Photo credit: SXSW London \ Facebook
Your guide to SXSW London 2026 is here! From June 1st to 6th, this iconic festival returns to Shoreditch with a packed lineup of performances, roundtables, and screenings. Originally launched in Austin, Texas, almost 40 years ago, SXSW has expanded beyond music to include contemporary cinema, cultural panels, and networking opportunities.
Monday, June 1st
On Monday, things kick off with a roundtable discussion on the fresh challenges that AI is presenting to the creative industry. This will be followed by a screening of “Only Rebels Win,” a thought-provoking exploration of interfaith relationships in modern-day Lebanon. The day will conclude with a selection of horror shorts that showcase the most eclectic offerings from global cinema.
Tuesday, June 2nd
On Tuesday, there will be panels exploring the new frontiers of digital fashion, screenings of Sofia Coppola’s documentary on Marc Jacobs, and an extraordinary documentary about the hidden world of competitive whistling. Additionally, the excitement continues with performances by Earl Sweatshirt, the Dallas collective Cure for Paranoia, the UK soul group GRAMN., and SEGA BODEGA’s special concert “I Brought You To The Church To Watch Me Play My Ambient Album By The Altar.”
Wednesday, June 3rd
Wednesday features a robust lineup of events. Musical highlights include the indie rock outfit Circa Waves, rising pop artist Rachel Chinouriri, and soft-rock sibling quartet Infinity Song, all taking the stage at Shoreditch Town Hall. Additionally, attendees can catch a sneak preview of Olivia Wilde’s filmmaking return, The Invite.
Thursday, June 4th
Thursday offers an essential panel focusing on the urgent fight to preserve London’s iconic nightlife. The cinematic lineup features powerful short films charting small, insurgent acts of defiance against oppression, alongside a slick, fast-paced cyber-thriller from South Korean director Han Chang-lok. The day concludes with dynamic performances from rising musical talents: Finn Askew, Amaria BB, and Tiwa Savage.
Friday, June 5th
Friday presents a captivating blend of music and visual arts. Attendees can explore insightful panels on the evolving trajectory of UK rap and the nuances of musical identity in Brazil. The cinematic program is equally compelling, featuring a silent film uniquely re-scored by The Cure and a documentary profiling the groundbreaking visual artist Marilyn Minter. The night culminates with unmissable performances from R&B rising star NNAOMI, rapper V.I.C., and the dynamic set of Welsh rocker Hana Lili.
Saturday, June 6th
As SXSW London reaches its grand finale, immerse yourself in a curated selection of world-class cinema. Experience the haunting beauty of Paul Urkijo Alijo’s Basque folk horror, The Night, followed by the intense and gripping Kazakh thriller SICKO, a suspenseful exploration of moral ambiguity and desperation.
