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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Editor's note: The word of the week in Austin is growth. Whether it's fast-growing cities, the city's highly anticipated inclusion in the Michelin Guide, or an updated H-E-B ready to re-anchor the neighborhood, things are always reshaping and Austinites are keeping up online. Here are our most-read stories over the past week. Looking for things to do this weekend? Our top picks are here.

1. Austin neighbor saw 4th biggest population boom in U.S. for 2023.The Austin-area suburb of Georgetown has proven it's not just a laid back destination for tourists, but one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

2. Michelin Guide plates up first Texas picks, with 7 stars in Austin.The first Michelin Guide in Texas has finally made its picks known. At a black-tie event in Houston on November 11, the guide announced that 47 Austin restaurants have won recognition.

3. New South Congress H-E-B is finally opening at the end of 2024. After roughly two years of construction, H-E-B announced its 145,000-square-foot building on South Congress Avenue and East Oltorf Street will open to shoppers starting December 4.

4. Bubbly Austin brunch spot Irene's closing after 8 years. Despite the ever-increasing number of Austin brunches, the scene is losing a classic. Irene's on West 6th Street announced November 12 that it will be closing at the end of its lease this month.

Irene's Austin cocktail One of Austin's most popular brunch spots is throwing in the towel when its lease ends.Irene's/Instagram

5. $15.2 million Austin sanctuary is in the middle of a nature conservancy. The Sanctuary on Barton Creek is a 24-acre estate completely surrounded by a 4,100-acre nature conservancy to provide a peaceful and private escape from city life.