Gallery: Unofficial and Official Moments from SXSW 2025

SXSW 2025 once again turned Austin into a musical playground, with performances spilling out of official venues and into living rooms, parking lots and DIY spaces across the city. Oscar Moreno was on the ground documenting the electric atmosphere of both sanctioned and unofficial showcases.

As the festival wraps, organizers have confirmed major changes ahead. SXSW 2026 will be shortened from nine to seven days, running March 12–18. The second weekend of music programming will be eliminated. The shift comes as the Austin Convention Center begins a multi-year renovation expected to last through 2029.

According to SXSW, the revised format will feature all three major tracks—Conference, Film & TV, and Music—running concurrently, in an effort to create a more focused and accessible experience.

Despite the upcoming changes, SXSW 2025 stayed true to its creative spirit. Scroll through our photo gallery for a glimpse into the heart of the festival.