Rivian’s Electric Joyride Returns to SXSW 2026 and This Time You Are Riding in the R2

The week Rivian fans have been waiting for is finally here, and it’s starting with a bang.

On March 12, Rivian is dropping the full details on the R2, pricing, specs, the works, and then literally the next day, you can climb into one at SXSW and feel it rip through an off-road obstacle course. That kind of one-two punch doesn’t happen by accident.

The Electric Joyride is set up at the 800 Block of Congress from March 13 through 18, where Rivian will have expert drivers behind the wheel of the all-new R2 taking riders through a custom-built course. You don’t need a reservation, just walk up and get in line, though you can also book a spot ahead of time at events.rivian.com/sxswr2electricjoyride if you want to lock something in.

After what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated reveals in Rivian’s history, getting to experience the R2 in person the very next day is a massive deal.

Here are the hours to plan around:

• March 13: 9am – 7pm
• March 14: 9am – 5pm
• March 15–17: 9am – 7pm
• March 18: 9am – 6pm

If you’re going to be in Austin this week, carving out 30 minutes for this should be a no-brainer. The R2 reveal is going to have everyone talking and you might as well be one of the first people to actually ride in one.