When combing through the SXSW schedule, it’s easy to miss out on the activations. These are chances for businesses big and small to showcase their latest and greatest products in cool, engaging environments. Plus, activations often offer the sweet swag festival-goers crave.
From a list of hundreds, here are six SXSW 2020 activations worth your time waiting in line. Enjoy!
1/ Good Morning by milk + honey
Austin’s downtown day spa, milk + honey, opens SXSW with a relaxing vibe. With a one-day-only event at The Line’s P6 patio, our local spa is offering yoga, a braid bar, beauty refresher stations, and astrology readings for conference-goers looking to jump-start the week.
Light bites and drinks will be on offer, as well. Get your SXSW 2020 started with a morning of absolute luxury.
Good Morning will be held at the P6 patio of The Line hotel (111 E. Cesar Chavez) on Friday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2/ THE EXPERIENCE by Dell Technologies
Many people forget Dell was founded in a UT dorm room, which technically makes this technology mega giant hyperlocal! Dell’s SXSW activation is always worth swinging by for the latest in droolworthy tech, gaming, audio, and VR.
Last year’s event featured an interactive cinema booth, proximity-based touch screens, and a number of incredible panels. And never mind the nighttime music and eats. An awesome time for anyone who digs tech.
This year’s EXPERIENCE will be located at The Sunset Room (310 E. 3rd St.) from March 13 to March 16. Hours vary day to day.
3/ Virtual Cinema presented by Bose
A three-day exploration of the best VR cinema has to offer, the Virtual Cinema installation will be worth a visit. With 28 films on the slate, anticipate plenty of variety.
From a 360-degree documentary on the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster to VR Reggie Watts experience, there will be something for all interests. Strap in and prepare to be amazed!
Virtual Cinema will be open from March 16 to 18, 2020 at JW Marriott’s Griffin Hall. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4/ The Family Room by Supergoop!
While normally known for corporate conference-goers and culture-hungry party people, SXSW hosts families, as well. The Family Room is a wonderful respite from the noise and madness.
From free applications of Supergoop sunscreen to baby changing stations, the space promises to a be serene haven. There will also be breastfeeding stations for moms who need to nurse, a criminally under-looked piece of the festival experience.
The Family Room will be hosted at Austin Convention Center, Room 1, from March 13 to the 21. Times are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5/ Audible presents Escape from Virtual Island
Sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith based on a description full of delightful question marks. Celebrating the release of the latest Audible Original, read by a star studded cast including Paul Rudd, this activation promises “an escape from reality” where guests will be transported into a tropical beach setting full of interactive “virtual fantasies.”
No idea what to expect, but that’s half the fun of these random activations!
Escape From Virtual Island will be at Half Step (72 1/2 Rainey St.) from March 13 to 15. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
6/ Austin Java: Grinding Since ’95
By the time SXSW Music starts rolling, most of the major activations are long gone. Luckily, a few still remain, one of them a charming celebration by an Austin mainstay. Austin Java will be providing its signature coffee, lattes, and matcha lemonade to fuel your late SXSX festivities. The local business will also have an interactive mural for festival-goers to enjoy.
Cheers to 25 years!
The Austin Java pop-up will occur at Brush Square Park (409 E. 5th St.) on March 14 and March 20. Times vary per day.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Which SXSW 2020 activations are you looking forward to checking out?
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like CDs, event tickets and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!
