Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the City of Austin canceled the 2020 South by Southwest Festival in March. Organizers said at the time that they were considering rescheduling the event and launching a "virtual SXSW Online experience," and today announced that the event will take place in March 2021.

Called SXSW Online, the event promises to feature "conference keynotes and sessions, screenings, showcases, networking, and exhibitions" in two sessions: the SXSW Edu Online will focus on innovation in education, The broader SXSW Online will feature a digital film festival, music festival, and a variety of online panels that community members can suggest and comment on, beginning October 6. The SXSW Gaming Expo is not mentioned in this announcement, but it is possible that the SXSW Gaming Expo (or something related to it) will be announced at a later date, either as an online digital showcase or through gaming-related panels.

"The challenge of building a new future is an exciting one for us to tackle," said SXSW CEO Roland Swenson, "This is a year of change, and we, like the entire world, are reframing our perspective on how we are connected. We are delighted to be working with SXSW Online as part of our 2021 program." Regardless of platform, we will continue to attract the brightest minds from the creative industries around the world."

SXSW Edu Online is scheduled for March 9-11, 2021, and SXSW Online for March 16-20, 2021; SXSW is also preparing to host a physical event in 2021 and will announce details as they become available.