SXSW 2022: Guide to shows, installations, activations, and pop-ups
AUSTIN, Texas - South By Southwest is known for big film premieres and celebrity appearances but it's also known for the fun and unique activations, shows, and installations that pop up while SXSW is going on. Some events are official so you'll need a badge but others are open to the public. Here's a look at some of the ones that are going on that you should check out.
FOX Entertainment’s Blockchain Creative Labs (BCL) to launch "Dollyverse"
FOX Entertainment’s NFT studio, Blockchain Creative Labs, is hosting a series of Web3 parties, events, and experiments. They're inviting festival-goers to create, innovate and interact with NFTs, Blockchain, and the Metaverse. BCL will host discussions about the convergence of entertainment and technology, activities, and special events daily from Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13, at Trinity Hall (located at 5th and Trinity).
One of BCL's big events is partnering with global country superstar and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Dolly Parton to live-stream her first-ever appearance at SXSW on the blockchain and launch "Dollyverse", an audience-centric Web3 experience, to promote her first novel, "Run, Rose, Run", co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, and its companion music album.
An exclusive selection of official and certified Dolly NFT collectibles will be launched during the event, including limited-edition NFTs of the"Run, Rose, Run" album and a limited series of Dolly-inspired NFT artwork. They will be available to purchase during and after the festival.
Dolly herself will be in Austin on March 18 when she and Patterson will speak about the project at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.
BCL is also expected to launch other major on-site and virtual activations and decentralized content and experiences powered by the blockchain. Through its partnership with BCL, SXSW will mint its first-ever NFT, and SXSW's community of artists, filmmakers, and brands participating at the festival will be able to create and distribute for free or sell directly NFTs of their work using the SXSW x BCL NFT marketplace found within the SXSW GO mobile app. SXSW attendees will be able to purchase NFTs with credit cards or cryptocurrency with support for all major Ethereum wallets.
More information regarding BCL's involvement at SXSW 2022 can be found at bcl.xyz/sxsw.
Prime Video's "Superheroes and Superstars" Experience
Prime Video will kick off SXSW with a pair of experiences that allow fans to enter the worlds of "Superheroes and Superstars." For all superhero fans in attendance, Prime Video will be bringing the world of The Boys Season Three to life with a VoughtLand installation, where guests can enter the VoughtLand castle to find Queen Maeve’s Inclusive Kingdom. There they can grab a bite to eat at Vought A Burger, kick back at Homelander’s Red, White, and Booze Bar, or take a ride on Starlight’s Carousel of Dreams.
For fans seeking out superstardom, Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls will be giving attendees the opportunity to prepare for their moment in the spotlight with a positive affirmation tunnel, choreography instructions, Lizzo-inspired cocktails at the supersized Juicebox bar, and other engaging, interactive activities on-site, such as a salon for a relaxing glow-up, complimentary swag, and more.
The event runs March 11 through March 14 and is located at 604 Driskill Street with the entrance at the corner of Driskill and Red River Street. Times are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 11 and then 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 12-14.
SoundCloud Next Wav
SoundCloud is hosting an experiential event series with networking, workshops, and discussions followed by an all-women live music showcase including Monaleo, Flores, Kelow LaTesha, and riela, with sets from DJ Rosegold.
The event will be at music venue Mohawk (912 Red River Street) on Monday, March 14th from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. SoundCloud says the activation supports the local creator and fan communities and will also celebrate music through visual art and photography.
‘SoundCloud Next Wav’ is for all ages and free for SXSW ticket holders, and creators and fans with confirmed RSVP. Find a full programming schedule and RSVP here.
Disney+ free outdoor screenings
The Long Center's Hartman Concert Lawn will be the site for three free outdoor screenings during SXSW on March 12. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. and last until 9:45 p.m. During the hour before each film, there will be pre-screening activities. The films being shown are:
- 11:30 a.m. - "Jungle Cruise"
- 3:30 p.m. - "Cruella"
- 7:30 p.m. - "Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings"
You get more details here.
Audible's "Summer in Argyle"
Audible will transport fans into Argyle’s favorite special event location - the town DMV. Nate Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk will host an intimate hot dog dining affair with a menu crafted by Bangers’ chefs. Guests will be introduced to the characters of Summer in Argyle and the quirky tales of small town life in Argyle, OH, and participate in a brief Q&A with Nate and Bob.
The event is being held to celebrate the original program "Summer in Argyle". It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bangers at 79 Rainey Street. It's open to SXSW badge holders and capacity is limited. RSVP by sending an email to RSVP@SummerInArgyle.com.
Proof of Presence (PoP) at SXSW
Illustrative Space is launching Proof of Presence (PoP) at SXSW on March 11 followed by a secret event in Austin on March 13 for select PoP token holders. Through the Illustrative Space browser application, users will be able to "check-in" at participating art installations to receive PoP tokens to gain access for gated events, exclusive communities, NFT airdrops from their favorite artists and more. A PoP can be seen as a location based digital ticket which is stored as a proof on Polygon, an environmentally sustainable L2 blockchain.
NFT marketplace Mint Gold Dust and Illustrative Space are working with non-profit Austin Muralist Collective HOPE Campaign to engage Texas artists, including Kimie Flores, Austin-based mural and tattoo artist, to create 10 unique murals at the SXSW convention center and geo-drop digital artworks throughout Austin. Visitors will have the opportunity to claim a PoP token, marking their presence at the activation on the blockchain. This earned token will give the first 250 users access to an exclusive live performance at Something Cool Studios on March 13th presented by Illustrative Space, Mint Gold Dust, Mesh Records, Marfa Spirits, and Searchlight Art. The event will also feature local artist Miles Starkey painting a live mural during the event.
The 10 murals will be visible to the public and available for purchase on Mint Gold Dust’s marketplace beginning March 11. The NFT collection will act as an archive of the activation and give the participating artists an opportunity to earn royalties on their work.
For more information and geo-drop participation details on this project with Illustrative Space, Mint Gold Dust, and HOPE Campaign, please visit popsxsw.com.
COLLiDE on Rainey
Culture agency COLLiDE is taking over Rainey Street from March 15-18 and over the course of those four days is partnering with a variety of brands for fun activations featuring lineups of all musical genres. Below are the different events:
Global Street Farm presented by International Fresh Produce Association will be at Idle Hands located at 85 Rainey Street. It will be held March 15 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and March 16 (12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Those who attend will get to experience delectable delights, enlightening conversations about the people and ideas shaping food and culture in the world of produce and florals, and performances from Phebe Starr, Eli Fola, La Sra Tomasa and many more as well as DJ sets by Shorty Stumpleson and DJ Ropey Joe.
Dr. Martens Presents Music Showcase will be held at Container Bar located at 90 Rainey Street March 16-18. Times will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The lineup consists of acts like Dawn Richard, MUNA, Surfbort, The Black Angels, Faux Real, We Were Promised Jetpacks, W.I.T.C.H., MELTS, and more. People are asked to be there early so they can get free tattoos from The Bearded Gentleman, participate in the interactive mural designed by illustrator Mollie Tuggle and enter to win Dr. Martens customized by local artists Elaine Alanzo and aLILscribble by Alannah Tiller.
Dillion T. Pickle's Austin Throwdown presented by SunDaze will be at Idle Hands on 85 Rainey Street on March 17 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The world-famous mascot of the Portland Pickles baseball team and his favorite bands, including Black Lips, The Aquadolls, and more, are hosting the biggest pickle party of SXSW 2022 presented by delicious new canned cocktail brand, SunDaze, and with special guest Kosha Dillz.
All events are open for RSVP at COLLiDEonRainey.com.
C4 Energy’s 6th Street Takeover & Interactive Social Content Creation Photobooth Experience
C4 Energy will have two experiences for SXSW at 6th Street and Trinity Street from March 11 to March 20. Times for the experiences will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The C4 Energy Video Experience will be a never-before-seen, fully immersive video activation, inviting festival-goers to step onto the big energy stage and get flicked up by a mobile 360-degree camera rig connected to a massive 20x30 ft. LED screen suspended 20 ft. in the air, like jumbotron level.
The C4 Energy Mobile Experience will be a state-of-the-art, fully immersive, LED-laden bus featuring an optical illusion concept that highlights the mouthwatering flavor of C4 Energy beverages in color explosions, video content, and many other bells and whistles.
Samsung | Billboard Galaxy House and Samsung + Billboard Present the Stage at SXSW
Samsung and Billboard have teamed up for two things at SXSW. The Samsung | Billboard House will feature panels, unique content, and a chance for people to interact with Samsung devices through various innovative activations. The House will be open from March 17 through March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Panel topics include a "Superstar" one with Kygo and Sebastian Yatra.
Kygo and Yatra will also be performing at a concert series at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Gunna and Young Thug will perform March 17 while Kygo, Frank Walker, and Forester will perform March 18. The final day will see Yatra take the stage with Shawn Mendes on March 19.
For those looking to experience the three-night music extravaganza, a reserved number of tickets will be available exclusively for existing SXSW music and platinum badge holders and SXSW Music Festival wristband holders. Additionally, a limited number of tickets are open to the public here.
WarnerMedia House
WarnerMedia is taking over the Riley Building at 315 Lavaca Street from March 11-13 with a robust lineup of sessions that foster culture-defining conversations aligned to three key themes: Closer to Your Heroes, Culture Shifts, and Raise the Curtain.
The WarnerMedia House will be home to three stories of programming and immersive experiences for fans. On the main floor, WarnerMedia presents The Year of DC, an interactive gallery and fan activation featuring authentic costumes and props from popular DC Super Hero films and television series, exclusive artwork from DC’s comics, games, and animated series, and a spotlight on the Batmobile from this year’s blockbuster The Batman. On the rooftop, SXSW attendees can start their day on the right note in the co-working space where WarnerMedia will be hosting Breakfast Bites and Beats.
WarnerMedia is an official sponsor of SXSW and the WarnerMedia House will be open to all SXSW badge holders. Programming details and session descriptions are available on the WarnerMedia House website.
FLUF Village
Three custom-built domes will make up FLUF World's FLUF Village at 313 Red River Street. It will be up from March 12-15 and will host four days of discussions, deep dives, interactive performances, VR chats, and live musical performances.
During the day, FLUF Village will host round table discussions like; Catalyzing Web3 Creativity, Women Rocking Web3 and Communications in the Open Metaverse. There will be Interactive music and discussions with Mike Shinoda and deep dives on topics like; The Magic of Unreal Engine, Making Sense of Layer 2 and Real World Cinematic Metaverse. At night FLUF Village is transformed into a FLUF Haus party with musical performances by Austin locals, Ghostland Observatory, a headlining set by Dillion Francis, featuring Young & Sick, DJ Dave MIJA and metastar angelbaby.
From March 14-15 at The Fairmont from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., FLUF World is also asking people to relax into your metaverse journey at the Fluf Lounge and mix, mingle, and meet the Fluffle! Explore some immersive content on site, while learning about FLUF World’s campaign for an open and inclusive metaverse. Plus, meet some of the talented creators behind your favorite FLUF World NFTs.
Focus Wales
Focus Wales is working with Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales, and the Welsh Government office in North America to showcase a selection of the best new Welsh artists. The event takes place at Swan Dive at 615 Red River Street on March 17. There will be complimentary drinks at 7:30 p.m for those who RSVP before the show starts at 8:00 p.m. The show is for SXSW 2022 badge holders only.
This year's lineup includes Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, The Royston Club, The School, Mace The Great, Bandicoot, and Cara Hammond.
You can RSVP and get details here.
M for Montreal
M for Montreal, with the collaboration of the Government of Quebec, invites you to join the artists' showcase presented as part of Quebec Creative Wonderland day, on March 14. The event will propose a dive into Quebec’s creative world: immersive environments, art, technology, food and live music all mix together into a full day and night of inspiring conferences, thrilling networking, and grooving beats. The Quebec Creative Wonderland day will wrap up with a musical party presented by M for Montreal, on the indoor and outdoor stages of Swan Dive.
For more info and to RSVP you can go here.
Kreatr Sky Gallery and Launch Party
New NFT platform for art, Kreatr, is holding an official SXSW Pop-Up Gallery and Launch event on March 12 at SKYBOX, located at 501 West 6th Street, 4th Floor, on March 12 from 2-6 p.m.
Graphic designers and artists Dave McClinton and DJ Stout (Pentagram), photographer Felicia Graham, muralist Federico and neon artist Evan Voyles are among the Austin artists, designers, and photographers being featured.
During the event, guests will learn how the artists, as well the Banksy Buyers Club who used the platform to turn 17 Bansky works into NFTs) are using the platform and have the opportunity to hear from and artists from all over the country. DJ Yaadcore will perform and Deepak Chopra will also join to deliver a "meditation from the metaverse." Austin-based Purpose Worldwide is co-producing the launch. The event will benefit local art nonprofits Big Medium, Arts from the Streets, and PechaKucha Austin.
If you'd like to attend, you can RSVP here.
Island Wave presents Sounds of the Caribbean
The music of the Caribbean is at the forefront of this official SXSW show that will be at Flamingo Cantina located at 515 East 6th Street. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on March 18.
Island Wave is pioneered by Trinidad and Tobago artist Kalpee and was launched as part of the online lineup in 2021. The aim is to create a platform for Caribbean artists to come together, showcase, and celebrate and support each other.
Kalpee will be sharing the stage with Emmy-nominated Tessellated, Soca songstress Nailah Blackman, genre-bending "Magic" singer Jimmy October, Trinbagonian band Freetown Collective and Jaz Elise, the Jamaican contemporary artist who fuses soul, R&B, reggae, and dancehall seamlessly.
Honky Tong Hangover Brunch
Hotel Vegas is inviting people to 1500 E. 6th Street on Saturday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to indulge in some post-SXSW food and drinks.
The food menu includes offerings such as the classic bean, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito loaded with hashbrowns, onions, and Valentina hot sauce. Other options include bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted English muffin topped with "Vegas sauce," and peanut butter with strawberry jam stuffed in french toast and served with powdered sugar and syrup.
Guests can enjoy brunch with live musical performances by Croy and the Boys as well as Chasen Wayne. Drink specials available will include Lone Star Lager and Lone Star Light tall boys, as well as "Riocheladas," micheladas featuring Lone Star’s Rio Jade Mexican Lager.
Lone Star is also distributing uniquely Texas "surprise and delight" items while supplies last. This event is 21 and up only.
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MORE HEADLINES:
SXSW 2022: Film, Music, Comedy festivals guide
SXSW 2022: Dates, tickets, events, COVID-19 policy guide
SXSW returns to Austin March 11-20, 2022
Austin-Travis County moves to Stage 2 ahead of SXSW
SXSW seeking volunteers for 2022 in-person conference, festivals
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