News Summary
The SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, becomes a magnet for celebrities, who indulge in local dining spots renowned for barbecue and tacos. Among the standout visits were actors like Seth Rogen and Pedro Pascal, who showcased their culinary experiences on social media. The festival bolsters local businesses as fans follow in the footsteps of their favorite stars, enhancing the city’s vibrant food culture. SXSW continues to attract high-profile personalities, promising a dynamic mix of entertainment and dining.
Austin
What Happened
The annual South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas has once again become a hotspot for celebrities, featuring a mix of film premieres, panels, and concerts. This year’s event has seen a significant influx of stars indulging in the city’s famous dining scene, particularly its celebrated barbecue and taco offerings.
Celebrity Visits to Local Eateries
Numerous celebrities flocked to several popular eateries throughout the festival. Among the standout locations, La Barbecue gained immense popularity, welcoming actor Seth Rogen and TikTok food critic Keith Lee, who rated the restaurant’s ribs a remarkable 9.5 out of 10. Seth Rogen also shared images on social media showcasing a lavish barbecue spread from the restaurant, underlining La Barbecue’s status as a must-visit spot during SXSW. The venue has previously attracted high-profile figures such as Dua Lipa and Prince Harry with Meghan Markle.
Torchy’s Tacos also drew attention as actor Pedro Pascal was seen enjoying a meal at one of its Austin locations. Additionally, Pascal was noted for visiting Franklin Barbecue, further emphasizing the appeal of the city’s barbecue culture.
Actress Blake Lively visited Taqueria 10 de 10, a speakeasy-style taqueria, while in Austin for the premiere of her film “Another Simple Favor.” She made an appearance at The Salty for themed donuts and shared a playful photo from Barton Springs, showcasing her enjoyment of the local scene.
Twin Peaks actor Kyle MacLachlan prioritized the barbecue experience, dining at Stiles Switch, where he documented his culinary choices on social media with an Instagram video that featured him showcasing a delicious rib.
Meghann Fahy, recognized for her role in HBO’s White Lotus, visited the Broken Spoke while attending SXSW for the premiere of her film “The Drop.” Her social media updates highlighted her enjoyment of beers and barbecue.
Meanwhile, Will Poulter, known for his role in “The Bear,” stopped by Cheer Up Charlie’s while premiering “Death of a Unicorn.”
Camila Mendes participated in a glamorous dinner event hosted by the W Hotel for her film “The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick,” alongside other cast members.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, star of Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever,” was seen at the historic Driskill hotel and indulged her barbecue cravings at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, sharing images featuring a beef rib bone.
Official Responses and Event Management
The SXSW festival administration aims to create an engaging atmosphere for both attendees and celebrities, facilitating an exciting environment that blends entertainment with culinary exploration. This year’s array of panels and events included involvement from high-profile personalities such as Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Ben Affleck, and Seth Rogen, scheduled for screenings and discussions throughout the event.
Impact on Local Businesses
The convergence of celebrities during SXSW brings significant attention to Austin’s hospitality and culinary sectors. Restaurants and eateries that host stars often experience a surge in patronage, as fans seek to follow in the footsteps of their favorite celebrities. With events like SXSW providing a platform for local businesses, the spotlight on restaurants such as La Barbecue and others contributes to the vibrant food culture in the region.
What’s Next
As SXSW continues to unfold, more celebrity sightings and dining experiences are expected throughout the festival. The event not only promises various screenings and performances but also focuses on creating memorable interactions between stars and fans alike.
With a growing array of culinary delights and engaging events, SXSW exemplifies how the convergence of entertainment and local culture can significantly uplift a city’s profile and economy.
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Additional Resources
- Eater Austin
- Wikipedia: SXSW
- Austin Monthly
- Google Search: SXSW 2025 celebrities
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: SXSW
- Eater Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SXSW
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: SXSW 2025
