Entertainment is aplenty for locals and visitors alike over the next few days. Giddyup and head to Rodeo Austin, or catch industry icons and exclusive experiences as part of SXSW Music Festival and SXSW Film & TV Festival. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, go to our calendar.
Thursday, March 13
SXSW Music Festival
The city’s premiere music festival returns to the heart of downtown and throughout the city this weekend. The packed lineup will feature dozens of performers at more than 100 venues around Austin. Guests can expect a variety of live musical performances from a mix of artists ranging from brand-new to international stardom. Select passes are available.
SXSW Film & TV Festival
The Film & TV Festival component of SXSW continues with a star-studded line-up of cinema and industry events. Featured film screenings include The Accountant 2 starring Ben Affleck; Death of a Unicorn starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega; and Holland starring Nicole Kidman. Venues include Paramount Theatre, Violet Crown Cinema, Drafthouse South Lamar, Zach Theatre, and more. Events are scheduled through March 15. Select passes are available.
Texas Performing Arts presents Andrew Schneider: N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars)
Immerse yourself in the Milky Way-inspired installation by artist Andrew Schneider at McCullough Theatre. Visitors will move through a space that begins in total darkness and gradually illuminates with the fusion of 4,000 retractive points of light and a 496-channel sound design for an introspective experience akin to Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. Self-guided and guided experiences are available. Nowiswhenweare (the stars) is open through March 22.
Friday, March 14
Rodeo Austin
Action awaits at the largest carnival event in Austin, kicking off this weekend. Rodeo Austin highlights include ProRodeo events, a livestock show, a beer & wine garden, special attractions, and food trucks on the Travis County Exposition Center grounds. Post-competition musical performers include Randy Rogers Band, Ella Langley, Bellamy Brothers, Robert Earl Keen, Dashboard Confessional, and more. Rodeo Austin continues through March 29.
Moody Center presents Brooks & Dunn in concert
Country music duo Brooks & Dunn perform live in concert at Moody Center. The Tennessee-based pair come to Austin in support of their album, Reboot 2. Some of their top hits include “Neon Moon” and “Play Something Country.” Get more details on Ticketmaster.
Saturday, March 15
Moody Center presents Tyler, The Creator in concert
Rapper Tyler, The Creator brings his world tour to the Moody Center. The artist behind hit songs such as “Earfquake” and “Noid” comes to Austin in support of his new album, Chromakopia. He will be joined by special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. For more information, visit Ticketmaster.
Sunday, March 16
The VORTEX presents The 15th Annual Garden Party
Celebrate the replenishment of The Vortex’s nationally certified butterfly sanctuary with a day of whimsical fun. Party highlights include art activities, planting, garden-inspired cocktails, and live music by Roland & the Roots Riddim and Ogo and the Erph Tones. Additional activities include a petting zoo, a dance performance of MotherTree, and a ceremony honoring The Vortex’s late famed cat, Radius. Guests are encouraged to bring a butterfly plant to add to the sanctuary. Admission is free and open to the public.
Tyler, The Creator performs live at Moody Center on March 15.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri