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

With dwindling band numbers and a surge in Film interest, the event will present a trimmed-down schedule that eliminates a dedicated music weekend in 2026. SXSW is also offering a lifeline to cash-strapped,

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.