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
Kitty-Inspired Fonts
The Cats as Fonts Collection is a Feline-Packed Trip Through Writing Styles
Life-Saving Air Drones
This Air Drone Helps Identify Victims in an Avalanche
Implement-Patterned Packages
Cook Packaging Celebrates the Tools Necessary for Artistic Food Prep
Cyclist-Protecting Robots
The Cyclodrone by Frog Design Alerts Riders to Upcoming Dangers
Fantastical Theatrical Exploits
The Surreal Erwin Olaf 'DeLaMar Theater' Renderings
Shadow-Like Street Art (UPDATE)
Artist Pejac Deals with Subtractive Elements in His Public Work
Curious Carnival Editorials
‘Reflection' by Martin Bing is a Glimpse into the Subconsc
Carousel Couture Fashiontography
Vogue Italia 'Acrobats' Featuring Karen Elson by Steven Meisel
Menacing Monster Exhibits
Graffiti Artist Phlegm Creates Eerie Fantasy Characters
Grotesque Taxidermy Sculptures
The Dutch Idiots Art Collective Creates Freaky and Fascinating Work
Tire-Embedded Tents
The Travel Tent Cleverly Contains a Single Sleeper Shelter in its Wheel
Autonomous Transforming Trucks
GELENK Transporter Increases the Efficiency and Economy of Shipping
Aerial Photography Fashion Drones
Fendi is Giving Fashionistas a New Way to Watch Shows
Graffiti Art Product Branding
The Curtis Kulig Love Me Graffiti Art Products are Red Hot
Majestic Feline Heating Ads
The Mammoth Modern Insulation Prince Nikolai Advert Uses the Cat Meme
Paperless Cafe Newsstands
The Box Coffee Shop in Croatia Replaces Newspapers With iPads
Retro Cartoon Logo Makeovers
These 80s Cartoon Logos Get a 3D Makeover
Heroic Papal Graffiti
Christian Street Art by Mauro Pallotta Reflects Ancient Tensions in Rome
Real-World Gaming Rides
Life-Sized Mario Karts Debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show
Retro Video Game Depictions
These Super Mario Kart Drawings Adds a Dark Twist to the Video Game
Activity-Synced Chronographs
Wave Smart Watch Interprets Circumstances to Provide Relevant Info
Ladylike Battle Muse Editorials
Janice Alida Stars in the Vogue Australia March 2014 Spread
Fruit-Baked Cakes
The Pear & Meyer Lemon Bread by Deanna Segrave-Daly is a Slice of Summer
Connectable Culinary Containers
These Block Canisters Can Be Linked Up Like LEGO Pieces
Streamlined News Feed Apps
The Paper iPhone App Filters One's Social Media Notifications
Adult Circus Rides
The Circular Bike by Robert Wechsler is a Grown-Up Carousel
Meta Logo Marketing
This Wall Art Series Depicts Brand Logos With the Use of Their Own Products
Glutinous Computer Food Trucks
IBM Technology Truck Thinks Like a Human Stomach
Explosive 3D Street Art
This Mural Gets Three Dimensional with a Tank Jumping Out of a Wall
Cat Meme-Tributing Treats
These Grumpy Cat Cookies by Whipped Bake Shop Will Make Sourpusses Smile
Vertical Tent Pods
A-KAMP47 by Malka Architecture Provides Shelter for the Homeless
Hidden Coffee Shops
Hong Kong's Indy Coffee Houses Take Cover With Big Chains Moving In
Feline-Concerned Parodies
The Catnip Focused PSAs are Meme-Inspired
Baby Video Game Mashups
Ben Sterling Shows His Son's Got Game by Inserting Him into Popular Games
Edible Cookie Shot Glasses
Dominique Ansel Has Created Yet Another Mouthwatering Combination
Apocalyptic Fashion Ads
The Marc Jacobs SS14 Campaign Stars Somber Miley Cyrus
Cookie Aficionado Cups
Enjoy Your Cookies Now That You Have the Perfect Cup for Dunking Milk
Real Life Video Games
SXSW's Mario Karting Reimagined is a Different Kind of Augmented Reality
Real Mario Kart
Waterloo Labs Faithfully Recreates the Classic Nintendo Racing Game for Real
Smartphone-Intergrated Wallets
The CardNinja Adhesive Wallet Designs Stick Onto Your Mobile Device
Predictive Confectionary Cups
These Fortune Cakes Cupcake Molds Offer Humorous Baking Insights
Nostalgic Animated Gaming Cars
This Drivable Super Mario Kart Toy is for Kids
Food-Donating Apps
This Food App Donates Money to Food Banks Every Time You Eat at a Restarant
Doodled Mug Mats
The Sketch Coasters and Trivets Mimic the Look of the Items That They Hold
Airy Islamic-Inspired Towers
This Piece of Tower Architecture is More Open Than Closed
Cargo-Sized Cardboard Crates
The Amazon Nissan Box is the Biggest Paper Carton You've Ever Seen
Non-Melting Dessert Treats
Chips Ahoy is Launching New Ice Cream-Inspired Dessert Treats
Introverted People-Avoiding Apps
The Avoid Humans App Finds Secluded Places for SXSW Visitors
Zany Zombie Lunch Boxes
The Zombie Survival Kit Will Feed the Hunger
Memory Jogging Note Apps
The Findery App Helps Jog the Memory with Location-Based Notes
Abandoned Shipwreck Graffiti Art
The DuDug Project Transformed Steam Ship Into a Masterpiece
Unmanned Medic Drones
The Smart Aid Arrives at Accident Sites With No Time Wasted
Digitally Exclusive Coffee Shops
The Starbucks Digital Network Enhances Customer Service
Culinary Rocking Horses
The Playfully Sway the Sweet Pony to Stamp Out Scrumptious Cookies
Hands-Free Camera Apps
The CamMe App Picks Up on Your Hand Gestures to Activate You Phone Camera
Versatile Zombie-Killing Shovels
The Crovel II is a Multi-Purpose Zombie Killing Machine
Intoxication-Activated Social Apps
The LIVR App Only Works When the User is Under the Influece
Literal Sushi Truck Structures
These Sushi Trucks Deliver Your Food Straight to Your Table
Enraged Snowmen Car Ads
Nissan Takes On Zombie Snowmen in the New 2014 Nissan Rogue Ad
Terrifying Urban Zombie Pranks
The AMC Walking Dead Hoax Terrorized Unsuspecting New Yorkers
Robot-Drawn Latte Portraits
The Barista Bot Paints a Portrait of Your Face in Your Drink
Smartphone Necklace-Projecting Gadgets
These Necklace Projectors Put the Future in Your Hands
Pixelated Cookie Cutters
Minecraft Cookie Cutters Let You Stack Cookies In-Game and in Real Life
Cookie-Glazed Bacon Recipes
This Dude Foods Recipe Combines a Bacon Strip with Oreo Cookies
Hipster Video Game Parodies
The Mario SXSW 2011 Film Bumper is a Quirky Twist
Loosely Doodled Liquor Branding
Bienbebido Wine Packaging Casually Recommends Food Pairings
Romantic Holiday Mistletoe Drones
A Flying Mistletoe Drone That Carries and Delivers Romance
Multi-Activity Enhancing Apps
Agent Helps You Kick Start Your Day by Helping You Multitask
Streamlined Political Apps
The iCitizen App Allows You to Target Your Interests
Adorable Auto Taco Stands
The Taco Truck Taco Holder Makes Eating Mexican Cuisine Much Easier
Clock-Like Crockery
The Ratio Tray is a Dish That Divides with Hour-Hand Separators
Iconic Fantasy Throne Conveyances
The Iron Throne Charters Attendees of SXSW 2013 Around
Charitable Playlist-Hogging Apps
Guilty Pledgers Lets Users Add Songs to Playlists for a Donation
Gold-Infused Finger Foods
Wolfgang Puck Creates a Menu of Fine Oscar Treats with Edible Gold Dust
Glamorous Mountainside Getaways
Korean Studio ArchiiWorkshop Creates Custom Glamping Tents
Depressed Cat Videos
The 'Henri 2: Paw de Deux' Short is Cute
Collaborative Festival Music Apps
The iTunes Festival App Combines with SXSW to Deliver Free Music
Flying Feline Campaigns
The ASPCA 'Hovercat' Ad Makes the Most of Cat Memes
Merry-Go-Round Mugs
The Little Round-Round-Land Cup Has a Sweet Spinning Saucer
Donut-Tart Hybrid Desserts
The Donart by The Green Radish Could Be the Next Cronut
Dessert-Improving Technology
The Cookie Perfection Machine Makes Different Recipes at Once
Canine Camping Beds
Noblecamper's Camping Dog Bed Keeps Pets Warm During Frigid Nights Outside
Disney Movie Streaming Apps
The Disney Movies Anywhere App Allows You to Watch Favorites On the Go
Dentist-Alerting Toothbrushes
This Oral-B Smart Tooth Updates the Dentist on Your Progress
Wireless Gesture-Controlled Jewelry
The 'Ring' is a Wireless Device That Works With Gestures
Cat Meme Tweet Translators
Twitter Recently Launched a New LOLCat Language Setting
QR Restaurant Waitlists
Scan and Reserve Tables With the Convenient WalkIN App
Event Capturing Apps
The Milestone App Logs Meaningful Events in Seconds, Minutes and Hours
Fancy Feline-Inspired Food
This French Chef Served Cat Food Recreations in Honor of Cat Day
Three-Wheeled Downhill Sports
Trike Drifting is Like Mario Kart in Real Life
Social Media Suds
Buy a Round of Beer for Your Twitter Friends with Tweet-A-Beer
Underwater Predator Baking Molds
The Shark Cookie Cutter Will Take a Bite Out of Your Tastebuds
Savory Sweet Cookie Flavors
There Will Soon be Two New Oreo Cookie Flavors in the Family
Global Music Consumption Graphics
This Infographic Look Backs Upon 2013 Music Sales
Trustworthy Social Sharing Apps
The Open Messaging Platform App Omlet Debuted at the SXSW 2014
Soapy Gamer Cartridges
These Soaps Will Take You Way Back
Yarned Zombie Abominations
Fiona Goble Teaches You to Knit Your Own Zombies
Zombie-Themed Festival Infographics
These Zombie Apocalypse Stats are Perfect for Summer
Negativity Ranking Apps
The Hater App Creates a More Democratic Internet
Hi-Tech Lifesaver Drones
The PARS Robot is an Incredible Automated Life Saving Device
Stacking Cooking Containers
The Ignis Steam Cooker Proposes is an Efficient Food Prep Appliance
Beer-Delivering Helicopters
This Beer Drone Delivers Directly to You Without You Having to Move
Ear Motion-Gauging Computers
The Ear Switch is a Wearable Computer That Sits Behind the Ear
Streamlined Religious Phone Apps
This Bible App Re-Imagines the Big Book as a Simple App
Concert-Navigating Apps
The SXSW App Helps You Plan Your Schedule to Make the Most of Your Stay
3D Video Game Boards
This Mario Kart Puzzle Brings the Video Game to Reality
Best Party-Locating Apps
The Gems of London App Helps You Find the Most Exciting Night Out
Crowdsourced Writing Apps
The Coda for iPhone App Gets Rid of Writer’s Block By Asking Other
Tailored Zombie Game Apps
Season Two of the Walking Dead App Adjusts Gameplay Based on Choices
Secretive Space-Themed Albums
Kid Cudi Secretly Released His New Satellite Flight Album
Minimalist Interface Photo Apps
Adobe Introduces the Revel App Acting as an All-in-One Photo App
Map-Patching Social Apps
Mapillary is an App That Fills in the Gaps for Google Maps
Tasty Presidential Refreshments
Kinderhook Snacks Brands Food with a Portrait of Martin Van Buren
Popular Avian Game Updates
The Angry Birds Go Gaming App Puts the Birds on Wheels
Comprehensive Media Festival Guides
This SXSW 2013 Schedule Infographic is an Easy-to-Read Chart
Delightful Mistletoe Drones
Artists George Zisiadis and Mustafa Khan Created This Mistletoe Drone
Internet-Connected Laundry Machines
Cloudwash Connects Home Electronics to the Home Using an App
Anti-Theft Zombie PSAs
This Lapd Zombie PSA Shows the Danger of Not Hiding Your Valuables
LEGO Zombie Gamer Tributes
This LEGO Last of Us Video is Zombie-Crushing Fun
Biscuit Peddling Location Apps
Buy Hoards of Cookies with the Girl Scout Cookie Locator App
Smallholder Coffee Farmers
Cafedirect Builds Communities Through Social Business
Pixelated Urban Landscape Photography
Michelle Hammer's Hand Stitched Artwork is Unique and Bold
Wildlife-Protecting Drones
Airware’s Drones Aim to Protect Endangered Animals in Kenya
Crowdsourced Hit Film Trailers
The Full-Length Veronica Mars Trailer Will Have Fans Excited
Teen Detective Film Trailers
The Veronica Mars Teaser Trailer Will Have You Fangirling