Everything Rivian Is Doing at SXSW 2026: R2 Takes Center Stage
Rivian is back as the headline sponsor of SXSW 2026, and this year it's all about R2. From March 13 through 18, Rivian is setting up the Electric Roadhouse on South Congress in Austin — a hub for panels, live music, and the first real chance to see the R2 lineup in person.
R2 Experience
The full R2 lineup will be on display daily from 9am to 7pm with details on pricing, specs, colors, wheels, and interior options. The highlight is the R2 Electric Joyride — an off-road passenger ride on a custom course built in downtown Austin, with expert drivers taking attendees through steep hills, sharp turns, and rough terrain.
Programming Highlights
- "Are You Faster than a Robot?" — CEO RJ Scaringe and Mark Rober host an interactive challenge pitting audience members against an autonomous robot from a new Rivian × CrunchLabs partnership
- RJ Scaringe × Kara Swisher — conversation on EV adoption
- AI-Defined Vehicles — Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid talks AI in vehicles with Fast Company
- Nature-Inspired Design — Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud leads a discussion on design philosophy
- Women Driving Innovation — CFO Claire McDonough joins a panel on innovation across legacy industries
Beyond the Panels
The Electric Roadhouse will feature a hospitality lounge, Proud Mary coffee off an R1T tailgate, live music curated by KUTX, Dometic giveaways, Ben & Jerry's ice cream truck pop-ups, and ALSO electric bike test rides.
Key Takeaways
- Rivian is SXSW 2026 headline sponsor with massive R2 presence
- First public opportunity to see and experience R2 before deliveries begin
- Strong AI and tech angle with panels on AI-defined vehicles and autonomous robotics
- Runs March 13-18 at Electric Roadhouse on South Congress, Austin