Are you attending SXSW EDU 2026 but feeling overwhelmed? We understand, this event can be a lot to coordinate. We hope this helpful, unofficial guide will provide you with an overview of what you can expect this year, especially if you're an edtech founder. Edlink was founded in Austin 6 years ago, so if you have questions about the city or need food recs, reach out to us!

Table of Contents

If you are not a badge holder (or like free events), check out our badge-free version here.

Stay Informed

SXSW EDU runs from March 9th - 12th with the full South by Southwest (SXSW) festival starting right after it from March 12 - 18th. Thursday, March 12, 2026, is a crossover day, when SXSW EDU badge holders gain access to the Innovation Conference programming, select SXSW Film & TV Festival screenings, and all of the SXSW Music Festival showcases on Thursday. The best way to stay informed about what events are happening (official and unofficial) is to follow #SXSW social media accounts.

Official SXSW EDU Accounts

We also recommend following your favorite speakers, sponsors, and organizers to learn about pop-up events. There will be new parties announced throughout the week so check regularly.

Quick note: SXSW is a huge festival that operates in venues all over downtown. It is not possible to attend everything so be selective in what you want to see. Look into both official SXSW events and unofficial SXSW events to make the most of your time in Austin.

What's new?

There are some new aspects introduced by the SXSW organizers this year as well as some important things of note for out of town visitors.

SXSW EDU Clubhouse at Antone’s

The iconic Antone’s music venue has been turned into the SXSW EDU Clubhouse from Monday, March 9th through Wednesday, March 11th, 9:00am - 6:00pm. Catch daily performances, Keynote livestreams, social events every night, and more.

Reservations Available

Your SXSW EDU Badge will now access two reservations per day, allowing you to skip the walk-up line for select SXSW EDU events March 9-12. All of the sessions and events are available to badgeholders both with and without a reservation. Reservations are an added perk and only account for a portion of the room size. Reservations that are “full” do not mean that a session is at capacity. If you are not able to secure a reservation in advance for an event, join the walk-up line.

I-35 Construction

TxDOT started a massive construction project for I-35 that is ongoing which will impact your travel if driving around the city. Plan to avoid I-35, but if you are taking it, be sure to add in an extra 15-20 minutes to your travel time in case traffic gets backed up. Expect to do a lot of walking around Downtown between venues. View the official SXSW transportation guide for more details.

Austin Convention Center Closure

The Austin Convention Center is currently closed for construction related to the facility's expansion and redevelopment, scheduled to be completed in 2029. The SXSW festival was shortened this year and is not hosted inside the center in any capacity.

2026 Official Venues

Below is a breakdown of the official venues this year and what's around them for recommendations for food, coffee, and drinks.

Hilton Austin: The host of this year’s Keynote and Featured Session

The Hilton Austin is located at 5th Street and Red River St. downtown.

What's nearby:

  • "Dirty" 6th Street - an iconic bar street in Austin, TX
  • Revolución - Solid coffee place (if you don't want the Starbucks in the hotel)
  • Moonshine Grill - local casual spot for food and drinks

Austin Marriott Downtown: Features the Expo and a diverse array of programming.

The Austin Marriott Downtown is located at San Jacinto Blvd. and Cesar Chavez St.

What's nearby:

  • Fareground - Popular food court
  • Desnudo Coffee truck - arguably some of the best coffee in the city, several locations available
  • Veracruz All Natural - Fantastic place for tacos, order ahead to avoid the wait
  • Arlo Gray - Upscale lakeside restaurant by Top Chef winner and host Kristen Kish

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: Home to workshops and more exciting sessions.

The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown is located at 4th Street and San Jacinto Blvd.

What's nearby:

  • Elephant Room - Underground jazz bar
  • Tacodeli - Tacos, but with an Austin twist
  • Houndstooth - Consistently great coffee and matcha

Westin Austin Downtown: Holds a wide range of talks, meet ups, and panels.

The Westin Austin Downtown is located at 5th Street and San Jacinto Blvd.

What's nearby:

  • "Dirty" 6th Street - an iconic bar street in Austin, TX
  • The Dead Rabbit - Irish bar but also has great coffee
  • P. Terry's - Local fast food chain for burgers
  • Juiceland - Austin-based smoothie and juice place, try the Wild Child with the dragonfruit swirled

2026 Schedule

Featuring a diverse array of speakers and sessions, competitions, performances, and film screenings, the SXSW EDU program fosters learning and discovery for all education stakeholders. Tailor your schedule to this year’s available tracks or focus areas.

Tracks

  • Accessibility Solutions
  • Arts & Culture
  • Community Initiatives
  • Equity & Belonging
  • Future of Tech
  • Global initiatives
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Leadership for Tomorrow
  • Policy & Advocacy
  • Startups & Investment
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Work Reimagined

Focus Areas

  • Early Learning Sessions that focus on issues impacting learning starting from birth, from child development and parenting, to child care and teaching practice and beyond
  • K-12 Education
    From primary to secondary education these sessions focus on issues impacting the practice and administration in classrooms, as well as initiatives and work that impact learners of school age and adolescence
  • Higher Education
    Whether discussing issues impacting universities, community colleges, or non-traditional pathways, these sessions address post-secondary learning in all of its forms
  • Continuing Education
    From workforce upskilling and re-training to innovative approaches to adult learning, these sessions focus on learning that happens once learners leave traditional levels of schooling
  • Convergence
    For sessions and discussions on issues that span multiple levels of education or speak to initiatives that address pathways between education levels

The Daily Strategy

Try attending a mix of different kinds of events. Skip sessions you can watch later online. Prioritize ones where the speakers are decision-makers, discussion is interactive and the attendees are your target customers.

  • Signal sessions: Topics directly tied to your product or market
  • Trend sessions: Emerging policy, tech, or themes
  • Network sessions: Meetups, roundtables, workshops

A simple daily structure most experienced attendees follow:

  • Morning: High-value sessions
  • Midday: Meetings + expo conversations
  • Afternoon: Workshops or roundtables
  • Evening: 1–2 targeted networking events

Experience Spotlight

Below are some of the events we recommend to get the Austin experience.

SXSW EDU Bookstore, presented by Book People
Book People is a beloved bookstore downtown at 6th Street and N Lamar Blvd. Explore the list of more than 50 titles available for purchase in the 2026 bookstore, including books written by this year’s Keynote and Featured Speakers. Plus, you can get your copy signed, as 12 of this year’s authors will be hosting book signings as well! Learn more

SXSW EDU Merch Truck
Food trucks are a huge part of Austin culture and what's more Austin than getting your merch from a food truck?

SXSW Merch Truck Schedule:
(Hours and locations subject to change.)

March 7-10: SW Corner of 7th & Congress (11 AM – 6:30 PM)
March 11-12: Rivian Demo Drives (11 AM – 4:30 PM) & Red River (5 PM – 10 PM)

SXSW EDU Expo

A great way to kickoff your experience on March 9th located at Austin Marriott Downtown . The SXSW EDU Expo serves as the central hub for innovations in learning. This collaborative space features curated programming and networking, alongside interactive exhibits showcasing what’s next and new in education.

SXSW EDU Crossover Day

Catch the beginning of SXSW Music Festival by attending artist showcases if you're staying in town. Officially kick off the SXSW 2026 Music Festival with an electrifying evening featuring The All-American Rejects headlining a powerhouse showcase of artists for the SXSW Music Festival Opening Day. Music Wristbands are available as an add-on when you check out for SXSW EDU for those interested in seeing showcases during SXSW. As part of this year’s new Crossover Day, SXSW EDU attendees will have access to attend music showcases with their SXSW EDU Badge on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Full crossover day lineup/Full artist showcase list

Official SXSW EDU Resources

Here are some of the best resources provided by the SXSW EDU organizers to make the most of your time in Austin.

Build your schedule ahead of time so you don't scramble last minute. This also gives you a chance to really read up on the sessions and events to prioritize the ones you most want to attend.

Everything from hotel accommodations to badge pickup instructions.

The list of official SXSW EDU social events for free drinks and networking.

  • Official SXSW EDU App

The official mobile app for the annual SXSW EDU Conference & Festival. With SXSW EDU GO, you can build your schedule, sync your favorites, get event recommendations, network with other attendees, and more. Available to download for iOS or Android.

Edlink's 2nd Annual SXSW EDU Happy Hour

March 9th from 6-8 PM

We’re bringing educators and edtech companies together for a relaxing afternoon of great drinks and even better conversation. Brought to you by Edlink, Subject, and Thoughtly.

What to expect

  • Free tacos
  • Free drinks
  • Exciting new connections

What not to expect

  • Boring presentations
  • Bad drinks (This place has top-tier cocktails)
  • Long sales pitches

Spots are extremely limited so RSVP for the details ASAP!