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Urbanspace’s guide to 2025 SXSW activations

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Urbanspace’s guide to 2025 SXSW activations

Written by: Becca Youngers

Hands holding phone displaying SXSW 2025 event in Austin Texas March 7-15 against a colorful background

 

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

Colorful ATX sculpture in an urban setting with skyscrapers in the background, capturing Austin's vibrant vibe

 

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

 

Austin Texas skyline at dusk with skyscrapers and bridge over the river.

 

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

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Sunset view of a serene river flowing through lush greenery and houses in a peaceful landscape

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.

ATX Skyline Over The Years

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Downtown skyline with tall buildings along a river under a blue sky

Austin’s Skyline Over The Years

Austin, Texas is rapidly growing and changing, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s skyline. In recent years, several new high-rise buildings have been constructed, transforming the skyline and bringing a new level of sophistication to the city.

The most notable buildings amongst the skyline include The Frost Tower, The Austonian, The Independent, and one of the most recent additions gaining fame, The Google tower. As the city of Austin continues to grow and expand, its skyline is also evolving at a rapid pace. Here are some of the upcoming developments under construction that will be coming soon to Downtown Austin.

Sixth and Guadalupe: A mixed-use development located at 400 W. 6th St. The 66-story building broke ground in the fourth quarter of 2019 and is expected to be delivered in 2023. 

Skyscraper in urban skyline with clear blue sky background

415 Colorado Street: This property boasts an impressive 457,684 square feet of space, including 110,000 square feet of office space. The expected completion date is set for the 4th quarter of 2024.

Modern skyscraper illuminated at dusk with cityscape in the background

Waterline: A mixed-use development located at 98 Red River St. in Austin, Texas. The impressive 2,300,000 square foot building includes 703,000 square feet of office space along with residential and hotel components. The 74-story tower will offer 240 hotel rooms and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Modern high-rise building in a cityscape at sunset with surrounding skyscrapers and a river view.

Modern: The Modern is an upcoming residential development located in the historic Rainey district at 610 Davis St. The 56-story building will offer 300 residences and is expected to be delivered in late 2024. The development is being led by Urbanspace, with Page serving as the architect.

Modern skyscraper in a city skyline at sunset with a river and distant ferris wheel

As Austin continues to grow and change, it is clear that its skyline will continue to evolve. These new developments and buildings bring new energy to the city and help to solidify Austin’s status as a major player on the national and global stage. While the skyline may look different than it did just a few years ago, one thing remains constant: Austin’s unique blend of charm, culture, and innovation will continue to make it a beloved destination for years to come.

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