Destination SXSW 2016: Where Music, Film, Comedy and Innovation Meet

Stephanie Hernandez

Celebrating 30 years, the world-renowned SXSW festival is returning to the live music capital of the United States, Austin, Texas. Taking over the city from March 11 to March 20,  the festival will bring together the best of film, music, comedy and media innovation to its slew of loyal fans as well as industry professionals. Split up into three different sections, March 11–15 will focus on the interactive aspect of SXSW. With scores of networking events, seminars and hands-on demonstrations, attendees are assured to not only meet industry hot shots but learn a thing or two about the ever-changing media landscape, too. March 11–19 will steer audiences into dark theaters to showcase the best in international and local independent cinema. Featuring some of the most innovative, smart and entertaining new films around, SXSW sorted through over 1,500 submissions this year to bring attendees a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

SXSW does a great job of incorporating entertainers from all areas, most notably film makers and comedians. Premiering many independent and up and coming talents, the SXSW annual film festival has become one of the world’s premiere locations to discover new cinematic talent. Everybody Wants Some, Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, Midnight Special, and Preacher are just a few films looking to take over the festival’s silver screen, good luck not spoiling these films for your friends, they’re that good. Following the screenings are the widely respected and expectantly entertaining Film Awards, honoring the work of the nominees while providing a cool alternative to the heat of the Texas sun. On the opposite end of the spectrum the comedy bill is sure to make you literally laugh out loud. From T.V. tapings with Natasha Leggero to Comedy Central’s @midnight with Chris Hardwick Live and a Comedy Bang! Bang! and Spontaneanation with the man Paul F. Tompkins himself and Upright Citizens Brigade’s ASSSSCAT, SXSW assuredly is one of the most well rounded festivals around. It’s laid back and rebellious attitude provide the perfect stage for these comedians to truly let loose and unleash some of their best material. Candid, insightful and always just slightly politically incorrect these comedians embody the overall festival’s attitude like no other.

The final week of the festival, March 15–20, of course, delves into the city’s love of music. One of the most influential events of the year, hundreds of acts have already been announced for SXSW 2016 with more being added almost daily. Up-and-comers like Mike Kinsella’s (American Football) solo project Owen, Korean rappers Illionaire Records (Dok2 & The Quiett), Bombino, English rockers Yuck, Grimes collaborator Aristophanes and Los Angeles local favorites Thee Oh Sees meet more established acts like Bloc Party, Crystal Castles, The Cult and Estelle for what promises to be a wild few days. Adding to the star power of the week are the likes of Mark Mothersbaugh, Charli XCX and The Kills all of whom will be taking the stage. Alongside individual performances are also a handful of collaborations and pairings, some of the most exciting include Los Angeles favorite KCRW’s Floodfest showcase featuring Vince Staples, MSTRKRFT, Peaches, Ra Ra Riot and Polica among others and  SPIN’s 2016 Stubb’s SXSW Showcase will bring CHVRCHES, The Deftones and more together for an unpredictable evening.

Apart from the musical aspect of SXSW, which is huge, the fest does an equally great job of incorporating entertainers from all areas, most notably film makers and comedians. Premiering many independent and up and coming talents, the SXSW annual film festival has become one of the world’s premiere locations to discover new cinematic talent. Everybody Wants Some, Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, Midnight Special, and Preacher are just a few films looking to take over the festival’s silver screen, good luck not spoiling these films for your friends, they’re that good. Following the screenings are the widely respected and expectantly entertaining Film Awards, honoring the work of the nominees while providing a cool alternative to the heat of the Texas sun. On the opposite end of the spectrum the comedy bill is sure to make you literally laugh out loud. From Natasha Leggero to Talking Dead’s Chris Hardwick and the man Paul F. Tompkins himself, SXSW assuredly is one of the most well rounded festivals in existence today. It’s laid back and rebellious attitude provide the perfect stage for these comedians to truly let loose and unleash some of their best material. Candid, insightful and always just slightly politically incorrect these comedians embody the overall festival’s attitude like no other.

Eat

Get ready to indulge in some of the best sushi you’ve ever had this side of Japan at Uchi Austin. This Asian fusion sushi restaurant in the heart of the city has been a local hot spot for years. Shareable plates, a wide range of appetizers and rolls to choose from makes this place sizzle during their happy hour, which features various food and drink pairings to cool you down on those hot festival days. Uchi invites you to elevate  your taste buds with dishes like maguro sashimi and goat cheese or a caramel brown butter sorbet to end the evening.

If it’s ambiance and a fun vibe you’re looking for, look no further than Fonda San Miguel. Traditional Mexican cuisine at its best, this place serves up authentic comfort food like no one else. Known for their service and ability to keep their crowds happy mean you will never feel like you’re searching for a waiter to bring you another Corona. The restaurant is decked out head to toe in colorful murals and they don’t skimp on the music either. Fonda San Miguel feels more like a family kick back than a stuffy night out. We suggest nabbing a chicken chile relleno with one of their margaritas. Perhaps a taste of the outdoors is more your style? Dine under the great Texas sky at Justine’s. With everything a lover of French cuisine could desire, this cozy bungalow serves up a mean ratatouille and steak tartare to start and a heavenly chocolate pear tart to finish or you could just go all out and order their famous Royale With Cheese (insert Pulp Fiction reference here). Last but not least, we recommend taking the time to experience the beautifully executed fare at Wink. Fine dining Austin style, Wink opened in June 2001 and has since been consistently ranked as one of the best eateries in town. Year after year their ever-changing menus are praised by critics far and wide. Their consistency of service and quality dishes make this a must on your trip. Prepare for the meal of your dreams.

Drink

Drink up, buttercup and pull up a seat at The Handlebar. Don’t let the name fool you, there is no hipster mustache decor to be found anywhere. It is simply a good, neighborhood bar occupying a well-trodden strip of downtown. Their selection of local beers (18 to be exact) will tantalize you while their craft cocktails give you the courage to start a conversation with that attractive stranger. Their drinks are always changing so it’s worth popping in and seeing what’s new. Try their happy hour Monday through Saturday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all day Sunday if you really want to get a feel for Austin’s characters. For fresh squeezed seasonal cocktails, look no further than Icenhauers. Tucked inside a renovated home built in 1895, this place has got some serious history as well as some punchy drinks. Every night the bar’s back patio comes to life offering up a colorful introduction to the true art of mixology. Relaxed vibes and fresh ingredients make this a great spot to knock a few back with fellow festival goers. Just down the street from Icenhauers is another Rainy Street favorite, Clive Bar. This casual yet stylish watering hole is known for pouring the best local beer & cocktails in the Lone Star State. With rustic decor and a sizable patio, Clive Bar is a favorite of big parties and huge groups just looking to have a spirited night out. Loved by locals and tourists alike, Clive Bar sure knows how to keep the people coming back for more but live music, good service and quality beverages definitely help.

Stay

Austin serves up hospitality like no other and it’s dozen’s of quirky and classic hotel options provide just the right fit for any mood or experience desired. A true Austin Icon, The Driskill is newly renovated and combines historic elegance with modern sophistication. Built back in 1886, The Driskill remains a landmark and a legend in Texas for its amazing hospitality. Located in the center of all the action in downtown Austin, just off of historic 6th Street. For great service with a dose of quirky style try the W Austin. The W is also located in downtown off of 2nd Street. Both hotels are surrounded by plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. The W is decked out with a rooftop pool and bar and living room spaces are scattered throughout the grounds with specially designed retro-style board games and artisan cocktails always within reach. With room themes like “Secret Bar,” “Records Room” and “Screened Porch” you can bet on having a hip Austin experience. For the truly “been there done that” traveler” there is always the unique and funky accommodations of the Hotel San José. This boutique hotel and it’s decor are more than Instagram-worthy. Walking distance from the festival, the Hotel San José is home to the most photographed pool in Austin and offers an outdoor lounge and bar area that has been a celebrity staple for years. Sip on a Michelada or wake up early to try their champagne breakfast known for its ability to fill you with so much booze and bacon it would warrant a victory nap. This is arguably the coolest hotel in Austin with its maze of outdoor courtyards reminiscent of “The Shining.” It puts you right in the middle of it all and is footsteps away from great shopping, music venues and food trucks.

SXSW will take over Austin, Texas, March 11 – 20. Get all the details here and check out the schedule here to tailor your experience.