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✏️ ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
Bye-bye, South By, we’ll be back in 2027. | Photo by ATXtoday
The dust has settled, the crowds have died down, we’ve caught up on our sleep, and we’re finally ready to talk about SXSW 2026.
The first year of SXSW sans Austin Convention Center, which is expected to be complete in time for SXSW 2029, was jam-packed with events.
One of our favorite SXSW 2026 quotes:
“There are two types of people: those who use AI so they don’t have to learn anything and they just do what it says, and those who use AI so they can learn anything.” — Mark Cuban
SXSW doesn’t need a convention center to survive or thrive
Since most SXSW sessions took place in venues other than the Austin Convention Center in years prior, we found it easy to adjust to the festival without a home base. In fact, we didn’t really notice a difference without the convention center, but the compressed schedule made our days packed.
The takeaway: We’re excited for the new Austin Convention Center, but SXSW’s growing pains seem minimal in the interim.
Think you’re good at parallel parking? Prove it. The first-ever ATX Parallel Parking Competition is 12-4 p.m. tomorrow, March 28. You can participate for a suggested donation of $5, which benefits SAGE Studio & Art Gallery, but be warned that backup cameras are not allowed.
Trending
Austin royalty Matthew McConaughey recently joined the Texas women’s basketball team during practice and gave them a pep talk, saying “It’s beautiful watching you, keep it up.” The team will face Kentucky at 2 p.m. tomorrow, March 28. (KVUE)
Eat
The folks at Volstead Lounge and Hotel Vegas will host a free, 21+ crawfish boil from 1 to 6 p.m. tomorrow, March 28. Crawdads are free with the purchase of a drink — we recommend arriving early.
The Word
Austin Edible Book Festival. For 21 years, Austinites have gathered to create edible adaptations of their favorite reads. This year’s fest is on Sunday, March 29 at the Baker School. Expect dishes like last year’s winner, the “Frank in Stein,” which was a hot dog in a beer stein. (CultureMap)
Stat
Texas was the fastest-growing state for the third year in a row, and Williamson and Travis counties saw some of the highest population increases. Williamson County gained the fifth-largest number of residents with 23,814 newbies, and Travis County saw the ninth-largest increase with 14,749 new residents. (KXAN)
Concert
"Say It Ain’t So.” Weezer’s coming to town, but we have to wait until October for “The Gathering Tour” to post up at the Moody Center. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 3.
Shop
Skincare aficionados, this one is for you. My K Beauty, a new Korean skincare shop, is now open in northwest Austin on West Parmer Lane. Inside, you’ll find beauty products + cosmetics, along with gifts from Sanrio and stationery. (Community Impact)
Answered
We recently asked you to name the TV show that Willie Nelson didn’t have a cameo in, and 56% of you correctly answered “Law & Order.” Just thinking about it makes us want to watch his episodes in “Monk,” “King of the Hill,” and “The Simpsons.”
Wellness
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it’s backed by science to boost arousal and support natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 50% during MV.Health’s sitewide sale.*
Number
$1.50. That’s the price of Costco’s iconic hot dog — a tasty shopping staple and a viral deal in its own right. But it’s far from the only bargain worth knowing about. From overlooked perks to smart in-store strategies, here are 10 lesser-known hacks every Costco shopper should have in their back pocket.*
Health
If constant food noise and hunger are wearing you down, MEDVi offers clinician-guided GLP-1 care built for real life. Your dosage is tailored just for you, with clear guidance so you’re never left guessing. See if you qualify and start your introductory month for $179.‡*
The Buy
It’s lightning deal time. Snap up these top-rated items, up to 55% off today only in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
⚡ Save 33% on this No. 1 best-selling women’s sports bra, built to provide support and cushioning during high-impact exercise.
⚡ This cute swimsuit cover-up is 20% off this morning, the lowest price of the year so far — grab it in a tropical print or stick to timeless black or navy.
⚡ Refresh bedding with 38% off cooling bamboo sheets, made with a luxurious, high-end feel that stays cool to the touch on hot nights.
⚡ Restock your bra drawer with 55% off this comfortable wireless bra, great for everyday wear.
⚡ This top-rated men’s knit polo is 27% off and will earn you style points at spring + summer occasions.
It is bat-watching season once again in ATX, and believe it or not, I frequently meet longtime residents who have yet to see the bats during their evening feeding time. I have seen the bats on numerous occasions, and it’s well-worth a visit to downtown. Learn more about our teeny-tiny residents.
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‡Prescription-only GLP-1 treatment requires evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider. Treatment is provided only if medically appropriate; not all patients qualify. Results vary. Compounded medications, if prescribed, are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished products. See program terms for details.
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