SXXpress Passes

Get the best access to your most anticipated SXSW events with SXXpress (South by Express) Passes!


SXSW 2023 – Photo by Tico Mendoza

About SXXpress Passes

 

The digital SXXpress (South by Express) Passes are an essential resource for SXSW registrants to not only secure a spot at must-see events but also jump to the front of the line.

Daily SXXpress Passes are available to all SXSW Badges – Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music. Registrants may request priority access to individual Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Comedy Festival Showcases, and select parties. SXXpress passes are available for our in-person event only.

SXXpress Passes are digital and can be requested through the SXSW Schedule or in SXSW GO, the official mobile app. Passes are distributed via email, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay.

How to Access SXXpress Passes

Before you can sign up for SXXpress Passes, you must log in and link your badge in SXSW GO or SXSW Social, using the SXSW Link Code found in your registration confirmation email.

Starting from 9:00am on the day before the event you want priority access to, log in to SXSW GO or the SXSW Schedule, navigate to the event, and click the "Request SXXpress Pass" button. The checkboxes and help text in the SXXpress Pass interface will confirm your eligibility and show you when you can request a pass.

Screenings, Sessions, and Parties: the request period will end when the limited number of Passes have been claimed or 5 hours before the session, film, or party, whichever comes first.

Music Showcases: the request period will end when the limited number of Passes have been claimed or at 3pm the day of the showcase, whichever comes first.

You will be sent an email for each successful SXXpress Pass request, including instructions on using the digital pass and when to arrive at the event.

Note: SXXpress Passes cannot be returned, transferred or exchanged. All requests are final.

How Many SXXpress Passes Can I Get?

New for 2024, daily passes have increased for select badges. You can request a SXXpress Pass for events that you have primary access to based on your badge type. The allotment of SXXpress Passes per badge type and the events you can request them for is as follows:

  • Platinum registrants may request up to five passes per day for primary access to all Conference Sessions, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Music Festival Showcases, Comedy Festival Showcases, and Parties (Interactive/Film & TV/Music Opening Parties).

  • Interactive: registrants may request up to four passes per day for primary access to all Conference Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases, and Interactive Opening Party.

  • Film & TV: registrants may request up to three passes per day for primary access to Film & TV Screenings, Film & TV Conference Tracks plus sessions with primary access for all badges, Comedy Festival Showcases, and the Film & TV Opening Party.

  • Music: registrants may request up to two passes per day for primary access to Music Showcases, Music Conference Tracks plus sessions with primary access for all badges, Comedy Festival Showcases, and the Music Opening Party.

Event types that do not have SXXpress Passes include: Networking Meet Ups, Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and Roundtables.

How to Request a SXXpress Pass

  1. Browse the schedule in SXSW GO and select the event you'd like to request.
  2. Tap on "Request SXXpress Pass" to proceed.
  3. "Confirm Pass" request (there are no exchanges).
  4. Congrats! An email is on the way.

If you are 1) already signed up for the event, 2) have already reached daily allowance of passes, or 3) do not have primary access with your badge type, select a different event to request a SXXpress Pass.

How Do I Get In With My SXXpress Pass?

You should make sure to have both your SXSW Badge and SXXpress Pass in hand and ready to scan at the door.

  • For Conference Sessions, go to the designated SXXpress area at the front of the primary access line, no later than 15 minutes before the session starts.

  • For Film & TV Screenings, go to the designated area at the front of the primary access line at the theatre, no later than 30 minutes before the listed time for the screening.

  • For Music and Comedy Showcases, go to the front of the primary access line at the host venue.

Need Help?

If you are having an issue requesting a SXXpress Pass, please stop by any of our Information Booths or the Tech Help Desk in Exhibit Hall 1 of the Austin Convention Center. You may also email us at info@sxsw.com.


Notes:

SXSW Film & TV Screenings: 1) A SXXpress Pass provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the Pass; 2) The name on your badge and SXXpress Pass must be identical; 3) SXXpress Passes are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW Badge; 4) You must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the start of the film and proceed to the designated area at the front of the Primary Access badge line; 5) Admission subject to capacity restrictions; 6) The period to request a Pass ends when the quantity of Passes allocated have been claimed; 7) All SXXpress Pass transactions are final — NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS.

SXSW Music Showcases: 1) A SXXpress Pass provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the Pass; 2) The name on your badge and SXXpress Pass must be identical; 3) SXXpress Passes are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW Badge; 4) SXXpress Passes do not guarantee admission, which is subject to venue capacity; 5) Due to strict alcohol beverage laws in Texas, all venues require a government-issued photo ID for entry; 6) SXXpress Passes are not valid for minors at venues that do not admit minors; 7) The period to request a Pass ends when the quantity of Passes allocated have been claimed; 8) SXXpress Passes may not be available for some showcases; 8) All SXXpress Pass transactions are final — NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS.

SXSW Conference and Parties: 1) A SXXpress Pass provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the Pass; 2) The name on your badge and SXXpress Pass must be identical; 3) SXXpress Passes are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW Badge; 4) Admission is subject to capacity restrictions; 5) No reserved seating; 6) The period to request a Pass ends when the quantity of Passes allocated have been claimed; 7) All SXXpress Pass transactions are final — NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS.

2024 Access Lines

 

Paramount and Stateside Theatre Access

Need help getting around? Check out our interactive SXSW maps to help get you in the right access line.

Access Lines

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