Skip to content
News

White House’s South by South Lawn Festival Lineup: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sharon Jones

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) introduces actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio before DiCaprio announces the launch of the Global Fishing Watch during the Our Oceans conference at the State Department's Harry S. Truman building September 15, 2016 in Washington, DC. A project of Oceana, SkyTruth and Google, Global Fishing Watch allows anyone with an internet connection to monitor the activities of large commercial fishing vessels across the globe. According to the State Department, the conference will bring scientists, political leaders and advocates together to focus on 'key ocean issues of our time Ð marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related impacts on the ocean.' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Obamas went to SXSW this past March and they must’ve really liked it, because earlier this month the White House announced its own “South by South Lawn” event. Today, the official White House blog detailed some of the festival’s presenters and panels. The keynote: President Barack Obama, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, who will discuss climate change and screen DiCaprio’s new documentary Before the Flood. Musical guests include the Lumineers, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and DJ Beverly Bond, with more TBA.

Other featured guests include artist James Turrell, architect David Adjaye, activist Brittany Packnett, tech CEO Stewart Butterfield, Yael Aflalo of fashion label Reformation, and the young stars of Stranger Things. SXSL takes place on October 3; you can’t buy tickets to this thing, but it will livestream via WhiteHouse.gov. See all of the SXSL presenters here.