South by Southwest Festival Draws Thousands to Austin, Texas
The annual South by Southwest Festival and conference has kicked off in Austin, Texas, drawing tens of thousands of people to the Lone Star State.
The 10-day event brings together musicians, actors, tech experts, political leaders, and more, serving as both a festival and a conference.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson spoke with CBS News about the festival’s impact on the city, with organizers saying that you never know when the next big idea will be discovered at this cultural hub.
Last year was the first in-person festival since the beginning of the pandemic, but this year is anticipated to be even stronger, with exponential growth expected in ticket sales.
The festival is expected to have an enormous economic impact on Austin businesses, with an anticipated revenue of $300 million, which is $20 million more than last year.
The event is also attracting mayors from across the country, who will be discussing big ideas and how they’re implementing them in their cities.
And of course, there will be plenty of music and barbecue to enjoy.
