We’re so excited to be the headline sponsor of SXSW 2025, a global celebration of creativity and culture.
Basecamp for Rivian is our Electric Roadhouse located at 208 S Congress, open daily at 10:00am* during SXSW. Stop by to check out R2, R3X and our limited-edition California Dune Tri-Motor — the adventure-ready, all-electric vehicle inspired by the extremes of the desert. The Electric Roadhouse will also be a hub for panels, events, live music and more throughout the week.
In addition to the Electric Roadhouse, we’ll be at the Austin Convention Center March 7–13 from 10:00am–5:00pm, with an outdoor vehicle display at Trinity St and 4th St from 9:00am–8:00pm from March 7–15.
Please note that certain activations such as panels and keynotes outside of the Rivian Electric Roadhouse may require a SXSW badge to attend.
See below for 10 things you can’t miss in Austin this March.
Rivian Founder & CEO, RJ Scaringe, Keynote Session on the SXSW Mainstage
March 11, 4:00pm–5:00pm | Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon H
Join us at the Hilton Austin Downtown for a conversation between Rivian Founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, and Justine Ezarik of iJustine. “The Moment We’re In: Transitioning How We Move, Think and Change the Planet” will focus on shifting away from fossil fuels, how AI is changing our society in real-time, robotics in the physical world and more. Details hereOpens in new tab.
Electric Joyride at 400 Congress Ave
March 7–15, 10:00am–7:00pm | 400 Congress Ave
Calling all adventurers! Come experience the Gen 2 R1S and R1T Tri-Motor at our Electric Joyride off-road course. Eventgoers will have the chance to buckle up and ride along to enjoy Rivian’s rugged capabilities like never before, tackling an outdoor obstacle course that will put you and the vehicle through its paces.
Dolby Activations
Various days and times | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress Ave
Dolby Airstream
March 7–12, 10:00am–1:00pm
Immerse yourself in sound inside the Dolby Airstream. Learn more about the sound mixing process while experiencing every detail with unparalleled clarity and depth through Dolby Atmos with Rivian Premium Audio.
Rivian x Dolby Atmos: The Future of In-Car Entertainment Panel
March 9, 3:30pm–4:00pm
Leaders from Rivian and Dolby Atmos will discuss how we’re shaping the next generation of immersive entertainment on the road. With Dolby’s expertise in sound and image innovation and Rivian’s pioneering software and electric vehicle technology, this partnership is revolutionizing how music, audio and video are experienced in-vehicle — bridging the gap between creators and consumers like never before.
Dolby Sunset Session
March 9, 5:00pm–8:00pm
Kick back at the Dolby Sunset Session with drinks, good vibes and the fuzz-folk sound of indie band, autumnal. Catch their live set on the main stage, then be among the first to hear their new single, “breathing,” in Dolby Atmos — all from the comfort of a Rivian R1T and the Dolby Airstream.
Rivian x Dolby Atmos: Step Into Immersive Sound
March 12, 9:00am–4:00pm | Austin Convention Center | Exhibit Hall 2–4
Experience unparalleled sound and clarity with a special demonstration of Rivian Premium Audio with Dolby Atmos, highlighting the intersection of audio technology and automotive design.
The Color Effect with Jeff Hammoud
March 8, 2:00pm–4:00pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress
Join a dynamic panel discussion exploring how color evokes emotion, creates identity and signals innovation with Rivian’s Chief Design Officer, Jeff Hammoud. Details hereOpens in new tab.
See California Dune in person
March 8, 5:00pm–7:00pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress
Be among the first to experience the limited-edition California Dune — our adventure-ready, all-electric truck and SUV inspired by the extremes of the desert and built for off-road exploration. Join us for beverages, local food and interactive events inspired by the desert’s wind-shaped sands.
Maximizing clean energy impact with Rivian’s Director of Advanced Energy Solutions
March 9, 2:30pm–3:30pm | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon A
How can all-electric vehicles be part of our nation’s energy solution? This panel explores strategies for deploying affordable clean energy in places that drive the greatest benefits for communities and the climate — amazing projects like one happening right now in Panola, Mississippi. Details about this panel, “Location Matters: Optimizing America’s Energy Transition,” are hereOpens in new tab.
Olive & June’s All-Electric Mobile Manicure Van
March 9–10 and 12, 10:00am–5:00pm | Corner of 2nd St & Trinity St
Olive & June, the nail brand famous for their at-home mani system and DIY nail products, is rolling into Austin in a custom Rivian Commercial Van. Throughout the week, keep your eyes peeled for the mani mobile and Olive & June Outpost popping up across town to bring you a first look at their Spring 2025 Wild at Heart Collection. Expect fun, games, giveaways, and a DIY mani bar with nail gems, stickers, and all the essentials to customize your nail look.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in Conversation About the Country’s Electric Future
March 11, 11:30am–12:30pm | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon G
Join Rivian’s Hannah Steinweg on March 11 for an in-depth conversation on the role of state leaders in securing America’s electric future.
In a panel titled “How EVs Secure U.S. Leadership and Strengthen Communities,” two governors — a Democrat and a Republican — will explore how smart EV policies and innovation in their state are driving job creation, onshoring manufacturing, reshaping economies and advancing U.S. energy leadership. This candid discussion, moderated by Rivian, will offer unique insights, differing perspectives and true stories. Details hereOpens in new tab.
AI and what’s next for connected cars with Rivian, Google and Qualcomm
March 11, 2:30pm–3:30pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress
In this conversation, Wassym Bensaid of Rivian, Mark Granger of Qualcomm and Gretchen Effgen of Google will discuss recent technological shifts in connected cars, how ecosystems have evolved in parallel and the potential AI has to transform our relationships with our vehicles. Details hereOpens in new tab.
Special Guest Performance at the Electric Roadhouse
March 14, 7:45pm–8:30pm | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | 208 S Congress
A special guest will take the stage Friday night at the Electric Roadhouse to unofficially close out the festival.
*Rivian Electric Roadhouse open house hours:
