• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

U.S. companies have finally gotten $71 billion in tariff refunds, but they’re using it to offset inflation caused by the Iran war

2

FedEx CEO says we are in the middle of the biggest supply chain shift he’s seen in 35 years: ‘We are the referendum’

3

Iran just crossed Trump's red line for resuming all-out war as fighting continues to escalate with no end in sight

1

U.S. companies have finally gotten $71 billion in tariff refunds, but they’re using it to offset inflation caused by the Iran war

2

FedEx CEO says we are in the middle of the biggest supply chain shift he’s seen in 35 years: ‘We are the referendum’

3

Iran just crossed Trump's red line for resuming all-out war as fighting continues to escalate with no end in sight
Arts & EntertainmentSXSW

These Photos Explain Why SXSW Made Such a Splash This Year

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 18, 2016, 1:02 PM ET
Michelle Obama SXSW
AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 16: Missy Elliot (R) and First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama attend the keynote address at the Austin Convention Center during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 16, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)Photography by Gary Miller Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Austin’s a city that prides itself on its weirdness. Add in South by Southwest and thing get even more bizarre.

There are no official attendance numbers yet, but by the time the interactive, film and music festival (which is currently celebrating its 30th year) wraps up on Sunday, more than 135,000 people are expected to filter through town. And while there’s the usual grumbling about the show getting too big and straying from its roots (something that’s been a common refrain for years), attendance keeps growing. Last year, the show brought in more than $317 million to the local Austin economy.

With the still going at full speed, there’s plenty to see, learn and do. If you couldn’t make it to Texas this year, here’s a snapshot of what’s been going on.

Sponsorships

SXSW is as much a marketing event as anything else these days. Big brands, from Mazda (MZDAY) to McDonalds to Budweiser, have set up elaborate venues and big promotional events to catch the eyes of show goers.

Legends

This year’s festival has had some of its biggest speakers to date. The President and First Lady both gave keynote speeches. Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams debuted footage from his upcoming Westworld. And rock stars Pat Benatar and her husband guitarist Neil Giraldo discussed the evolution of their career.

Food Industry

As the festival has grown, it has begun to expand into other areas, including sports, gaming and comedy. Food is a fast growing area of interest among show-goers as well, with dozens of panels focusing on everything from sustainability to the craft beer and spirits markets.

Cell Phone Woes

Your cell phone’s battery life takes a beating during SXSW. Mophie was on hand, though, sending out rescue dogs with chargers to help people who were running low on juice. And, because everything is done on a big scale here, they arrived in the sidecars of Indian Motorcycles.

Big Promotions

A big stunt can capture big crowds. USA Network set up a 100-foot Ferris Wheel in the middle of downtown Austin to promote the second season of its show Mr. Robot, which debuted here last year. Lines for the ride were consistently long.

Movies, Movies, Movies

From big world premieres to independent documentaries, there’s always something to see at SXSW. The show is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.

Satire

The growth of SXSW’s comedy program has lured some of the biggest names in the industry. This year Tracey Morgan had a surprise performance and improv troop the Upright Citizens Brigade had several shows of its own, including one that took aim at the Republican party’s frontrunner and NJ Governor Chris Christie.

Just Plain Austin Weirdness

Beyond the sometimes carnival like atmosphere of the show, there’s the usual Austing oddities out and about. And as the show gets more focused on music, it’s only getting weirder.

Guerilla Marketing

Can’t afford a booth or presence at the official SXSW venues? Not a problem for most startups, which canvas the area handing out promotional items or in costumes guaranteed to capture someone’s attention long enough to thrust a flyer into their hand.

Jobs … And Yoga?

SXSW Interactive is a good place to network and the festival has a substantial job fair each year, with companies from Apple (AAPL) to The Home Depot looking for their next tech genius. But it wouldn’t be SXSW without a twist, which is why one recruiter decided to offer yoga classes in the middle of the job fair this year.

About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

The cheapest resale ticket price for the World Cup final tops $6,400, while special hospitality seats are nearly $60,000 each
Arts & EntertainmentSports
The cheapest resale ticket price for the World Cup final tops $6,400, while special hospitality seats are nearly $60,000 each
By The Associated PressJuly 18, 2026
5 hours ago
tourism
Travel & LeisureWorld Cup
‘They put 100% effort into looking after you’: Wary soccer fans stunned by a look at the real America, not the image they’ve been sold by the media
By Sarah Raza and The Associated PressJuly 18, 2026
11 hours ago
Landon Donovan, wearing a suit and holding a microphone, smiles.
SuccessSports
U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan was raised by a single mom and said he wouldn’t break though today because youth sports have gotten too expensive
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 18, 2026
13 hours ago
Cybercriminals are cashing in on the World Cup by selling stolen streaming accounts
CybersecurityWorld Cup
Cybercriminals are cashing in on the World Cup by selling stolen streaming accounts
By Tatiana SatauaJuly 18, 2026
19 hours ago
dna
North AmericaScience
How a Californian DNA lab solved the oldest John Doe in American history
By Allen Breed and The Associated PressJuly 17, 2026
1 day ago
cc
Arts & EntertainmentWNBA
Adam Silver: It’s ‘incredibly unfair’ Caitlin Clark has become a ‘political football’
By The Associated PressJuly 17, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

U.S. companies have finally gotten $71 billion in tariff refunds, but they’re using it to offset inflation caused by the Iran war
Economy
U.S. companies have finally gotten $71 billion in tariff refunds, but they’re using it to offset inflation caused by the Iran war
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 17, 2026
2 days ago
FedEx CEO says we are in the middle of the biggest supply chain shift he’s seen in 35 years: ‘We are the referendum’
C-Suite
FedEx CEO says we are in the middle of the biggest supply chain shift he’s seen in 35 years: ‘We are the referendum’
By Fortune EditorsJuly 15, 2026
3 days ago
Iran just crossed Trump's red line for resuming all-out war as fighting continues to escalate with no end in sight
Middle East
Iran just crossed Trump's red line for resuming all-out war as fighting continues to escalate with no end in sight
By Jason MaJuly 18, 2026
6 hours ago
Indeed chief economist: Aging Baby Boomers are America's real labor problem, not AI
Commentary
Indeed chief economist: Aging Baby Boomers are America's real labor problem, not AI
By Svenja GudellJuly 18, 2026
16 hours ago
Kevin O’Leary claimed opposition to his Utah data center was fueled by Chinese money. Now he and Fox News are being sued for defamation
Law
Kevin O’Leary claimed opposition to his Utah data center was fueled by Chinese money. Now he and Fox News are being sued for defamation
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJuly 17, 2026
2 days ago
Peter Thiel just gave the public its closest look yet at his 'Antichrist' theory—and it's a tech and climate regulator
Politics
Peter Thiel just gave the public its closest look yet at his 'Antichrist' theory—and it's a tech and climate regulator
By Nick LichtenbergJuly 18, 2026
15 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.