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🌟 The best of the fest
The countdown is on to one of the biggest festivals in the world. | Photo by ATXtoday
SXSW 2026 is just around the bend, which means the Capital City is preparing to host hundreds of thousands of visitors, celebrities, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and more.
The festival will be held from Thursday, March 12 to Wednesday, March 18 this year. Even though it’s shorter than usual due to the ongoing Austin Convention Center construction, there’s still a lot on the agenda.
Platinum badge holders can access every track. | Graphic via SXSW
SXSW is on a streamlined schedule this year, condensed down to 21 tracks and four badge types. Here are some of the biggest sessions we’re keeping an eye on.
$855 million. That’s how much Austin FC is worth, according to estimations from Forbes, which is 4% higher year-over-year. That valuation makes it the No. 7 most valuable team in the MLS (and most valuable in Texas).
Ranked
Working hard, or hardly working? Austin landed at No. 10 on WalletHub’s list of the hardest-working cities in the US. Case in point: Pop into a local coffee shop, and you’ll spot plenty of local professionals putting in the grind.
Mansion Monday
Warning: Moving into this house could cause incurable tranquility. Located in Rollingwood, this colorful estate toes the line between modern finishes and old Austin luxury. We’d never leave that pool or sundeck.
Seasonal
After losing an hour of sleep this past weekend, it’s time to make it worth it. Now the sun is setting after 7 p.m. again, we can spend more time exploring Austin’s beautiful parks. If you need some inspo, our events calendar will be full of outdoor fun for the foreseeable future.
Try This
March is National Craft Month — the perfect excuse to dive into a creative hobby. Whether you want to pick up a new skill or DIY some fresh home decor, these local craft shops are a great place to begin.
The Word
Swiftie. The term is officially in the dictionary, defined as “a fan of the music of Taylor Swift.” While Swift isn’t set to perform in Austin anytime soon, there are plenty of other upcoming concerts to look forward to in the Live Music Capital of the World. (USA Today)
Travel
Here’s the good news: Tasting Table just chose Texas’s Best Small-Town Restaurant. The bad news? Central Texas locals may have to drive over three hours to try it. See which Texas restaurant made it.
Try This
Have you visited the newly transformed “Epic Encounters” exhibit? The top-to-bottom redesign is packed with new hands-on play, interactive stations, lifelike animations, and Texas’s most famous fossils closer than ever before. Trust: it’s a must-visit.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Travel-size mouthwash you can take anywhere. Perfect for vacations, tossing in your purse, or keeping in the glovebox, this TSA-approved, top-rated mouthwash comes in portable pouches so you can freshen up anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It’s alcohol-free and safe for sensitive teeth.
Frankly, I’m more of an indoor girl than an outdoor girl unless there’s a pool involved. Pool weather has arrived early this year — check out which city pools are open year-round.