Rivian Returns to SXSW

Here’s 10 Things You Can’t Miss

By Rivian

March 2^nd, 2026

Rivian is back as the headline sponsor of SXSW 2026, a global celebration of creativity and culture.

This year is even more exciting as we celebrate the upcoming launch of R2—our all-new mid-size SUV designed for all of life’s adventures. You can check out R2 and so much more at the Electric Roadhouse, our central hub for panels, events, and live music from March 13-18.

Please note that certain sessions may require a SXSW badge to attend.

Check out 10 things you can’t miss from Rivian during the festival:

Two men stand smiling next to a Rivian vehicle in a factory setting. The silver SUV has its doors open, revealing the interior, and the wheel well is exposed. Overhead fans are visible.

1: Rivian Founder & CEO RJ Scaringe & CrunchLabs Founder Mark Rober Host "Are You Faster than a Robot?"

March 13, 10:00am–10:40am | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave

Rivian Founder & CEO RJ Scaringe and engineer & YouTube creator Mark Rober host the ultimate autonomous robot challenge, the official kickoff to our exclusive partnership with CrunchLabs. This interactive presentation pits audience members against the robot brainchild Rivian and CrunchLabs teamed up to build, testing human reactions vs. machine learning. Details here.

Rivian truck front view shows custom paint job with orange stripes and accents. Headlights are illuminated, creating a distinctive oval shape.

2: See R2 In Person

March 13–18 | 9:00am–7:00pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave

Be among the first to explore the R2 lineup in full detail—from pricing and performance specs to every color, wheel, and interior option—and start envisioning your next adventure.

Two Rivian electric vehicles sit on a dirt track in an urban setting. A banner reads

3: R2 Electric Joyride

March 13–18 | 9:00am–7:00pm except March 14, 9:00am–5:00pm and March 18, 9:00am–6:00pm | 800 Block of Congress

We transformed a 270-foot section of 800 Congress into a rugged proving ground for R2. Experience the vehicle’s capability from the passenger seat as an expert driver navigates steep hills, sharp turns, and uneven ground on our custom 245-foot off-road course built right in the middle of downtown Austin. When you’re done, head to the Fujifilm takeover at Rivian’s Airstream trailer lounge adjacent to the Electric Joyride course to check out FUJIFILM X half™ and take away a keepsake instax™ print. Learn more here.

4: Electric Roadhouse

March 13–18 | 9:00am–7:00pm | 208 S Congress Ave

Rivan’s flagship Austin space transforms into the Electric Roadhouse, our central hub for inspiring panels, exclusive events, and live music. Network in the Rivian Financial Services Hospitality Lounge, enjoy Proud Mary coffee served off the tailgate of an R1T, and look out for fun giveaways from our partner Dometic. We’re also celebrating Austin’s vibrant music scene with KUTX’s curated lineup of local bands performing March 13-15 every half hour from 2:00pm-4:30pm. Check out the full schedule here.

A man sits in a chair in front of surfboards. The bald man wears a gray jacket and dark jeans. Behind him, three surfboards hang on a white wall, along with photos and a diagram. Two potted plants sit to his left.

5: Grounded in Design with Jeff Hammoud

March 15 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave

Join a dynamic discussion on how creating spaces and products that “bring the outside in” can transform our daily environments from isolating barriers into seamless bridges to the natural world. Featuring Rivian’s Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud and Lake Flato’s Tenna Florian, and moderated by Rich Roll. Details here.

Three people ride Rivian e-bikes across a city street. The cyclists wear helmets. Buildings and blurred traffic line the background. The image uses motion blur to convey speed.

6: ALSO

March 14, Panel: 11:30am–12:30pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave

Get to know ALSO, the electric micromobility company that’s building a new generation of small, vertically integrated EVs for everyday, short-distance transportation inside the Roadhouse.

Curious about the vision driving this new wave of mobility? Hear from ALSO President & Co-Founder Chris Yu and Rivian Founder & CEO RJ Scaringe with renowned journalist Kara Swisher for "Electrification: Moving the Needle at Both Ends of the Scale," as they explore the science behind why EV adoption can meaningfully improve everyday life, and the broader systems required to make electric mobility feel intuitive, enjoyable, and worth choosing every day. After the discussion, take a test spin of ALSO’s flagship electric bike, the TM-B. Powered by DreamRide, the TM-B has a software-defined pedaling system that really has to be experienced to understand.

Man smiles on stage in front of large display showing map, likely at SXSW. He wears a navy sweater and mauve pants. The display shows

7: The End of SDV: Building an AI-Defined Vehicle

March 13, 11:30am–12:00pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave

Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid chats with Fast Company’s Max Ufberg about how Rivian is moving beyond “smart” features, and instead building a hardware-software stack to create vehicles that don't just react to the world, but actively anticipate the needs of the adventurer.

Cartoon cutout of a fuzzy, yellow Rivian mascot holds an ice cream cone. Mascot wears a green hat, orange apron, and striped socks. A Rivian truck is parked in the background on a grassy lawn with trees.

8: Exclusive Pop-Ups

March 13–18 | Various times and locations

Find us around town with exclusive pop-up experiences. Grab a custom, limited-edition SXSW tote bag at our screen printing activations. We’re also serving up complimentary Ben & Jerry’s from our custom ice cream truck while supplies last. Here today, there tomorrow!

Woman sits on a gray couch, smiling, in a modern office space. A phone on a tripod stands in front of her. A magazine rests on a round wooden table.

9: Innovation & Impact: Female Leaders Transforming Legacy Industries

Sunday, March 15, 10:00am–11:00am | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S. Congress Ave

Join Rivian CFO Claire McDonough, Madison Reed Founder & CEO Amy Errett, and Spotify Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins for a panel discussion exploring how women are shaping the future through innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and consumer-centered solutions. Following the panel, recharge with a mimosa and small bites at the Root Refresh with Madison Reed where certified hair colorists will provide hair touch-ups and product demonstrations. More here.

Julien Baker performs live on stage at a Rivian event. A crowd of people watches the band under blue stage lights. A large screen displays

10: Electric Sessions

March 12–15 | Various locations

We’re bringing an electric lineup of performances to stages across Austin. Follow us on Instagram and keep an eye out on our Stories!

One for the road: SXSW Owner Perks

If you’re and owner who will be at SXSW or in the Austin area, let us know at letsgo@rivian.com so we can loop you into owner-specific programming.

Rivian friends and family can also take advantage of a 20% discount on SXSW badges, and owners who show their digital key will be able to join the platinum badge queue at the Electric Joyride.