Last updated: October 25, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
SXSW 2027 runs from Monday, March 15, to Sunday, March 21, 2027, across downtown Austin. It brings the Innovation conference, the Film & TV and Music festivals, Comedy and a new Podcast Festival into the same week, and hotel rooms downtown are some of the hardest to get all year.
One big change to know: the Austin Convention Center, at 500 E Cesar Chavez St, has been demolished for a rebuild and is not expected to reopen until early 2029, according to Community Impact. Since 2026, SXSW has used “hubs” in downtown hotels and venues instead. That shifts where you want to sleep. If you also follow Austin’s other big events, see our guides to where to stay for Austin City Limits and US Grand Prix 2027 hotels in Austin.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Thompson Austin | the 2027 Music Clubhouse itself, near Sixth Street and Red River. Best for music… | Check price |
| The Westin Austin Downtown | hosts 2027 Music conference panels; a block or two from the Sixth Street showcases.… | Check price |
| The Driskill | the historic 1886 hotel on Sixth Street and a 2027 Film & TV conference… | Check price |
| Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel | on Congress Avenue and also a 2027 Film & TV conference hub. Good for… | Check price |
| Fairmont Austin | a large high-rise on the east side of downtown, about a 10-minute walk to… | Check price |
| JW Marriott Austin | on Congress Avenue near the 2nd Street District and a few blocks from ACL… | Check price |
| Hotel Van Zandt | on Rainey Street, about a 15–20-minute walk to Sixth Street; a music-themed hotel with… | Check price |
| East Austin Hotel | on East 6th Street, east of I-35; walkable to Red River venues in roughly… | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
Quick answer: Stay downtown between Congress Avenue and Red River Street, close to the 2027 hubs at the Thompson, the Westin, the Driskill and the Stephen F. Austin. Rainey Street is the next best choice. South Congress and East Austin are cheaper but need a ride or a longer walk.
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Compare live prices: See hotels near SXSW in downtown Austin.
Hotel map: live prices near ACL Live at The Moody Theater
SXSW 2027 dates: March 15–21 & when to book
Per sxsw.com, SXSW 2027 runs March 15–21, 2027. The Innovation conference runs March 15–20, Film & TV and Music run the full week, and the Comedy Festival runs March 17–20. The new Podcast Festival also runs March 17–20. SXSW EDU comes first, on March 13–16.
Book now, and pick rates with free cancellation. Badgeholders can also book through SXSW Housing, which SXSW says offers its lowest rates at partner hotels near official venues. Compare both before you commit.
Where SXSW 2027 happens
Based on SXSW’s August 2026 announcement, as reported by the Austin Chronicle and Fox 7 Austin:
- Music: the Music Clubhouse moves to the Thompson Austin on San Jacinto, with conference panels at the Westin Austin Downtown, close to Sixth Street and the Red River Cultural District.
- Film & TV: premieres and red carpets move to ACL Live at The Moody Theater while the Paramount Theatre is restored. The Film & TV conference moves to the Driskill and the Stephen F. Austin.
- Innovation, Comedy and Podcast: hub venues had not been announced as of October 2026.
Best areas to stay for SXSW
| Area | Distance / walk time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown core (Congress Ave to Red River) | 0–10 min walk to the hubs | Badgeholders, short walks between sessions and showcases |
| Rainey Street | About 10–20 min walk | Bars, late nights, slightly better value |
| East Austin (East 6th and beyond) | About 15–25 min walk or a short ride | Boutique hotels, local food, quieter nights |
| South Congress | About 1.5 miles; a short ride or bus | Shopping, character hotels, a break from the crowds |
At the hubs: walk to everything
- Thompson Austin – the 2027 Music Clubhouse itself, near Sixth Street and Red River. Best for music badgeholders who want to roll out of bed into the conference.
- The Westin Austin Downtown – hosts 2027 Music conference panels; a block or two from the Sixth Street showcases. Suits industry travelers.
- The Driskill – the historic 1886 hotel on Sixth Street and a 2027 Film & TV conference hub. For film badgeholders who want classic Austin character.
- Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel – on Congress Avenue and also a 2027 Film & TV conference hub. Good for filmmakers and press.
Luxury & big downtown hotels
- Fairmont Austin – a large high-rise on the east side of downtown, about a 10-minute walk to Sixth Street and an easy walk to Rainey Street. Used by SXSW for programming in 2026. Suits companies and groups.
- JW Marriott Austin – on Congress Avenue near the 2nd Street District and a few blocks from ACL Live at The Moody Theater. A strong pick for film premieres.
Rainey Street, East Austin & South Congress
- Hotel Van Zandt – on Rainey Street, about a 15–20-minute walk to Sixth Street; a music-themed hotel with live music of its own. For travelers who want the Rainey bar scene on the doorstep.
- East Austin Hotel – on East 6th Street, east of I-35; walkable to Red River venues in roughly 15–20 minutes. Suits travelers who prefer East Austin’s bars and food.
- Hotel San José – a low-key courtyard hotel on South Congress, about 1.5 miles from downtown. Best for repeat visitors who want a quieter base and do not mind a short ride.
Getting there, shuttles & parking
From the airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is about 8 miles southeast of downtown. CapMetro Route 20 runs from the airport to downtown every 15 to 30 minutes, seven days a week, for $1.25 a ride, per CapMetro’s website as of October 2026. Tap a card or phone and fares cap at $2.50 a day. The stop is on the lower level, just outside baggage claim. Rideshare and taxis usually take 20 to 35 minutes, longer during the festival.
Getting around: The downtown footprint is walkable, and that is the point of the hub layout. SXSW runs complimentary shuttles for badgeholders between most official Film & TV screening venues, but they are not general transportation. In 2026, Congress Avenue (7th to 11th), Red River (5th to 10th) and Sixth Street (Brazos to I-35) were closed to traffic during the festival, per Fox 7 Austin, so expect similar closures in 2027.
Parking: Downtown hotel parking adds to the bill, and road closures make driving slow during SXSW. If you are driving in, book a hotel that lists parking, or leave the car and use rideshare, CapMetro or your feet.
SXSW hotel tips
- Decide which track you are there for. Film fans should stay near Congress Avenue; music fans near Sixth Street and Red River.
- Compare SXSW Housing rates with refundable rates on booking sites.
- If downtown is sold out, look at Rainey Street and East Austin first; they are still walkable.
- Check for minimum-night stays, which some hotels require during big event weeks.
- Wear comfortable shoes. With no convention center, you will walk between hubs all day.
- Watch sxsw.com for the Innovation hub announcement before locking in a hotel for that track.
FAQ
When is SXSW 2027?
SXSW 2027 runs March 15–21, 2027, in downtown Austin. Innovation ends on March 20, and Comedy and the Podcast Festival run March 17–20.
Is SXSW still at the Austin Convention Center?
No. The convention center was demolished for a rebuild and is expected to reopen in early 2029. SXSW now runs from hubs in downtown hotels and venues.
What is the best area to stay for SXSW?
Downtown, between Congress Avenue and Red River Street. That puts you close to the 2027 Music and Film & TV hubs. Rainey Street is the next best option.
How do I get from the Austin airport to downtown?
CapMetro Route 20 runs from the airport to downtown for $1.25. Rideshare and taxis usually take 20 to 35 minutes, more with festival traffic.
Can I get a discounted hotel rate through SXSW?
Yes. Badgeholders can book through SXSW Housing, which offers discounted rates at partner hotels near official venues. Compare those rates and cancellation terms with other options.
More venue guides
- Where to stay for Austin City Limits
- US Grand Prix 2027: Austin hotels
- Hotels near the Javits Center
- Where to stay for Coachella
- Where to stay for Lollapalooza
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We start at the venue and work outward: walking time, shuttle and transit options first, then guest review scores and value for money. Hotels can’t pay to be listed. Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change daily, so always check live rates before you book.
