Austin is a city that has quickly become one of America’s cultural epicenters. It is known for its food, music, entertainment, and rising status as a center for tech and innovation. These are all core aspects of the city’s identity and are shown off in the city’s iconic South by Southwest Conference and Festivals (SXSW). South by Southwest is an all-encompassing celebration highlighting film, music, art, industry, comedy, and culture. It typifies Austin’s vibrant and wide-ranging nature, and this year’s iteration is now right around the corner.
South by Southwest 2023 will take place from March 10th-19th. It is a massive occasion that brings more than 100,000 visitors to its many renowned events, including concerts, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibits, and parties. SXSW will take place at numerous theaters and venues across the city, including the Austin Convention Center. While Austin is always a lively city with much to see, there is nothing quite like SXSW in the city, and some of the many exciting speakers and events scheduled have been announced.
Speakers at SXSW include industry leaders, talented creatives, global philanthropists, and more. Some big names scheduled for panel discussions include Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors; the United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm; famed actors and actresses William Shatner, Tilda Swinton, and Robert Downey Jr.; and chef and humanitarian José Andrés. It will be a diverse collection of innovators and global power players, making this event a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
The music and film festivals are both significant parts of the SXSW schedule. The music festival features an eclectic mix of artists from across the globe, including Korean rapper Beenzino, Def Jam artist Armani White, British band The Zombies, and many more. There will also be appearances from prominent artists such as Lil Yachty, Kaskade, and Deadmau5.
The SXSW Film and TV Festival features a lineup of Hollywood blockbusters and future indie hits. Several films that will screen at the event have been announced, including the opening night showing of Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Also scheduled to screen is the upcoming horror film Evil Dead Rise, the world premiere of Problemista, starring Tilda Swinton, and Flamin’ Hot, the story of the iconic Cheetos flavor.
South by Southwest is such a massive event; narrowing down everything there will be to see isn’t easy. The array of events and expositions will highlight various industries. The Creative Industries Expo showcases innovators disrupting industries from design and health to technology and philanthropy. The SXSW Art Program is a huge showcase of incredible visual arts projects, with interactive art displays, AI-generated works, and much more. The XR Experience blurs the lines of reality by immersing visitors in AR, VR, and mixed-reality installations and games.
Whether you are there for the conference, hoping to hear from industry leaders in sectors ranging from fashion and manufacturing to art and tech, or want to attend one of the festivals, SXSW is truly a one-of-a-kind event. Tickets can be found online, with prices differing according to the level of access. A Platinum Badge, which includes primary access to all events, costs $1,895, and the prices descend from there.
