Live, in Photos: SXSW 2026

Live, in Photos: SXSW 2026

Water From Your Eyes, Rocket, Surfbort, Kreayshawn, Panic Shack, and more scenes from the 40th iteration of Austin’s annual music festival and conference.

Words: FLOOD Staff

Photos: Daniel Cavazos and Kenn Box

March 23, 2026

SXSW returned for its 40th anniversary last week, celebrating the milestone in a rather unfamiliar format. Since the demolition of the Austin Convention Center last year, its base for over three decades, the annual event at the Texan capital city grappled with figuring out a strategy for sustaining massive crowds until the new convention center is completed. This year saw an abridged clubhouse format with all three portions (film, music, and innovation) overlapping over a seven-day stretch.

While the experts debate whether it was a success or not, one thing remained clear: live music wasn’t hard to find, despite that portion of SXSW recently taking the back seat to film and tech. From official parties like Alanis Morissette at Stubb’s and Lola Young at ACL Live to the unofficial showcases at Hotel Vegas and the Mohawk, there was a little something for everyone.

Here’s a sampling of visual highlights captured for FLOOD by Daniel Cavazos and Kenn Box, including rollicking sets at the TODO party from Surfbort and Big Bill, Marshall’s annual shindig at the Mohawk with Water From Your Eyes and LA faves Rocket, and showcases with local pop avant-garders J’cuuzi and standout newcomers Panic Shack from Wales.