Another World

Austin's getting a real-life Westworld just in time for SXSW

Let's just change Austin's name to Sweetwater, Texas.

Have you ever felt the urge to enter a technological dystopia? Beginning March 9-11, you can do exactly that during an interactive Westworld activation.

HBO is bringing Sweetwater, the town at the center of the Westworld, um, world, to Austin. Spread out across two acres on an unknown location just outside of town, the site will feature a real-life The Coronado Hotel and Mariposa Saloon, among other attractions.

SXSW attendees who snag a spot will gather at the EastSide Tavern where a luxurious Delos Shuttle will transport them to an interactive, fully immersive experience. Upon arrival, guests will be asked to don a white or black hat, and then they will be set loose to explore more the theme park. "No guidebook. No orientation," teases the press release announcing the Westworld experience.

Super fans are in for a super treat, too. As they meander around the park, fans can follow clues and ask questions about the show's upcoming season. They will also have the chance to nosh on Western-themed bites and sip cocktails inspired by the show.

Spots for the activation are limited, and any remaining available reservations can be made here. For those who miss out on the activation, don't fret. Lyft is partnering with HBO to create an experience all its own. Lyft riders who unlock a secret access code will be treated a Westworld-themed experience and a free ride to the park. SXSW attendees can also catch a Westworld Featured Session on March 10 with cast members and show creators.

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Reexamining Don Draper

Jon Hamm, Henry Winkler, and more headed to Austin for TV festival

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Jon Hamm is coming to Austin to talk about Don Draper.

From May 29 to June 1, 2025, the ATX TV Festival will take over downtown Austin, and this year Jon Hamm will be joining the festival for the first time.

Hamm will be here for an event called A Mad Men Retrospective, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show's finale. In this panel (the moderator of which is not yet announced), Hamm will reflect on his Emmy-winning performance as Mad Men's Don Draper, the uniqueness of the character in the TV canon, and the show's influence 10 years after it ended.

Jon Hamm may be best known as Draper, but he's also given celebrated performances in several movies and other shows like Fargo, Black Mirror, and — fun fact! — Gilmore Girls.

Celebrating TV is what the ATX TV Festival is all about. This annual summer event is put on by ATX TV and consists of screenings, Q&As, and panel conversations; plus all sorts of parties, live music, happy hours, and other events. It's known for reunions of classic series and cult hits, and according to the website, it's like "TV camp for grownups."

Jon Hamm isn't the only heavy-hitter in this year's lineup.

Programming also includes an acting class and Q&A with Henry Winkler himself, a live script reading of classic episodes from The Golden Girls and Designing Women (guest actors to be announced), a reunion of the creatives and cast of the HBO hit series The Leftovers, a live recording of the podcast Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast with Suits stars and co-hosts Sarah Rafferty and Patrick J. Adams, and much more.

Additionally, the festival's annual Pitch Competition is still accepting open pitch submissions through January 17. This gives creatives in Austin a chance to pitch their show idea in front of some of the industry's biggest showrunners and executives. Those in the top 10 will receive a year of support to make the next steps in their TV careers.

Festival badges and passes ($150-535) are on sale now.

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