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As you can see from the picture of last year’s crowd above, SXSW is a huge festival that draws a ton of visitors. The 2014 SXSW Festival will feature films, concerts, games, and tech events.
Whether you plan to be on the ground or following along at home, we’ve got the ultimate guide to what’s happening at this year’s SXSW Festival. Here are the crucial facts you need to know.
1. SXSW 2014 Runs March 7-16
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Above, Bruce Springsteen speaks at a past SXSW event.
SXSW consists of three main groups of events. SXSW Interactive is focused on tech and gaming, and will run from March 7-11.
SXSW Film focuses on film screenings and talks from industry insiders, and will run from March 7-15.
SXSW Music will feature concerts and live streaming events, and runs from March 11-16.
You can view the full SXSW 2014 schedule here.
The SXSW Festival takes place in Austin, Texas. The Festival is held once a year, usually in the Spring. SXSW has been running since 1987.
2. SXSW Interactive Has Cool Tech Events
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There are all kinds of awesome tech events at SXSW Interactive this year, including a keynote speech from Adam Savage.
One of the most anticipated events is NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden‘s video conference chat. He’ll be speaking via a remote feed from Russia, where he has been living since he was granted temporary asylum in August 2013. The event will be held on Monday, March 10.
Julian Assange will also be live streaming in for a conversation. His talk will be on March 8.
There will also be a Digital Creative Job Market, where tech insiders can connect with potential employers. Multiple tech luminaries will also be signing their books at SXSW, including James McQuivey (author of “Digital Disruption: Unleashing the Next Wave of Innovation”) and Jeff Gothelf (author of “Lean UX: Applying Lean Principles to Improve User Experience”).
Want more? Check out our list of the Top 5 tech events at SXSW this year.
3. SXSW Has Cool Film Screenings & Talks
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Lena Dunham, pictured above, will be giving a keynote speech on Monday, March 10.
Other big names in the film industry slated to appear at SXSW include Nic Cage, Robert Rodriguez, Rob Corddry, Robert Duvall, and Jon Favreau.
Some of the most interesting films being screened this year include “Beyond Clueless” (a doc about the “teen movie” genre), “Doc of the Dead” (a zombie documentary), and “A Wolf at the Door,” a film about a kidnapped child in Rio de Janiero.
You can browse the list of SXSW Film speakers here.
4. SXSW Music Has Unique Concerts & Interviews
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The big music news out of SXSW this year is that 50 Cent will headline a live-streaming musical showcase on March 11.
The outdoor stage at Butler Park will host several concerts, including sets from Los Lonely Boys, Foster the People, Washed Out, and Childish Gambino.
The International Day Stage will showcase performers like Japanese band Mothercoat, Norwegian act Highasakite, and the Gochag Askorav Ensemble from Azerbaijan.
The Radio Day stage will host acts like Tennis, Dum Dum Girls, and Phantogram.
Gary Numan will sit down for an interview on March 13, while Belle & Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch will sit down for an interview on March 15.
5. SXSW Has a Mobile App
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Whether you want a guidebook while you’re wandering around the festival, or just want to keep tabs on SXSW from the comfort of your couch, you can use the official SXSW app, SXSW GO. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, or on Google Play. You can watch videos, listen to music, and connect with friends at the festival. The app is free to download.
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On the next page, we’ve got the dirt on SXSW secret events, gaming, and more…
6. SXSW Is a Gamer’s Paradise
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SXSW is a great event for people who love video games. The SXSW Gaming Expo runs from March 7-9, and will feature tons of cool gaming demos.
One anticipated event is Mario Karting Reimagined, which is being put on by Pennzoil. Not much is known about this event, but Mario Kart fans won’t want to miss it. There is also an art gallery of concept art from video games.
Table top games like Magic: The Gathering will also be represented.
Want more? Check out our article SXSW 2014 Gaming Expo: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know.
7. SXSW Will Likely Have Secret Events & Concerts
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EW notes that SXSW generally has a couple of secret events each year. In 2013, Justin Timberlake played a “secret” show at SXSW, though the show’s details leaked pretty early on. NME notes that 2012 SXSW surprises included an acoustic set by Tom Morello and an appearance by Rick Ross.
So, what secret shows might we see in 2014? Austin 360 has reason to think that Miley Cyrus, Outkast, Beck, or Broken Bells might play a secret show.
Want to keep tabs on secret show rumors about SXSW 2014? You can follow @sxsw, @RSVPster, or @SXSWhoa. You can also watch this Reddit thread.
8. SXSW Has a Recommended Dress Code
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While there is no strictly-enforced dress code for SXSW per se, there are some recommendations about what to wear. The official SXSW First Timer’s Guide makes some suggestions:
“SXSW is more than just a conference. You’ll be attending sessions, meeting potential clients, attending screenings, networking at clubs, and hopping from one showcase to the next. And if you’ve ever been to Austin, you know that the weather can be unpredictable so be sure and check weather listings before you leave. That being said, Austin is a really casual city. If you want to attend panels in your pajamas, we won’t judge. It’s all about the shoes. You’re going to be doing a lot walking. If you can manage it, you may want to have a change of shoes available. Your feet will thank you.”
9. SXSW 2014 Includes ‘Renegade Craft Fair’
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The Renegade Craft Fair is free and open to the public. It will run from Thursday, March 13 to Saturday, March 15. You can see a full roster of participants here.
Things you can buy at the craft fair include jewelry, shirts, artisan dog treats, art, tea, and grooming products for men.
10. SXSW 2014 Has a Music Gear Expo With Hands-On Demos
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SXSW 2014 isn’t just a place to hear music, it’s also a place to make music. The Music Gear Expo boasts a “Shred Shed,” a brand-new soundproof space for playing guitar.
There’s also a StompBox Exhibit, where you can bring your own guitar (or borrow one) and try out hundreds of pedals.
This part of SXSW runs from Thursday, March 13 through Saturday, March 15.
