March 13–16, 2027 | Austin, TX

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March 13–16, 2027 | Austin, TX

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March 13–16, 2027 | Austin, TX

  • We’re Back in Session: Announcing First Keynote and Featured Sessions for SXSW EDU 2027

    We’re Back in Session: Announcing First Keynote and Featured Sessions for SXSW EDU 2027

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    SXSW Staff

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    School is back in session, and so are we. As educators head back to school, we’re looking to them, and the ideas emerging from the classroom, for what’s needed and next in education. We are thrilled to announce our first Keynote and three Featured Sessions for SXSW EDU 2027! 

    In a rapidly changing world, our speakers are diving headfirst into how education meets the moment. As conversations around tech and AI are increasingly defined by urgency, anxiety, and uncertainty, New York Times-bestselling author Mac Barnett champions the power of picture books and the brilliance of the children who read them. In this Keynote, he challenges adults to stop underestimating children’s literature, showing why young readers deserve ambitious art and how imagination lays the groundwork for how we learn.

    Education institutions are microcosms of our society, where today’s biggest changes are first manifested, tested, and solved. These Featured Sessions harness humor to turn classroom realities, youth culture, and civic values into smart, engaging solutions for the future.

    Badges are on sale for SXSW EDU 2027. Start the school year with SXSW EDU on your calendar and register by Thursday, September 17 to secure the lowest rate of the season.

    Keynote

    A Conversation with Mac Barnett

    As educators navigate rapid changes in technology, literacy, and how young people learn and engage with the world, Mac Barnett, New York Times-bestselling author and U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, will share why children deserve respect and art just for them.

    Mac Barnett, Author, U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

    Lore Drop: The Museum Rizzler & Friends Live

    Chat, the mother of all museum tours, is coming to SXSW EDU. After racking up 30+ million views dropping art history lore in delightfully unhinged internet slang, a 78-year-old National Gallery of Art curator is bringing the Museum Rizzler IRL. Think art history isn’t your thing? Perfect. Experience her live, then go behind the scenes with the National Gallery’s social media team to discover how they blended scholarship with comedy to build brand affinity, reach new audiences, and turn a legacy institution into cultural conversation.

    Alison Luchs, Curator of Early European Sculpture & Deputy Head of Sculpture, National Gallery of Art

    Mary King, Social Media Producer & Copywriter, National Gallery of Art

    Sydni Myers, Head of Social Media, National Gallery of Art

    The Classroom Is Telling Us Something

    What if the classroom is one of the best places to understand what’s really happening across the nation? Teachers see it first: how technology is changing learning, how economic pressure shapes students’ lives, and how communities and the workforce are evolving. Increasingly, schools are also becoming third spaces — places where students find food, connection, trusted adults, technology, and safety. In this candid conversation, Emmy Award-winning producer and comedian W. Kamau Bell brings teachers to the stage to share what they’re seeing on the frontlines — and what it means for all of us.

    W. Kamau Bell, Comedian, Who’s with Me & DonorsChoose

    What Kindergarten Can Teach Us About Democracy

    What if the skills that help kindergarten students participate in a classroom are also the skills adults need to participate in civic life? Blending classroom expertise with years of communicating complex issues to millions online, this session will translate what early childhood educators know about fairness, disagreement, and belonging into practical strategies for making civic life more accessible: explaining complex issues clearly, lowering the temperature without avoiding hard conversations, and helping people understand what fairness actually requires.

    Arielle Fodor, Content Creator & Advocate, Mrs. Frazzled

    SXSW Staff

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  • SXSW EDU 2027 Has Exciting New Updates

    SXSW EDU 2027 Has Exciting New Updates

    It’s a big month in the world of education– classrooms are beginning to fill up, campuses are welcoming back a flurry of activity, and beginning today, you can start making your plans to join us at SXSW EDU 2027!

    Here in Austin, we’ve spent the summer reflecting, brainstorming, and dreaming up new ideas to bring to life next March. SXSW EDU is the only conference and festival where the full education ecosystem meets the cultural and creative programming of SXSW — and we’re excited to share the first round of updates that drive the unexpected discoveries that move learning forward.

    New Dates to Kick Off the Learning

    SXSW EDU 2027 will take place March 13-16, opening across the weekend for the first time ever. Look forward to more flexibility for your schedule and experience — and take advantage of even more opportunities to experience the energy of SXSW. Speaking of which…

    Double the Crossover energy with SXSW

    Building on the dynamic diversity of bringing communities together this year, the Crossover experience is back and bigger than ever for 2027. Get ready for two full days of SXSW Conference content and activations to connect with peers, meet new collaborators, and discover fresh perspectives on education and beyond. 

    A Refreshed Experience in Downtown Austin

    After immersing ourselves in central Austin, we’re fine-tuning the map with a slightly new footprint. Explore programming, networking, and more at the Hilton Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown, and–new for next March–the JW Marriott. Your time with us wouldn’t be complete without at least one visit to the EDU Clubhouse, which will be back at the historic Antone’s Nightclub, for performances, gatherings, and more. 

    Locals Get Perks! Introducing the 512 Club

    We’re nothing if not proud Austinites to our roots, and this year when you buy a badge using your Austin-area zip code for billing, you’ll get access to a locals-only discount, insider perks, and more surprises in the lead-up to March — all to say thanks to our local community and partners who are core to SXSW’s DNA. The first perk you can look forward to is a downtown lounge — a home away from home for your time downtown. 

    Reservations Revamped

    Want to make sure you can grab a seat in your must-see sessions? Reservations are back for a second year, allowing you to secure a seat for Keynotes, Featured Sessions, Workshops, and Mentors. Stay tuned for more information and be ready when the booking window opens on March 9, 2pm CT.

    And that’s just a taste of the updates to look forward to as we embark on the road to the 17th annual SXSW EDU. In the meantime, be sure to check out PanelPicker Community Voting until August 23 to have your say in programming. If you want to get involved, don’t skip applying for additional opportunities. 

    We can’t wait to see you in March, so lock in the lowest rate of the season when you buy your badge today!

    SXSW Staff