As is my tradition, I’m ending my SXSW 2023 series with a hodgepodge of my photos from the conference. First up is Disney’s working lightsaber that I mentioned in my March 10 2023 entry. This was definitely one of the coolest moments at the conference. Search YouTube for “disney lightsaber sxsw” to see it in action.

Bill and I were glad to attend SXSW 2023 in person. Except for watching movies at home, last year’s virtual experience wasn’t great. I don’t know the final attendance numbers, but Interactive and Film seemed almost as crowded as back in 2019. In his 2023 Opening Remarks, SXSW Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest had said that 30% were international attendees, and that seemed to be true: I heard many different languages while waiting for sessions, movies, or music.

The last day of SXSW 2023 is always bittersweet. Even after a tiring ten days, it’s a little sad to return to real life. This year’s last day was odd though. Not much was happening until midday, when Bill and I watched an excellent comedy, Theater Camp, at the Paramount. Afterwards, we wandered over to the Austin Convention Center, but everything related to SXSW was being disassembled and packed up. We attended a comedy podcast, ate dinner at a favorite restaurant, Moonshine, and then looked for some music without much success. We finally ended up watching the UT men’s basketball playoff game on TV. That turned out to be a good decision: UT won the game to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

St. Patrick’s Day 2023. Unlike past years, we didn’t see much celebrating at SXSW….a few mentions, some green clothing, a few kilts, but no big street parties. The chilly, windy weather was probably a factor.

SXSW Music was in full swing today. I listened to sets at three different venues. The Radio Day Stage was still in the Austin Convention Center, although it was banished to Ballroom A on the far southeastern corner near Cesar Chavez. The International Stage became an outdoor tent at the SXSW Registrants Lounge, also banished to a run-down warehouse on the south side of Cesar Chavez. Central Presbyterian Church remained as an evening venue, but St. David’s Church was closed due to renovations. A thunderstorm came through downtown about 9 PM while I was safely seated listening to Madison McFerrin in Central Presby.

Wednesdays are always an in-between day at SXSW. Although there’s still a few Interactive sessions, most of the tech attendees have left. Music is starting to ramp up, but those folks don’t come for another day or two. The sidewalks aren’t as crowded and finding lunch is definitely easier.

Today was memorable for three reasons. First, during the NASA Keynote, Bill and I saw this never-before-seen image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope. Later in the afternoon, we watched the moving documentary STILL: A Michael J. Fox Story. In the evening, we even ate a real meal for dinner instead of just snacking. It was a fine day.

My entire morning was spent in Ballroom D, which typically has largest and most interesting sessions. After all that sitting, I visited more booths in the Creative Industries Expo—more baklava may have been consumed—and walked around outside to enjoy the sunny spring day. Eventually I made my way over to Zach Scott for a documentary about my idol, Mary Tyler Moore.

Due to the Daylight Savings Time switch, fewer sessions were scheduled for this morning, so I explored the Creative Industries Expo (formerly known as the SXSW Trade Show). I also visited the German Haus, The House of Denmark, and some pop-ups on Rainey Street. Free on-street Sunday parking made it easier for Bill and me to see a movie at Zach Scott Theatre and then drive up to the Austin Film Society for another screening. 

Three Interactive sessions and two narrative films make for a good SXSW day. Unfortunately, I was shut out of my favorite annual session, Amy Webb’s Emerging Trends. I hope to catch it online later this week.