us here and abroad. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see what is happening in Ukraine and it is absolutely amazing to see the mettle of its citizens. We will be donating to refugee relief efforts and hope everyone can find some way to contribute to what will be a long road ahead. We have a Ukrainian showcase on Saturday, March 19 at Speakeasy featuring Igor Grohotsky, KAZKA, and SpivOberta. Though the showcase is uncertain at this moment, we encourage you to join us and support these artists. 

We must also mention the recent move by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to put transgender children and their families in harm’s way. We unequivocally denounce this action and will continue to use our platform to elevate voices from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Though in many ways things are bleak right now, there is a true feeling of optimism to be found in the bravery of the lives and voices around us. You don’t have to go far to see people looking out for one another. These shared signs of humanity are hopeful reminders that things can and will get better.

As for the event, SXSW starts in just eight days. A lifelong dream for us has always been to welcome Dolly Parton to the festival, and we couldn’t be more elated.

We’ve also recently announced loads of amazing speakers, artists, and comedians to the schedule. There’s still time to join us—read on for all the most excellent news, and we hope to see you soon!

Last registration rate expires at 11:59pm PT/GMT-8 on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

Newly announced Keynotes include President of Beggars Group US Nabil Ayers; CEO of MediaLink Michael E. Kassan; founder and co-CEO of Candle Media Kevin Mayer; Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa, and Grammy Award-nominated artist Japanese Breakfast and New York Times bestselling author Michelle Zauner.

They’ll join Featured Speakers Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Audie Cornish, Brian Eno, Brett Goldstein, Ron Howard, Brendan Hunt, Gillian Jacobs, Daniel Kwan, Beto O’Rourke, Nathaniel Rateliff, Alison Roman, Beatriz Luengo, Ju’Niyah Palmer, Sec. Marty Walsh, and more.

The festival kicks off on Friday, March 11! Don’t miss Dulcé Sloan, Jim Gaffigan, John Cleese, Jim Gaffigan, Liza Treyger, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Punkie Johnson, Ricky Velez, Bruce McCulloch, and Scott Thompson of the Kids in the Hall, A Night at the Comedy Store, surprise guests, and more at this year’s SXSW Comedy Festival.

The Outdoor Stage Lineup is out! We’ve got free shows over three nights with …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Heartless Bastards, Sammy Hagar and the Circle, and Mt Joy. More outdoor concert news: Samsung Galaxy + Billboard present The Stage at SXSW, three nights of major acts at Moody Amphitheater featuring Shawn Mendes, Young Thug, and Kygo. These shows benefit Spaceflight Records, GIVE A NOTE Foundation, JoyRx Music, and Waterloo Greenway.

Episodic Highlights include: Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart directed by Paul Dugdale; DMZ directed by Ava DuVernay; The Last Movie Stars directed by Ethan Hawke; The Man Who Fell To Earth directed by Alex Kurtzman, Shining Girls directed by Michelle MacLaren; WeCrashed directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficcara; and They Call Me Magic directed by Rick Famuyiwa.