Urbanspace’s guide to 2025 SXSW activations

Written by: Becca Youngers

For networking pros to those just wanting some free food and bev, we’ve got you covered!

South by Southwest, or SXSW, started in 1987 as a way to expand conversations on entertainment and media. This year it’s running from March 7 – 15. Brand activations are an essential part of the SXSW experience. Now household brands have made their mark from hosting activations. The best part? Most of them are free to attend! Read our guide to just a few of the many activations taking place this year!

15 Activations We Love:

Paramount+ “The Lodge”

Dates: March 7-10
Location: Clive Bar
Details: Back for the third year of this activation, Paramount+ is presenting “The Lodge.” It’s an immersive experience covering fan-favorite TV shows and movies Yellowjackets, Gladiator II, 1923, and more.
More Info: Here

YETI Music Showcase

Dates: March 12-14
Location: Yeti Flagship
Details: Three days of live music, drink specials, and limited edition custom designs. This event is first come, first served!
More Info: Here

L’Oréal AirLight Pro Blowout Bar

Dates: March 7-9
Location: 5th & Red River
Details: Free blowouts and styling with L’Oréal stylists to feature their new hair styling tool!
More Info: *to be announced*

Netflix’s “Love is Blind” House

Dates: March 7-9
Location: Lucille Austin
Details: Three days of free drinks and appearances from past cast members. On Sunday, there is a ticketed watch party and a five year celebration!
More Info: Here

JBL Sound Bodega

Dates: March 11-13
Location: 3Ten at ACL Live
Details: An Austin-inspired corner store with live music performances and giveaways! This activation also introduces the launch of two new JBL speakers.
More Info: Here

Bloody Mary Morning

Dates: March 13
Location: GSD&M
Details: This is the 11th annual Bloody Mary Morning presented by Austin PBS and Austin City Limits. Come for free TacoDeli tacos, Tito’s bloody marys, and live music!
More Info: Here

Museum of the Future House

Dates: March 7-11
Location: 3rd & Congress
Details: Travel to the year 2071 through art, technology and immersive experiences. The house is inspired by a museum first shown in Dubai in 2022. Come and enjoy Dubai chocolate and chai tastings as well!
More Info: Here

Rolling Stone’s Future of Music

Dates: March 11-14
Location: ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Details: Presented by Rolling Stone and JBL, the Future of Music is back for the third year at SXSW! The top performers include Megan Moroney, Benson Boone, Ivan Cornejo, and Rema.
More Info: Here

Whataburger Museum of Art

Dates: March 8-9
Location: Wanderlust Wine Co.
Details: This previously virtual art museum is being transformed into an in-person gallery for SXSW! There will be over 200 pieces of fan art, and on Saturday, they’ll be handing out free Monterey Melts from a food truck.
More Info: Here

Fast Company Grill

Dates: March 8-10
Location: Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill
Details: With an impressive list of speakers and contributors, Fast Company Grill is back again for SXSW. Join them for innovative conversation over food and drink!
More Info: Here

NASA House

Dates: March 8-9
Location: Austin Central Library
Details: NASA is transforming the already iconic Austin Central Library into an immersive space where visitors can help shape space. There will be hands-on exhibits and exploration opportunities for visitors.
More Info: Here

Axios House

Dates: March 7-9
Location: Inn Cahoots
Details: Join Axios, a national news organization, and an impressive list of guest speakers to learn more about innovation in technology, media, and culture.
More Info: Here

Rivian’s Electric Roadhouse

Dates: March 7-15
Location: 208 S Congress
Details: Rivian is hosting events and activations throughout the entire week of SXSW. You can sign up to drive one of the electric vehicles around Austin or just head to their location to find out more about the company!
More Info: Here

Hook ‘Em House

Dates: March 7-8
Location: Antone’s
Details: Whether you’re a Texas Ex or new to Austin, UT is hosting their own activation at Antone’s for SXSW. They will be having live music, panels and Longhorn swag to pick up.
More Info: Here

Pop Up Grocer

Dates: March 7-April 6
Location: 513 E. 6th Street
Details: This specialty NYC grocery store is hosting a pop up for the entire month of March! The store typically offers foods you wouldn’t find at your typical grocery store or supermarket.
More Info: Here

Still waiting for more announcements?

As per usual with SXSW, details and new announcements for will continue to be announced until March 7 (maybe even later)! Stay up to date with activation announcements with some of these resources:

The Blueprint:

Includes event locations, details, days, and a place to store your favorite events!
Link here

The Dirty Team:

Their Instagram, X and Discord server are all posting activations and details every day!
Instagram, X, Discord

Ausnio:

They cover all sorts of things in Austin and San Antonio, and are well known for their SXSW event round up!
Link here

SXSW:

Their schedule is constantly being updated with any and all information you could need!
Link here

Conclusion

Though we might already be dreading the traffic on the roads for this year’s SXSW, it’s such an important week for the city of Austin. To have such influential companies and thinkers flock to our city is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Whether you have a detailed event itinerary or will be staying at home as much as possible for the week, happy SXSW from us at Urbanspace!

10 Things To Do in Austin This May

May is a beautiful month to visit Austin, with sunny days and bearable Texas temperatures, it is the perfect time to explore all the city has to offer before the summer rush! Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Austin this May. Here are some of the most exciting events and activities happening in Austin this month:

Pecan Street Festival (May 6-7): This free, family-friendly festival takes over historic Sixth Street for two days of live music, food vendors, and local artists selling their wares.

Hot Luck Festival (May 19-22): This food and music festival brings together some of the top chefs from around the country for four days of culinary delights and live music performances.

Austin Reggae Festival (May 27-29): This annual festival features three days of live reggae music, food vendors, and local craft beer.

Hiking and Biking Trails: With mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, May is a great time to explore Austin’s many hiking and biking trails. Some popular trails include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, and the Walnut Creek Trail.

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater: This legendary music venue hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout May, featuring both local and national artists.

Austin FC Soccer Matches: May is the start of the MLS season, and Austin’s own soccer team, Austin FC, will be playing several home matches at Q2 Stadium. Catch a game and join the excitement of the city’s newest sports team.

Congress Avenue Bat Colony: Every evening from May to September, the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Watch as over 1.5 million bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset.

Austin Food and Wine Festival (May 27-29): This three-day festival celebrates Austin’s vibrant culinary scene with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine and cocktail seminars.

Art Galleries: Austin is home to a thriving art scene, with many galleries showcasing works from local artists. Some popular galleries to check out include the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, and the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Texas State Capitol Tours: Take a guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building, a historic landmark and the largest state capitol building in the country. Learn about Texas history and the state’s legislative process.

These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Austin in May 2023. With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to visit this vibrant city.