Keeping it Weird: Austin and South by Southwest
Austin has always had a certain magnetic pull. Once a scrappy outpost of musicians and creatives, it’s now a major tech hub. If Silicon Valley is where tech matures, Austin is where it reinvents itself. And South by Southwest (SXSW) is where that transformation is on full display.
Austin’s Tech Takeover
Big names like Apple, Google, and Tesla now call Austin home, alongside local giants like Dell. But Austin’s real magic lies in startups pushing boundaries—like ICON, the AI-enabled home construction company that made waves at SXSW years ago and is now revolutionizing housing. What began as an experimental idea (3D printing homes) has turned into a viable industry, proving Austin’s entrepreneurial energy is as strong as ever.
SXSW, once a scrappy festival, has evolved alongside the city. It started as a gathering of indie musicians and bootstrapped founders but is now a massive convergence of industries—tech, film, music, and beyond. It’s a place where billion-dollar companies launch products, but you can still stumble upon a garage-band concert that reminds you of Austin’s roots. The city is no longer just ‘keeping it weird’—it’s setting the standard for what’s next.
Lady Bird Lake, Free Concerts, and a Rogue Dog
No trip to Austin is complete without a little outdoor adventure. We took the kids to a free concert by Lady Bird Lake, soaking in the music and skyline—until Poky spotted ducks.
With reckless enthusiasm, he launched into the water, determined to make it from the south shore to the north. For a moment, it seemed like he might actually do it, swimming with the single-minded focus of a dog on a mission. Fortunately, exhaustion (or common sense) kicked in after a couple hundred feet of swimming.
Managing five kids at any major event is like running logistics for a small army. Someone is always hungry, thirsty, or missing a shoe. Austin’s downtown was buzzing, thriving, and packed, proving that SXSW has firmly moved from its scrappy early days into the mainstream. Between keeping Poky dry and five kids fed, corralled, and entertained, we were reminded that city outings with our crew are no small feat.
Austin’s Evolution: From Outlaw to Establishment
Austin has transformed from an underdog to a leader. The city that once prided itself on being different is now the model others try to emulate. Yet, even as it embraces its tech boom, Austin still finds ways to hold onto its soul—whether through lakeside concerts, legendary taco stands, or rogue dogs chasing ducks.
SXSW may no longer be a hidden gem, but it still captures Austin’s essence—a place where innovation thrives, creativity is celebrated, and the unexpected is always just around the corner.
As for us? We’ll be back and this time prepared with more treats to tempt Poky back onshore.
