SXSW: The Must-See Events You Can’t Miss This Week in Austin
In the not-too-distant past, SXSW was a festival for the techies and their start-ups and weird local bands. Now it’s a weeklong getaway for comedians and Hollywood celebrities. These A-listers have descended on Austin en masse and taken the festival mainstream. Here are the parties, events and panels to check out, but remember: pace yourself.
Friday, March 7th
Film Opening Party Presented by A+E Networks
Where: Buffalo Billiards
Who’s expected: A+E, Lifetime, and History channel fans
Why you don’t want to miss it: One of the first SXSW parties to serve free drinks and hors d’oeuvres, but more importantly, the best place to debate whether A&E’s “Bates Motel” will ever be as good as “Psycho.”
How Twitter Humorists Landed Sweet Real-World Gigs
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 5:00PM – 6:00PM
Who’s expected: The funny people of Twitter
Why you don’t want to miss it: This panel includes Megan Amran, who now writes for NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” and Jenny Johnson, who has a new book deal due to her tweet-fame and celebrity following.
Super Fandom in the Digital Age
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 5:00PM – 6:00PM
Who’s expected: YouTube celebs Grace Helbig, Tyler Oakley, Ze Frank and their fans
Why you don’t want to miss it: This panel is moderated by Bravo’s Andy Cohen, and is a nice introduction to the hottest (and most down-to-earth!) YouTube stars operating right now.
Saturday, March 8th
aGLIFF Filmmakers Brunch
Where: The Iron Bear,
When: 11AM – 2PM
Who’s expected: Austin’s Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival (AGLIFF) members
Why you don’t want to miss it: You need to RSVP to attend this brunch, so this listing is really more for film industry types coming in from Los Angeles and New York City who don’t have their own LGBT annual brunches.
Marvel: Your Universe Panel
Where: Palmer Events Center
When: 1:30 – 2:15
Who’s expected: Top Marvel Executives, cosplayers
Why you don’t want to miss it: Big announcements — ones Marvel promises will “make history” — will be revealed pertaining to their comic, video game, TV and film divisions. Bonus: the fan questions afterward.
A Conversation with Tilda Swinton
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 12:30 – 1:30PM
Who’s expected: Tilda Swinton!!!
Why you don’t want to miss it: seeing the Academy-award winning actress in the flesh may or may not disprove theories of her being secretly a philosopher and/or all-powerful sorceress.
A Conversation with Jason Bateman
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 2:00 – 3:00PM
Who’s expected: Jason Bateman and Jeffrey Tambor
Why you don’t want to miss it: Bateman talks about his directorial debut (“Bad Words,” which is being screened at SXSW) while moderator Tambor will be there to steal the show and keep Bateman real.
Facebook Live with the Cast of “Neighbors”
Where: Lustre Pearl
When: 3:15PM
Who’s expected: The cast of Seth Rogen’s new movie “Neighbors”
Why you don’t want to miss it: Cast members include Zac Efron and Lisa Kudrow. This interview-like event is done with both Facebook and Funny or Die, so hopefully you won’t die of boredom over the questions asked about this bro-comedy.
Inside Late Night with Seth Meyers Panel
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30 – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Seth Meyers, Olivia Munn, NBC Producer Mike Shoemaker
Why you don’t want to miss it: The verdict’s still out on how good Late Night’s newest host is performing, but this behind-the-scenes panel also featuring head writer Alex Baze should reveal who’s responsible for that awkwardness.
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Panel
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Kevin Bacon and multiple surprise guests.
Why you don’t want to miss it: The Google employee will discuss why he put Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon in Google search, while the real Kevin Bacon tells us how he feels about his weird fame that predates social media.
Conspiracy Theory Live with Jesse Ventura
Where: The Hideout
When: 7:30PM – 9PM
Who’s expected: James Adomian, Kate Berlant, Matt Besser, Mike MacRae
Why you don’t want to miss it: James Adomian pretends to be ex- pro wrestler and ex-Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura, and his comedian friends play inside experts who together investigate some nefarious plot. Seems like a solid good time.
Universal Presents “Neighbors” Frat Party
Where: Lustre Pearl
When: 9PM
Who’s expected: Cast members of “Neighbors”
Why you don’t want to miss it: This party is thrown with Funny or Die, and features music by Incan Abraham and Mystery Skulls.
Opening Comedy Night Presented By Seth Meyers
Where: Buffalo Billiards
When: 10:30 PM – 1:30AM
Who’s expected: Seth Meyers and the rest of his panel friends
Why you don’t want to miss it: Late Night with Seth Meyers is all over SXSW. Besides a panel and this party built around a green screen and the Late Night desk, NBC is serving free burgers in partnership with Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack food truck, offering free bicycles for rent, and a hashtag contest SethXSW for two tickets to see the show in person all week long.
Sunday, March 9th
Running the Show: TV’s New Queen of Comedy
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 11:00AM- 12PM
Who’s expected: Cast members of Fox’s The Mindy Project, including Mindy Kaling.
Why you don’t want to miss it: Mindy Kaling promises to discuss serious topics like digital distribution and feminism happening in the industry, while male co-stars will sound off on what its like to have Kaling as a boss.
Showtime Presents “Penny Dreadful”
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 2PM – 3PM
Who’s expected: Josh Hartnett, Harry Treadaway, Juan Antonio Bayona
Why you don’t want to miss it: Showtime is offering an extended look at its new horror series from Sam Mendes and John Logan, followed by a Q&A. Genre-fave director Bayona (“The Orphanage”), who helmed the series’ first two episodes, is sure to be a good fit with the fest’s crowd.
Are We All Producers Now? Panel
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Dana Brunetti, Randi Zuckerberg
Why you don’t want to miss it: Whatever Brunetti — the producer of “The Social Network,” Netflix’s “House of Cards” and the upcoming “50 Shades of Grey” movie — has to say about the future of media and the industry right now will be quotable gold.
A Conversation with Ralph Steadman
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Ralph Steadman
Why you don’t want to miss it: Steadman drew the images for “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and was a renowned artist and cartoonist from the 1970’s on. This panel will focus on the new documentary about his life and work, co-starring Johnny Depp.
TV’s Decision Makers: AMC, FX, Showtime and HBO
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: David Carr with AMC, FX, Showtime and HBO producers
Why you don’t want to miss it: New York York Times journalist Carr moderates a panel of TV show producers creating the best episodic content around.
Jeffrey Tambor’s Acting Workshop
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Jeffrey Tambor and who ever volunteers
Why you don’t want to miss it: Tambor will give free hands-on advice and mentoring to two up-and-coming actors, but the lessons learned — especially ones about conquering fear — are applicable to real life.
The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail
Where: Esther’s Follies
When: 8:00PM – 9:30PM
Who’s expected: Jonah Ray, Kumail Nanjiani and friends
Why you don’t want to miss it: One of L.A.’s Best Standup Shows, but now in Austin. Fun for all ages.
Up Next! Featuring Fred Armisen
Where: Esther’s Follies
What time: 10:00 – 11:30PM
Who’s expected: Tim Robinson, Fred Armisen, Sasheer Zamata
Why you don’t want to miss it: Billed as the “freshest faces of comedy,” these eight Above Average and/or Upright Citizens Brigade Theater members will perform live, including SNL’s newest cast member Zamata.
An Above Average After Party
Where: Blackheart
When: 11:30PM – 2:00AM
Who’s expected: everyone from the Up Next set
Why you don’t want to miss it: Free drinks and dancing with a big group of professionally funny people courtesy of “SNL” producer Broadway Video’s digital brand.
Monday, March 10 – Friday, March 14
“Jimmy Kimmel Live“
Where: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts
When: 4:00 PM
Who’s expected: Jimmy Kimmel and celebrity guests
Why you don’t want to miss it: Tickets for the taping are free on Kimmel’s website, and so far only Friday is “sold out.” Go to see if Kimmel will actually be covered in BBQ sauce the whole time he’s at SXSW like he said he would.
Monday, March 10th
Lena Dunham Keynote
Where: Austin Convention Center, Vimeo Theater
When: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Who’s expected: Lena Dunham
Why you don’t want to miss it: Love it or hate it, there’s no denying Dunham’s “Girls” has changed the TV landscape forever and she the industry. When she speaks, the world listens.
A Conversation with Nicolas Cage
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Who’s expected: Nicolas Cage, David Gordon Green
Why you don’t want to miss it: Cage is reaching peak celebrity. Besides his extensive Hollywood career, the Internet can’t get enough of photo-shopping Cage into random images.
A Conversation with Alejandro Jodorowsky
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Alejandro Jodorowsky
Why you don’t want to miss it: Surrealism is making a comeback, so before it goes mainstream, hear what 1970’s legend Jodorowsky has to say about his work, including his new film “The Dance Of Reality,” premiering at SXSW this year.
“The Pete Holmes Show” Makes it Weird
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Pete Holmes and his late night comedy show staff from TBS.
Why you don’t want to miss it: Holmes is a six-month old newcomer to the late night comedy scene, born this October. His parents are impressive though, so its time to take note: Conan O’Brien helped produce his late night cable TV show for TBS, and his podcast “You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes” is distributed on the Nerdist network. The guide also calls him a SXSW favorite, so he must be doing something right.
TNTs “The Last Ship” First Look Event
Where: The Coppertank Events Center
When: 6:00PM, premiere at 8:30PM
Who’s expected: Adam Baldwin, Rhona Mitra, Eric Dane
Why you don’t want to miss it: Besides the special guests, there promises to be free drinks and swag related to this Michael Bay TV summer series.
Funny or Die Presents Bill Cosby in Concert
Where: Lustre Pearl
When: 8:00PM – 8:30PM
Who’s expected: Bill Cosby
Why you don’t want to miss it: The comedy legend is performing live. What else is there to say?
Xbox Launches Titanfall at SXSW
Where: Microsoft Studio
When: 9:00PM
Who’s expected: Childish Gambino (Donald Glover’s musical alter ego)
Why you don’t want to miss it: Titanfall is one of 2014’s first video game blockbusters, debuting at SXSW and in 6,000 locations worldwide via live-streaming service Twitch. Besides meeting the developers, attendees can score some swag and be entertained by Childish Gambino’s musical stylings.
Pretty Good Friends with Eugene Mirman
Where: Brazos Hall
When: 9:30PM- 11:00PM
Who’s expected: Eugene Mirman and Co, including TJ Miller and Jerrod Carmichael
Why you don’t want to miss it: Someone here is bound to make you laugh. Besides Mirman, James Adomian, Todd Barry, and two comics Variety named as Top 10 Comics to Watch (Miller and Carmichael) will be performing.
Funny or Die Comedy After Party
Where: Lustre Pearl
When: 10:00PM – 2:00AM
Who’s expected: the masses
Why you don’t want to miss it: This is SXSW’s Official Afterparty, done in conjunction with Facebook and Funny Or Die so you know it will be a big deal. DJ Chromeo will be providing musical beats. Go to be seen, and to see others.
Tuesday, March 11th
Casey Neistat Keynote
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Who’s expected: Casey Neistat
Why you don’t want to miss it: Neistat is more famous for his Internet work than his traditional film projects. He’s also a bit of a wild card. When asked to shoot a promo for Twentieth Century Fox’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” he flew to the Philippines and spent the money there.
FRANK: A Twitter Prequel by @jonburroughs83
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Who’s expected: Hugh Garry, Anna Higgs
Why you don’t want to miss it: Whether or not “FRANK” is actually the “first film to really get Twitter,” this movie really gets transmedia more than most, including YouTubers. Higgs and Garry discuss the film, and social media.
A Conversation with Robert Duvall
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Who’s expected: Robert Duvall
Why you don’t want to miss it: Award-winning legend Duvall will discuss his career with film critic and historian Leonard Maltin.
A Conversation with Robert Rodriguez and Diego Luna
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM
Who’s expected: Robert Rodriguez, Diego Luna, Charles Ramirez-Berg
Why you don’t want to miss it: Both Rodriguez and Luna will speak about the emerging South American film scene, in context of their latest works.
In the Lion’s Den with Schwartzman, Adebimpe and Byington
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Jason Schwartzman
Why you don’t want to miss it: Indie icon Schwartzman will discuss his role in Byington’s new film “7 Chinese Brothers,” alongside other cast and crew.
Portlandia: Behind the Scenes with the Creators
Where: Austin Convention Center
When: 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Who’s expected: Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Matt Braunger
Why you don’t want to miss it: This Independent Film Channel comedy poking fun at Millennials and most young people is entering its fourth season.
SXSW Film Awards Ceremony
Where: The Paramount Theatre
When: 8:00PM-9:30PM
Who’s expected: everyone interested in film
Why you don’t want to miss it: A film award ceremony is always a good time, even in the shadow of the Oscars.
Deadbeat World Premiere Launch Party
Where: Rio Rooftop & Restaurant
When: 8:00 PM-12:00 AM
Who’s expected: Series stars including Tyler Labine
Why you don’t want to miss it: Hulu’s promoting its latest original series “Deadbeat” in SXSW with drinks, food and special guests not yet announced.
Friday, March 7 – Monday, March 10
FX’s “The Strain” Transformation Station
Where: 419 Congress Ave
Who’s expected: the tired masses
Why you don’t want to miss it: Free place to take “power naps” in goofy but science-fiction themed “rejuvenation pods” timed to the upcoming FX series. You can also RSVP your naptime in advance. Free energy drinks when you’re done resting. Enough said.
Friday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 11
“Game of Thrones” ®: The Exhibition
Where: Austin Music Hall
Who’s expected: the masses
Why you don’t want to miss it: Photo opportunities abound, even if you’re not a fan of this HBO show. Take a selfie on the Iron Throne, or next to swords, costumes and props. Also, go if you want to be awed by HBO’s enormous production budget.
Film Poster Gallery
Where: Austin Convention Center
Who’s expected: the voting masses
Why you don’t want to miss it: The hyperbole is true: the art of the movie poster has been in decline for more than a decade thanks to things like the Internet and easily sharable trailers. SXSW’s annual Film Poster Competition actually still cares about this medium, and wants you to vote for whichever artist you think is trying too hard.
Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens: Live!”
Where: TBA
When: TBA
Who’s expected: Bravo Andy Cohen and his special guests
Why you don’t want to miss it: Ever wanted to be a live audience member at an undisclosed location? Now’s your chance. Free tickets to the tapings are available on the Bravo website for March 10th and 11th only, but the show is taping five nights.
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