Former First Lady Michelle Obama will make a special appearance at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. The beloved public figure is scheduled to headline a session alongside her brother, Craig Robinson, on March 13 as part of the renowned annual conference and festival.
SXSW, which runs from March 7 through March 15, brings together notable names and companies from film, television, interactive media, and more. Obama’s appearance marks one of her few public engagements since campaigning for Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election.
Former First Lady Returns to Public Spotlight at SXSW 2025
Michelle Obama has maintained a relatively low public profile in recent months. Her upcoming SXSW appearance represents a notable return to the public stage after stepping back from major events earlier this year.
The former First Lady notably skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service in January. She also did not attend Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration that same month, though her husband, former President Barack Obama, was present at both events.
SXSW Leadership Celebrates Obama’s Festival Participation
SXSW president and chief operating officer Hugh Forest expressed his enthusiasm about Obama’s participation in this year’s festival. He highlighted her influence and alignment with the event’s core values.
“Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world,” Forest stated. “Her belief that we lift each other up by sharing our stories with one another is a core part of the SXSW experience and a key catalyst in helping creative people achieve their goals.”
Obama-Robinson Sibling Conversation Promises Festival Highlight
The session featuring Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson is expected to draw significant attention from festival attendees. Their sibling relationship has previously been highlighted in Obama’s memoir “Becoming” and various public appearances.
Forest described securing the siblings for SXSW as “the ultimate honor and an incredible thrill.” The exact format and topic of their conversation have not yet been announced, but it will likely touch on themes of family, public service, and shared experiences.
Netflix Projects Keep Obamas Busy Through Higher Ground Productions
While Michelle Obama has limited her public appearances, she remains active behind the scenes through Higher Ground Productions. The company, founded with her husband Barack Obama, continues their creative work through a lucrative Netflix partnership.
Higher Ground recently produced the successful matchmaking reality series “The Later Daters” for the streaming platform. This production represents just one part of the Obamas’ diverse portfolio of content that spans documentaries, feature films, and television series.
