Though all SXSW goers are attending from their homes, the hype of the festival coming back after a year is palpable. Throughout the week, major celebrities, musicians, both local and international; politicians, comedians, filmmakers and go-getters are all gathering under one (virtual) roof.

This SXSW is focusing on a few themes: A New Urgency, Challenging Tech's Path Forward, Cultural Resilience in the Arts, The Rebirth of Business, Transforming the Entertainment Landscape, Connection in Disconnection and An Uncharted Future.

Check back here for highlights by Laura Figi, who is following the festival all week long.

Day one

• SXSW: Stacey Abrams discusses the road to representation in democracy
• 'This city gave me the wings to fly': Kendra Scott and Mark Cuban talk success in Texas at SXSW
• Liz Lambert's Hotel San José documentary tells the story of an Austin long gone at SXSW

Day two

• SXSW: Willie Nelson makes festival debut to talk love, music and smoking weed
• SXSW: Bill Hader opens up about struggles with mental health during SNL days
• SXSW: Chance the Rapper and Kenan Thompson on working together at SNL

Day three

Adding another universal language: Matthew McConaughey and MLS's Don Garber say ATX will be the next big soccer town at SXSW

• Adding another universal language: Matthew McConaughey and MLS's Don Garber say ATX will be the next big soccer town at SXSW
• SXSW: Pete Buttigieg says passenger rail—like that included in Project Connect—should be a 'national priority'
• SXSW: George W. Bush says the election wasn't stolen while promoting his book honoring immigrants

Day four

• SXSW: Charles Yu and Lisa Ling talk feeling invisible in light of Atlanta shootings