This year's SXSW features some acts that you may have already heard of and a whole bunch that are soon going to be topping the charts; along with music and film, there's a whole host SXSW must-sees that you will find this year.
This year, watch out for the premiere of edible cookie shot glasses, from the same creator of the Cronut, and the IBM food truck that creates delicious food pairings based on a computer's opinion (chocolate burritos anyone?) There is a lot of new creations that'll help you find your way around the festival, and of course you're sure to find some traditional festival go-tos like vibrant tents and discreet beer coolers.
Since 1987, SXSW has sparked traditions and made memories; the whole festival is made possible by creative and supportive people, be it fans, musicians, speakers, designers and creators. If you're heading down to Austin, be sure to check out all the city has to offer and stay connected with SXSW.
18 Exciting SXSW Innovations
This List Honors the Most Conventional and Bizarre SXSW Must-Sees:
Janelle Savel — Mar 10, 2014 — Fashion
18
Pop-Up Portable Coffee Shops
The Nescafe Nomadic Cafe Center Gives You Your Caffeine Kick Anywhere
17
Glutinous Computer Food Trucks
IBM Technology Truck Thinks Like a Human Stomach
16
Explosive 3D Street Art
This Mural Gets Three Dimensional with a Tank Jumping Out of a Wall
15
Edible Customized 3D Cookies
Twitter and Mondelēz Partner Up to Create 3D-Printed Oreos
14
Edible Cookie Shot Glasses
Dominique Ansel Has Created Yet Another Mouthwatering Combination
13
Real Life Video Games
SXSW's Mario Karting Reimagined is a Different Kind of Augmented Reality
12
Introverted People-Avoiding Apps
The Avoid Humans App Finds Secluded Places for SXSW Visitors
11
Feline Festival Memes
SXSW Cat Stereotypes by Traction Captures Entertaining Characters
10
Swag Donation Startup Giveaways
These Start-Ups are Donating Their SXSW Swag to the Homeless
9
Solar-Powered Carousels
The GE SXSW Merry-Go-Round is a Sun-Soaking Attraction
8
Vibrant Solar Powered Tents
The Bang Bang Tents Keep You Dry and Your Gadgets Charged
7
Collaborative Festival Music Apps
The iTunes Festival App Combines with SXSW to Deliver Free Music
6
Trustworthy Social Sharing Apps
The Open Messaging Platform App Omlet Debuted at the SXSW 2014
5
Aerial Crime Fighting Drones
The CUPID Drone Prototype Made Its Debut at the SXSW 2014 Conference
4
Zombie-Themed Festival Infographics
These Zombie Apocalypse Stats are Perfect for Summer
3
Concert-Navigating Apps
The SXSW App Helps You Plan Your Schedule to Make the Most of Your Stay
2
SXSW Sneakers
Supra Stubb's Skytop SXSW Edition is for Serious Music Fans
1
Crowdsourced Film Premieres
The Veronica Mars SXSW Movie Premiere Gives Fans a Coveted Sneak Peek
Related Ideas
Exclusive Energy Drink Installations
Red Bull Debuts 'Red Bull Mirage' at Coachella
Flower-Centric Events
Macy’s Flower Show Celebrates 50 Years with a Surrealist Garden
Artisanal Ice Cream Tacos
The Salt & Straw x Taco Bell The Tacolate is Sweet and Crunchy
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
Modern Festival Activations
American Express will Offer Card Members a Unique Coachella Experience
Beer-Infused Soup Lines
Campbell’s Chunky x Pabst Blue Ribbon Serve Up a Bold Soup Collaboration
Western Rodeo-Inspired Pop-Ups
The BÉIS Rodeo was an Interactive Stagecoach Pop-Up
Connection Platform Experiences
Facebook Debuts at Stagecoach to Target Younger Audiences
Groundbreaking Accessible Cultural Initiatives
AccessNow & City of Toronto Present AccessFest
Club-Culture-Inspired Cheese Events
Eventbrite Debuts a 'Cheese Rave' in NYC
Festive Film-Inspired Coffee Menus
Scooter’s Coffee Elf Menu Will Arrive November 1
Festive Frozen QSR Treats
Wendy's Snickerdoodle Cookie Frosty Fusion is Arriving for the Holidays
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
Spring Cocktail Menus
Applebee's Launched a Drink Menu With Celebrity Spirit Collaborations
Theatrical Cocktail Experiences
The Theatre by ZLB23 Unfolds at a Seven-Seat Bar
Vegetal Ice Cream Collections
The Farmer's Market Series by Salt & Straw Has Fresh-Picked Flavors
Fan-Created Menu Items
Creative Customer Orders Inspired the Taco Bell Fan Style Menu
Sauce-Proof Shirts
Shake Shack Created Disposable Fashion Inspired by Tray Liners
Novel Robotic Vending Machines
Sweet Robo Presents ChocoPrint™ at the 2026 CES Event
Snackable Frozen Appetizers
TAST!EZ's New Products Bring Restaurant-Quality Snacks Home
Vintage Streetwear Pop-ups
Kronenbourg 1664 Launched a Three-Day Immersive Fashion Experience
Curated Film Festival Experiences
The St. Regis Toronto Offers TIFF-Inspired Food & Beverage Menus
Festival-Ready Electrolyte Beverage Activations
The Electrolit Campground 5K Debuts at Coachella
Vision-Based AI Fridges
Samsung Will Unveil the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub at CES 2026
Social Low-Calorie Cannabis Seltzers
Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers Start Working in 15-Minutes
Island-Style Lager Activations
Kona Big Wave Partners with Spotify for Summer-Forward Experiences
Shareable Chocolate Ice Creams
The Chocolatiers Series by Salt & Straw Brings People Together
Pie-Inspired Ice Creams
The Summer Pie Series by Salt & Straw Shares Sweet & Savory Indulgences
Summer Exhibition Treats
Pizza Pizza Offers CNE Exclusive Offerings
Multisensory Gourmand Pop-Ups
Lush's Café Gourmand Pop-Up Immerses Visitors in Cozy Scents
Whimsical Gin Pop-Ups
Refreshing Encounters by Hendrick’s Gin is an Invitation to a Curious World
Modern Smash Burger Concepts
Soul Smash Burgers Features an Intentionally Simple Menu
Smart Beer Bands
Heineken's The Clinker Celebrates Music as a Shared Language
Beer-Infused Dessert Pop-Ups
Lakewood Brewing Company Partners with Sweet Dol-Ings
Flavor Mashup Snacks
Mad Genius Snack Lab Makes Globally Inspired Bites for Gen Z & Millennials
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
Korean-Themed Menu Expansions
Shake Shack Unveils a New Menu with Korean Flavors
Pop-Culture-Inspired Soda Drinks
Cool Sips Embraces Pop Culture Moments with Themed Drinks
Gourmet Lunch Pop-Ups
Uber Eats' Sandwich Studio Elevated the Classic Combo Meal
Curated Design Initiatives
Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Launches The Curious 100 List
Ice Cream-Sponsored Music Festivals
The Magnum Ice Cream Company Supports Coachella
Comprehensive Easter-Inspired Collaborations
Peeps' 2026 Spring Collaboration Lineup is Impressive
Mixtape-Inspired Cafe Drinks
The New Dutch Bros Spring Menu Features Three Drink Options
Lemonade-Infused Ice Cream Sandwiches
The Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandwich Boasts Midwestern Flavor
Edible Hot Sauce Packets
Taco Bell Unveiled the Fire Queso Sauce Packet at Live Más LIVE 2026
Swedish-Style Kitchen Pop-Ups
IKEA House Warming Showcases Cooking & Eating Essentials
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Cozy Brunch-Themed Coffee Menus
Scooter’s Coffee Winter Menu is Packed with Food and Drinks
Chainsaw-Sliced Sandwiches
Sheetz and Liquid Death are Serving Up Uniquely Sliced Sandwiches
Music Experience-Focused Beer Campaigns
The Heineken House is Back for 2026 Coachella
Beautifying Pre-Concert Pop-Ups
Tequila Rose's Break in Case of Glam-ergency Refreshed Music Fans
Sourdough Pizza Pop-Ups
Michelin Hexagon Chef x Tony's Present Unconventional Flavors
Munchies-Themed Snack Cake Activatoins
The Hostess Munchie Mobile is Launching for 4/20
Interactive Beer-Focused Festival Devices
Heineken's Debuts The Clinker at Coachella
Interdimensional Gaming Experiences
Alienware x Twitch Transform Grand Central Terminal
Traveling Fashion Showcases
The Guess Bus in Sydney is an Example of Experimental Marketing
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Invite-Only Festival Gatherings
The 818 Outpost Brings an Exclusive Experience to the Desert
Foodie Charm Bracelets
Goodles Gave Expo West Attendees the Chance to Make Custom Charm Bracelets
Cannabis Dining Experiences
The BIC EZ Reach Lighter Supper Club with SWED Explores Pairings
High-Energy Spirits Festivals
MGM Resorts International Launches Drink Las Vegas
Cocktail-Inspired Beers
Tip Top Cocktails' Kindred Spirits Series Explores Brewery Collabs
Aussie-Style Hot Dog Trucks
Tourism Australia is Bringing a G'day Dogs Food Truck to NYC
Waffle-Inspired Ice Cream Sandwiches
Eggo Ice Cream Sandwiches Come in Three Varieties
Desert Noodle Pop-Ups
An Immersive Maruchan Pop-Up is Coming to Cabazon for Festival Season
Nostalgic Summer Ice Creams
Jeni's Super Fun Times Collection Captures the Essence of the Season
Multisensory Dairy-Free Pop-Ups
The Pint of No Return by So Delicious Aims to Change Minds
Zero-Proof Festival Experiences
The Drinks with Benefits Festival Signals the Growth of the Market
Cannabis-Infused Mustard Sandwiches
Ivy Hall Partners with Steingold's Deli for 'High on Rye'
Festive French Fry Events
Jameson & CHAIN House Debut a St. Patrick’s Day-Themed Event
Collaborative Esports Tour Events
Intel and Team Liquid are Bringing Experiences Global
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Branded Retro-Inspired Wellness Houses
Lifeway Foods is Hosting a Special Pop-Up in Palm Springs
Mechanical Pickle Rides
Picklesburgh is Debuting a First-of-Its-Kind Ride for Its 10th Anniversary
Elevated Americana Ice Creams
The Cookbook Series by Salt & Straw Remixes Classic Flavors
Icy Mashup Treats
Cinnabon Swirl Unites Cinnabon and Carvel to Entice Gen Z & Millennials
Burger-Style Frozen Novelties
The Frosty Burger Serves Chicken Ice Cream in an Encrusted Patty
Seaside Whisky Festival Launches
The First Brighton Whisky Weekend Is Launched by Brighton Whisky
Film Festival-Inspired Tasting Menus
Khazana Toronto Debuts a Special Tasting Menu for TTIFF
Nostalgic Branded Pop-Up Events
AriZona Iced Tea Launches a New York City Pop-Up Event
Late-Night Manhattan Lounges
Starchild Rooftop Offers Panoramic Views and Classic Cocktails
Literary Tourism Innovations
Jane Austen Festival Launches Character Trail Through Bath Streets
Whimsically Festive Menus
Betty Buzz/Betty Booze & Serendipity3 Debut Limited-Edition Holiday Menu
Icy QSR Dessert Menus
The Dairy Queen Holiday Menu Introduces New and Returning Treats
Regional Culinary Identity-Inspired Menus
Culver's Reveals a "Forward-Looking Menu Strategy"
QSR-Branded Food Truck Tours
Shake Shack Canada is Embarking on Its First-Ever Food Truck Tour
Unique City-Based Culinary Tours
Tasty Tours Expands Its Lavish Culinary Tour Offerings in Toronto
Boozy Prebiotic Soda Expansions
PopSips Announced a Statewide Retail Expansion in Texas
Extravagant Qsr Menu Reveals
Taco Bell Debuts 2026 Menu Roadmap with Live Más LIVE
Immersive Cookie Dough-Inspired Experiences
INTENNSE Partners with Doughlicious at INTENNSE Arena
Collaborative Festival Accessibility Initiatives
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Emphasizes Access
Humorous Beans-Forward Campaigns
Bush's Beans Debuts a First-Of-Its-Kind Ticket Exchange
Sensory Museum Experiences
The Museum of Illusions Features Immersive Attractions
Celebrity-Backed Whiskey Campaigns
Redbreast Irish Whiskey Taps Andrew Scott for Next Chapter
Worldwide Service Marketplaces
Airbnb Services are for Booking Everything from Catering to Makeup
Heat-and-Eat Breakfast Buns
Wow Bao's Breakfast Buns Remix Favorite Morning Meals
Large-Scale Culinary Destinations
Toronto's Waterworks Food Hall Celebrates the City's Tapestry
Italian Coffee Partnerships
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival is an Immersive Toronto Experience
Giftable Chile-Lime Treats
Edible and Tajín Launched a Limited-Time Line of Shareable Swicy Bites
Saucy Frozen QSR Desserts
These New Wendy's Desserts are Launching for Spring
Ultra-Accessible Hotel Developments
Texas is Pioneering Disability-Conscious Travel Accommodations
Wish-Inspired Bake-Off Events
Fairmont and Make-A-Wish Launch the Bake-A-Wish Challenge
Taco-Focused Food Festivals
Taco Fest Expands is 2026 Footprint with an Event in Mississauga
Bi-Coastal Cannabis Competitions
MJBizCon & Budist Launch the MJBowl — a First-Of-Its Kind Event
Instant Commerce Dessert Drops
Gopuff Launches Selena Gomez’s Exclusive Ice Cream Bars
Spicy-Sweet Soft Serves
K-Days' Cowboy Candy Mango Soft Serve is Garnished with Tajín
Avant-Garde Theatrical Experiences
Coffee Oysters Champagne Hosts the 'Sweet Sorrow' Play
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Retailer Music Festival Partnerships
7-Eleven and Live Nation Have Partnered for Festival Season
Craft Chocolate Festivals
Ranger Chocolate Co. Attended the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival
Artisanal Donut Shop Design
20/WOL Launched the 'Donut of Curiosity' Artistic Donut Shop
Festival-Themed Retail Snack Campaigns
Kellanova Announced Flavour Fest ’25 in the UK
Quirky Edible Mascots
The Pop-Tarts Brand Introduces Team Sprinkles and Team Swirls
Value-Focused Breakfast Menus
7-Eleven Debuts New Offerings, Including a Waffle Breakfast Sandwich
Seasonal Chef-Driven Restaurant Menus
The First Watch Seasonal Menu is Sweet and Savory
Casserole-Inspired Tacos
Fuego Tortilla Grill New Frito Pie Taco is Warm Weather-Ready
Expansive Summertime Cannabis Products
Squier's Speciality Elixirs Launched a Large Product Range
Indulgent Springtime Cafe Menus
Scooter's Coffee ‘Licious Lineup is Arriving Soon
THC Beverage Insurance Programs
Frontier Risk Offers an Innovative Insurance Program for Venues
Music Festival Restaurant Activations
The Dave’s Hot Chicken Food Truck is at Coachella
Canadian-Honoring Music Events
The Canadian Sync Awards Celebrates its 10th Year at NXNE
Bagel-Forward Food Festivals
King Arthur Baking Company is Presenting BagelFest West
Expansive Month-Long Fashion Celebrations
Fashion Art Toronto Marks Its 20th Anniversary
Ice Cream-Inspired Sandwich Cookies
The Girl Scout Exploremores Joined the 2026 Season Lineup
Inaugural Asian Culture Festivals
PANDA FEST Orlando Hosted 30,000 Attendees
Craft Burger Restaurant Refreshments
The Whataburger Whatafresher is Fruity and Refreshing
Burger-Infused Cocktails
Sunny's Lounge Serves a Bourbon Drink Infused with Smashburgers
Bourbon-Centric Festival Experiences
Watershed Distillery Revives Bourbonfest for Its Anniversary
Tech-Led Accessibility Festival Weeks
Samsung Hosts Its Third Annual Access-Focused Event
Inaugural Pizza Food Trucks
The Via 313 Food Truck Will Be at the 512 Brewing Company
Mystery Ice Cream Shops
Surprise Scoop Invites Ice Cream Lovers to Play Flavor Roulette
Experimental Soup Varieties
Crosse & Blackwell Surveyed Consumers for Product Feedback
Ultra-Red Sweet Tomatoes
Windset Farms® Unveil its New Produce Innovations at the IFPA Show
Cannabis Art Ventures
Snoop Dogg Presented the 'Rich N Infamous: the Joint Venture' Art Launch
Complimentary Community Career Studios
Specialty Food Association Establishes a New Support Center
Expansive Creative Regional Festivals
Tokyo Creative Salon 2026 is Schedule to Occur in March
Maple-Themed Canadian Traditions
Sugar Shack TO Returns to Toronto with a New Maple-Filled Event
Indulgent Seafood Events
Red Lobster's Lobsterfest 2026 Celebrates Flavor & Innovation
Popular Art Fairs
the OFFSCREEN Art Fair Saw Record Attendance This Year
Housing Innovation Symposiums
The Boston Society for Architecture Focuses on the Future of Housing