ACL Live's Favorite SXSW Moments

SXSW 2026 took over Austin, and ACL Live was right in the middle of the action. The annual conference-festival hybrid brings together a community of creatives—film and television actors, musicians, comedians, podcasters, and more—to celebrate innovation and artistry.

Of course, in the live music capital of the world, the music at SXSW is on another level. With more than 4,000 performers taking over stages throughout the city, including major names like Lola Young, BigXthaPlug, The All-American Rejects, and Fuerza Rigada, the week was a non-stop celebration of the magic of live entertainment.

From DJ sets in 3TEN, to major headliners at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, to Rolling Stone Studio live interviews in the PNC Hall, some of the biggest names attending SXSW stopped by ACL Live to perform and connect. With that much talent and creativity flowing through our venue, we certainly had some unforgettable moments.

Check out ACL Live’s roundup of our best moments of SXSW 2026.

 

1. BigXThaPlug Brings a Fan On Stage

After spotting a young fan rapping along with every word, BigXThaPlug pulled Braston up on stage to perform in front of the sold-out crowd. World, meet LilX. This kid’s got guts.

 

2. Rolling Stone Studio Interviews in PNC Hall

Rolling Stone Studio kept the conversations flowing all week long in PNC Hall, bringing in an array of actors, musicians, comedians, and creators. Topics ranged from Stranger Things endings, to love songs, to Lord of the Rings reboot rumors. We love these real, raw moments where artists get to be themselves.

3. Will Ferrel Opens the IHeartPodcast Awards

Appearing in full Team USA speed skating gear, Will Ferrell kicked things off at ACL Live at the Moody Theater by joking about almost making the 2026 Winter Olympics, before handing things over to fellow SNL alum and host Ego Nwodim.

4. Giggly Squad Wins Podcast of the Year

Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo of the Giggly Squad podcast walked the red carpet and took home the big prize from the iHeartPodcast Awards. Gigglers, rejoice.

5. Steve Aoki Throws Cake in 3TEN

Multi-platinum DJ and producer Steve Aoki took the stage in 3TEN as a part of the JBL Livebrary. Fans held up signs asking to get “caked,” and Aoki didn’t disappoint—throwing a full buttercream sheet cake directly at their faces in one of his signature concert rituals.

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR?

It was a whirlwind of a week, full of surprises and genuine moments between artists, fans, and industry trendsetters who showed up to connect, share, and create. We’re already looking ahead to what’s next—the new ideas (and new music!) still to come out of this incredible week. And we’re ready to do it all again in 2027.

In the meantime, keep up with us @acllive for more live music moments, and come catch a show at our legendary venue. We’ll see you in the crowd.

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WHAT IS SXSW?

South By Southwest is a weeklong conference, festival, and interactive showcase spread throughout Austin, TX. The event features panels, keynote speeches, live showcases, and live performances connecting creatives and innovators across industries, and is widely recognized as one of the most exciting things to do in Austin.

WHEN IS SXSW?

South By Southwest takes place annually in early March. The 2027 SXSW dates will fall between March 7–15. Official daily schedules are finalized closer to the event.