SXSW 2027: 50% Surge in Submissions

SXSW has announced a podcast festival, locals-only perks, and changes in music venues for the 2027 event in Austin, Texas, which will take place from March 15-21. The inaugural Podcast Festival will be held from March 17-21 and feature live tapings and industry conversations.

The festival has made changes in part due to the temporary closure of some venues in Austin. The Austin Convention Center is under renovation, and the Paramount Theatre will be closed for restoration in 2027. As a result, ACL Live at the Moody Theater will host major premieres and screenings for the Film & TV Festival.

The Music Clubhouse will relocate to The Thompson hotel, and Music Conference programming will take place at The Thompson and The Westin hotels. The Film & TV Conference hub will be relocated to The Driskill and Stephen F. Austin hotels.

SXSW is also introducing new badges, including the CxO Badge for C-suite executives and the 512 Club for local residents. According to Greg Rosenbaum, SXSW's senior VP of programming, 2027 PanelPicker submissions and Music and Film & TV festival applications are up by as much as 50 percent.

## What it means The changes and additions to SXSW 2027 reflect the festival's efforts to evolve and adapt to the growing demands of its attendees. With the introduction of the Podcast Festival, SXSW is recognizing the increasing importance of podcasting as a core element of the festival experience. The relocation of venues and introduction of new badges also aim to create more intentional hubs across downtown Austin, making it easier for attendees to find the ideas, people, and opportunities that matter to them.

## Why it matters The success of SXSW 2027 will depend on the festival's ability to balance its growth with its core values of discovery, connection, and creativity. With a 50% surge in submissions, the festival is poised to attract a large and diverse crowd. The changes and additions to the festival will need to meet the expectations of attendees, who are looking for a unique and engaging experience.