South by Southwest clarified that its music-festival component will continue in 2026, despite SXSW's traditional music-only second weekend being nixed.

Organizers say they’re programming one complete week of film, TV, and music in March 2026, as opposed to the separate segments of years past: “SXSW music is not scaling back; we are leveling up”

SXSW is shortening its festival next year by two days. All three tracks will also run concurrently over seven days. SXSW says the changes were prompted by the planned closure of the Austin Convention Center.