Destination Austin, Texas for SXSW

Austin, Texas is home to South by Southwest, one of the earliest and biggest festivals to kick off the summer festival season. Only this event is more than just a few bands on an outdoor stage. It turns the entire city into one giant circus of festivities for a nine-day conference of film screening, lectures on the changing nature of media and a lot of live music. Film, music, and interactive media will be the featured subjects that anchor these lively activities that will run from March 13 through 22. Get ready for heat, barbecue, and celebrity sightings as South by Southwest gets weird in Austin for its 28th year running.

First on the docket will be a long list of films set to screen and special filmmaker speaking engagements for the cinematic portion of the Texas symposium. It will be a big week for comedy fans. Judd Apatow‘s latest project “Trainwreck” written by and starring breakout comedienne Amy Schumer will receive a first look showing before the long-anticipated funny film airs in theaters nationwide. Paul Feig will once again pair up with the hilarious Melissa McCarthy for “Spy.” Schumer will also deliver a can’t-miss discussion as one of the film festival’s four keynote speakers. Conversations with Sally Field, producer Christine Vachon, and Ryan Gosling are also set for the delight of the Texas movie-loving crowds. Not only is Gosling an honored presenter, he will also reveal his directorial debut “Lost River,” a neo-noir fantasy film, at the event.

South by Southwest Interactive will also get started early on in the marathon media convention. None other than former Vice President Al Gore will be on opening things up with a keynote speech about his main issue, taking action on climate change. Do not miss one of the more recent additions to the roster of digital idea sharing, South by Sports that is only in its second year as a part of the conversation. Charles Barkley, NBA legend turned sports analyst, will be present with his game talk on staying relevant in the digital era, as will UFC champ Ronda Rousey to talk women breaking ground in a male-dominated sports world.

Finally, the music that started it all will crank into full gear starting on the March 17 (Yes, that’s America’s favorite drinking holiday, St. Patrick’s Day). Although artsy Austin will be rolling out the musical acts on day one, things will really start to kick into gear at the midway point with notable headliners including Spoon, Passion Pit, Bleachers, Best Coast, Run the Jewels and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Unbelievably, alternative rockers Incubus will be making just their first ever performance at the Texas hotspot and TV on the Radio will be headlining at Stubbs. That is just the tip of the iceberg though, as hundreds of other bands and buskers will be flooding 6th street to be a part of the action.

EAT:

When in Rome, do as the Romans do – and when in Texas, eat barbecue like a local. It is hard to go wrong with the myriad of beefy options, but why not aim for the best? Franklin Barbecue has been consistently voted as a favorite by critics and the public. In 2011, it received the best brisket award, and has had the honor of feeding President Barack Obama. Of course, if you want to be guaranteed a side of great live music with your baby back ribs, head on over to Stubbs that is as famous for their great venue as they are for their mouthwatering pulled pork. If you are trying to stay within a poor college student’s budget, head over to the University of Texas Austin campus for great, thrifty tacos from Torchy’s Tacos while cheering on the Longhorns and their March Madness hopes.

DRINK:

For a one-stop spot to hit up both exceptional coffee and local craft beer brews, stop by critics’ choice Wright Bros. Brew and Brew. A full espresso bar and 38 drafts on tap should meet satisfy any beverage craving from morning until night. Don’t forget that a mid-March festival means St. Patrick’s Day lands right in the middle of the festivities. There are plenty of great Irish pubs to celebrate the occasion with a classic Guinness including B.D. Riley’s, conveniently located in the middle of things on 6th Street. For a nightcap, stop by the exclusive speakeasy Midnight Cowboy, for choice cocktails and a real Texas experience.

STAY:

For maximum convenience and quality, the Hilton Austin is located right downtown on 4th Street within easy walking distance of the famous 6th Street Entertainment District, Warehouse District and 2nd Street District. Most of the festivities will be just steps away. It also features the fantastic Skyline Spa & Health Club where guests can rejuvenate after a long day at the conference activities. For an even further step up in styles, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin is a luxurious option located just off the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Service is also a top priority at the Four Seasons, so just about anything is at your fingertips when staying in their lavish suites. Finally, for some real Austin character, the Driskill Hotel is a historic beauty built in 1886. Located downtown, the Driskill is known for its southern hospitality, Romanesque architecture, and historic roots.

South by Southwest runs from March 13 – March 22. Information about purchasing wristbands can be found here.