How Music Wristband Access Works

A SXSW Music Festival Wristband ensures you will not pay a cover charge to see official SXSW Music Festival Showcases at over 50 stages from March 12-18, 2026. Music Wristbands do not have guaranteed admission to every SXSW event. Admission is subject to legal venue capacity and age restrictions in compliance with state and local laws. Wristband holders should download the SXSW GO app to view official schedule and venues.

Purchase Music Wristband

SXSW Music Badgeholders and Platinum Badgeholders gain admittance first over Music Festival Wristbands. Music Wristbands then have access to Music Festival Showcases. Music Wristbands do not have access to Music Conference sessions, Music Clubhouse, SXSW Comedy Showcases, SXSW Film & TV Festival Screenings, or guaranteed access to activations. Review Wristband Rules below for further details. More information about access can be found here: Attendee Guide.

Wristband holders can catch a ride on the SXSW Festival Shuttle – a free circulating shuttle running between select venues and Clubhouses during the festival. Learn more on the Getting Around page.

Purchase Online

An individual can buy up to six Music Wristbands while supplies last. Unique emails must be used when purchasing two or more wristbands of the same type.

Music Festival Wristbands are non-refundable and non-transferrable. If you buy more than the number of wristbands permitted, you will not be able to assign or sell them to other people. A confirmation email will be sent to the associated email address which will include instructions for picking up your wristband. A valid form of photo ID is required to pick up your wristband and it will be placed on your wrist at time of pick up. Learn more about Official Rules below.

Purchase In-Person at SXSW

Purchase Music Festival Wristbands in-person at the SXSW Merch Truck which will be cruising around downtown Austin from March 12-18. Hours are subject to change.

SXSW Merch Truck Schedule
COMING SOON. Hours and locations subject to change.

Prepare for your SX adventure! Download SXSW GO, the official mobile app, and begin building your SXSW Schedule.

Each individual wristband holder will need to present a drivers license or valid government-issued photo ID to claim their SXSW Wristband. An individual may not pick up a wristband for someone else.

The wristband will be fastened on the individual’s wrist at time of pick up and may not be removed until the festival is over to receive entry to events.

Wristband Pickup Times and Location

Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Road
OPEN: SUN MARCH 8 - WED MARCH 11

JW Marriott | Griffin Hall, Level 2
110 E. 2nd St
OPEN THURS MAR 12 - WED MARCH 18

Downright | Capitol View Terrace, Level 3
701 E. 11th St
OPEN: WED MARCH 11 - WED MARCH 18

This online system is being utilized to ensure that SXSW Music Festival wristbands go directly to music fans (rather than scalpers and resellers).

Purchase Requirements

1. You must provide a valid credit card with funds available to purchase the number of wristbands you request (up to six wristbands).
2. The purchaser will provide their name, email, valid credit card number and expiration date, and billing address.
3. Additional wristbands may be purchased by providing separate names and email addresses. All wristbands are non-transferable and non-refundable.
4. Each named person must personally pick up their wristband (which will be put on their wrist at that time).
5. By purchasing and obtaining wristbands you are acknowledging and agreeing to the Participant Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Disclaimers

1. A SXSW Music Festival Wristband ensures that you will not pay a cover charge to see official SXSW Music Festival Showcases at over 50 stages from March 12-18, 2026. Admission is through the secondary access line and subject to the legal capacity of each venue. Many venues fill up. SXSW Music and Platinum Badges get priority entry.
2. All SXSW Wristbands are non-transferable and non-refundable.
3. Tampering with the SXSW Wristband will invalidate the wristband. Stretching, tearing, taping or cutting of SXSW Wristbands is not permitted. If wristband tampering is evident, the wristband will be voided and the wearer will be refused entry to any/all SXSW venues.
4. When purchasing multiple wristbands, the authorized purchaser must be one of the wristband recipients.
5. Most SXSW Music Festival venues have minimum age requirements. Authorized SXSW Wristband holders are not exempt from venue-specific age restrictions.

PARTICIPATION AND CREDENTIALS TERMS AND CONDITIONS