On March 6, 2020, the decision to cancel the popular event signaled that the health threat caused by COVID had reached Austin.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will participate in an event at South by Southwest, appearing at a featured session with her brother Craig Robinson. The SXSW event will be held at 1 p.m. CT on March 13.

"Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world," SXSW President Hugh Forrest said.