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!