Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates.
How Access Works
There are four SXSW Badge types: Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music.
Badges are tied to three access types:
- Primary: admitted first
- Secondary: admitted second, after primary line
- Convergence: one line where all badges have equal access
The Platinum Badge is your key to everything SXSW has to offer with primary access to all events. Experience groundbreaking conference sessions, iconic festivals, unparalleled networking opportunities, access to SXSW’s online programming, and more.
The Interactive Badge gives you even more access to professional development and learning opportunities with primary entry to all Conference events including sessions, mentors, workshops, and more. Plus, secondary access to a majority of Film & TV and Music programming.
The Film & TV Badge is your pass to nine days of screenings, including World and U.S. premieres, featuring a high caliber and diverse lineup of film, TV, and XR during the Film & TV Festival. On the Conference side, access Film & TV sessions, mentors, and workshops. Plus, secondary access to a majority of Interactive and Music programming.
The Music Badge is your primary entry key to our legendary Music Festival showcases as well as music programming, mentor sessions, and workshops at the Conference. Plus, secondary access to most Interactive and Film & TV programming.
All badgeholders have primary access to daily Keynotes and sessions with primary access for all badges, Comedy Showcases, Exhibitions, and the Registrant's Lounge.
At the event, icons on signage that match your badge type indicate which access line you join: primary or secondary.
Event Status
Plan ahead with the Event Status feature which allows our registrants to check the current status of a room or a venue’s remaining capacity. A Green-Yellow-Red system appears on the SXSW GO app, the online SXSW Schedule, and on the digital Event Status Boards located around the Austin Convention Center and other venues.
Venues
SXSW events take place at various Official Venues across Austin. Review each venue's specific bag policy and other protocols before you go! On each Venue's event page in the SXSW Schedule, access their company website to learn more. Explore the Film & TV Festival Access section for Paramount and Stateside Theatre requirements for Film screenings.
Venue Size
Both the SXSW GO app and the SXSW Schedule will show room size information as small, medium, or large for any venue to help you plan your schedule.
- Small = 0-249
- Medium = 250-599
- Large = 600+
SXXpress Passes
SXXpress (South by Express) Passes allow registrants to request priority access to individual Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Comedy Festival Showcases, and select parties.
You can request a SXXpress Pass for events that you have primary access to through the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO app starting at 9am the day before your desired event.
Passes are distributed via email, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay. Registrants can request passes prior to picking up their badge as long as they have linked their badge.
SXXpress Pass allotment and event eligibility varies by badge type:
- Platinum registrants may request up to five passes per day, for access to Conference Sessions, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Music Festival Showcases, Comedy Festival Showcases, and Parties.
- Interactive registrants may request up to four passes per day, for access to Interactive and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and Interactive Opening Party.
- Film & TV registrants may request up to three passes per day, for access to Screenings, Film and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Film & TV Opening Party and Intermission Party.
- Music registrants may request up to two passes per day, for access to Music Showcases, Music and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Music Opening Party.
Learn more about SXXpress Pass access, request periods, event lines, and more on the SXXpress Pass page.
SXXpress Passes