Home / Arts and Entertainment / SXSW 2026 Unveils Trailblazing Lineup: AI, Music, and the Future of Connection
SXSW 2026 Unveils Trailblazing Lineup: AI, Music, and the Future of Connection
1 Oct
Summary
- SXSW 2026 conference celebrates 40th anniversary
- Patreon CEO, The All-American Rejects, and PBS president among announced speakers
- Panels cover AI, mental models, independent music, and reclaiming humanity in the age of AI
The SXSW conference in Austin, Texas is celebrating its 40th anniversary with its 2026 iteration, and the first speakers have been announced. Patreon CEO and co-founder Jack Conte, the band The All-American Rejects, and PBS president Paula Kerger are among the notable names set to take the stage.
For this year's festival, running from March 12 to March 18, the conference, film and TV festival, and music festival will all run simultaneously over seven days. The programming aims to showcase the "incredible range of conversations that define SXSW," according to Greg Rosenbaum, the senior vice president of programming.
Panels at SXSW 2026 will cover a wide range of topics, including the secrets of human connection, the roadmap for successful AI projects, and strategies for reclaiming humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Other highlights include a conversation with The All-American Rejects, a trend report from futurist Amy Webb, and insights on building independent music careers.
