Austin’s Anniversaries: SXSW Celebrates 40 Years & 2nd Street District Rings in Two Decades of Community, Culture, and Connection
SXSW at 40: Why the 2nd Street District has Always Been Part of the Energy
Savor the Downtown Dining Moments: From Valentine’s Dates to February Favorites
Discover Something New Downtown: Unexpected Finds and Thoughtful Gifts at the 2nd Street District
Feel the February Energy: Where Austin’s Spirit, Culture, and Community Collide
Every city has moments that define it. In Austin, two of those moments are hitting milestones this year.
As South by Southwest (SXSW) celebrates 40 years of shaping global culture through music, film, and innovation, the 2nd Street District marks 20 years as one of downtown’s most vibrant gathering places–where locals and visitors alike eat, shop, recharge, and connect.
SXSW at 40: Why the 2nd Street District has Always Been Part of the Energy
Right before Austin was officially crowned the Live Music Capital of the World, South by Southwest began setting the tone. Launched in 1987, the festival began as a bold idea and nearly four decades later, it’s become a global gathering point for music, film & TV, tech, and culture. Year after year, creatives, innovators, and storytellers come together to shape what’s next.
For the first time ever, SXSW is bringing all of its programming into a single week—seven days honoring 40 years of legends, moments, and movements, past, present, and future. Consider this your official reminder to mark the calendar: March 12–18.
From the very beginning, the 2nd Street District has served as a natural hub for SXSW locals and visitors alike. With its walkable streets, welcoming energy, and lineup of places to eat, sip, shop, and recharge, the District has long been where the festival’s momentum carries on between events.
Between panels and performances, festivalgoers fuel up on coffee at Jo’s Coffee before morning sessions, gather over lunch at Bill’s Oyster to debate which panel to hit next, catch happy hour at BarChi Sushi with old and new friends, and sneak in a wellness reset at milk+honey before another full day of inspiration. It’s not just a stop along the way; it’s part of the SXSW rhythm.
Music fans have even more to look forward to this SXSW as Rolling Stone makes its highly anticipated return to Austin with the fourth annual Future of Music showcase, taking place at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. A can’t-miss destination for SXSW visitors and a perfect complement to 2nd Street’s milestone year, the showcase features rising stars and fan favorites.
Thursday, March 12 | Lola Young
Friday, March 13 | Fuerza Regida
Saturday, March 14 | BigXThaPlug
This year feels especially meaningful. As the 2nd Street District celebrates 20 years of community, culture, and connection, we’re proud to continue our long-standing relationship with SXSW, honoring the past while leaning fully into what’s next.
Savor the Downtown Dining Moments: From Valentine’s Dates to February Favorites
February on 2nd Street is all about reasons to gather. Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner, rounding up your girls for a Galentine’s celebration, or looking for the perfect place to celebrate the ordinary, the District is serving up flavors and experiences worth lingering over. From longtime Austin icons to winter favorites, here’s where to toast, taste, and celebrate the season of love.
Two decades of flavor, right here in the heart of Austin! La Condesa has been serving up bold Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, and vibrant energy for 20 years since the 2nd Street District began. Make date night plans for Valentine’s Day or grab your crew for a Galentine’s adventure.
Bold Mexican flavors, colorful dishes, and brunch favorites make it the perfect spot for lingering meals with friends.
TEQUILA!: February 22nd is National Margarita Day! Swing by La Condesa for your perfect sip, and while you're at it, split some chips and guac with your besties.
Twenty years of beans, dreams, and everything in between. A true Austin original, Jo’s Coffee has been fueling conversations, creative breakthroughs, and morning commutes when caffeine is non-negotiable.
Weekly Favorites + Special Events
Every month: Second Sundays Drag Brunch + Bubbles | 12–3 PM
Tuesdays: 2-for-1 Burgers | 11 AM–4 PM
Turbo Tuesdays: 2-for-1 Iced Turbos | 2 PM–Close
We’re joining Taverna in raising a glass to 20 years of 2nd Street! Taverna is celebrating with The Vent’anni Special — a festive pairing of a $20 Aperol Spritz and a house-selected appetizer, available all day, every day. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual afternoon bite, aperitivo hour, or a cozy Valentine’s dinner date, it’s the perfect way to toast two decades of great food and community on 2nd Street.
Fresh, feel-good, and full of flavor. From farm to plate, Local Foods brings together thoughtfully sourced ingredients and bold combinations — making it an easy go-to for a lighter (but still delicious).
The viral fan favorite is returning — the Chicken Caesar Wrap (picture below)! Indulge in chopped roast chicken, TrueHarvest butter lettuce, house Caesar dressing, wrapped in an El Milagro flour tortilla and finished with a Parmesan-and-potato-chip crunch exterior and served with house fries. (Available Monday–Friday, 10:45 a.m.–3 p.m., or until sold out.)
Discover Something New Downtown: Unexpected Finds and Thoughtful Gifts at the 2nd Street District
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for your partner, spoiling your besties, or treating yourself, the 2nd Street District has everything from unique collectibles and curated streetwear to trendy fashion and one-of-a-kind finds. Take a break, pop into these local favorites, and turn shopping into part of your February.
COMING SOON! Austin Rocks is transforming into Akiba Texas. With a focus on Japanese imports from local makers from Austin and Texas, Akiba Texas will be a haven for Japanese pop culture, collectibles, and design-forward gifts. From Sanrio®, Dreams®, and Gundam figures to housewares, cosmetics, and other sought-after imports, it’s the perfect stop for the collector or the friend who has everything. Follow along on social media for updates.
Sneaker Politics delivers peak Austin style and plenty of gift-worthy finds. This is the spot to surprise your sneakerhead Valentine or snag a treat for yourself. Your feet (and your loved ones) will thank you.
For the thrill-seekers and fashion hunters, United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) is a downtown treasure trove of designer pieces at unbeatable prices. Constantly refreshed racks make every visit feel like a new adventure which is perfect for finding that standout Valentine’s gift without breaking the bank. New arrivals every week mean you can keep your winter wardrobe looking fresh.
Laid-back, effortlessly cool, and always on trend, Brandy Melville is your go-to for refreshing your closet. From cozy staples to statement pieces, you’ll find pieces that perfectly match Austin’s creative vibe.
Feel the February Energy: Where Austin’s Spirit, Culture, and Community Collide
From unforgettable live performances to curated self-care experiences, the 2nd Street District is full of ways to celebrate music, connection, and a little indulgence. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s date, treating yourself, or just looking for a memorable night out, these stops offer everything from fitness and wellness to pampering and laid-back vibes that make every moment feel special.
Welcome to the District, Olga Roberts Studio! Discover a new way to move, reconnect with your body, and embrace wellness at Olga Roberts Studio, now open in the heart of the 2nd Street District. Thoughtfully designed as a true sanctuary, this downtown Austin studio offers a calm, focused environment featuring state-of-the-art Jerome reformers, a post-class coffee bar, and an on-site wellness suite—so every detail supports your journey from the moment you arrive to long after you leave.
GRAND OPENING! On Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4-6PM, Olga Roberts is hosting an open-house style gathering to officially welcome the Austin movement community into the studio. Come meet teachers, connect with fellow movers, and enjoy live music & drinks. Don’t miss special grand opening incentives for those who join the event.
FOUNDING MEMBER DISCOUNTS – Invest in your wellness and save!
Founding Member Discounts (For life)
First 25 members: 20% off for life
Next 25 members: 15% off for life
Next 50 members: 10% off for life
Once spots are filled, discounts are no longer available.
Unlimited Founding Member Membership
$540/month (Locked-in rate for life)
Unlimited classes in:
Reformer / Tower Studio
Barre & Mat Studio
Booking limit: 2 classes per day
Unlimited Cold Plunge / Sauna
Need a Valentine’s date night? Catch Bob Schneider & The Moonlight Orchestra at ACL Live on Saturday, February 14 at 8:00PM for a night of unforgettable music.
Barry’s Find Your Strength Challenge invites our Austin community to commit, move, and train together, setting the tone for SXSW season. Get energized with Barry’s signature strength and cardio class before a packed February schedule.
If you’ve been looking for a sign to take charge of your health — this is it. First-timers can email austin@barrys.com for an exclusive offer. Already part of the Red Room? Mention the 2nd Street District’s 20th Anniversary this month and enjoy $20 off any package.
Self-care is love — unhurried, intentional, deeply restorative. This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself or someone you adore to an experience they’ll remember long after the moment, and get a little something extra from milk + honey. Purchase $200 in gift cards and receive a $40 enhancement to personalize a future massage or facial. Discover more here.
Turn up the analog charm at Blue Room Vinyl Nights, happening every third Thursday of the month. A nod to the roots of music culture, this ongoing series offers curated records, laid-back vibes, and a space designed for listening, lingering, and letting the night unfold naturally. It’s perfect for date nights, solo evenings, or catching up with friends. Reservations are recommended.
Conclusion:
Forty years of SXSW. Twenty years of the 2nd Street District. Together, they tell a story about what makes Austin special — creativity, connection, and places that bring people together time and time again.
From Valentine’s dinners and Galentine’s plans to live music, shopping breaks, and moments of self-care, the 2nd Street District continues to be part of what makes Austin special.
We’ll be celebrating 20 years of the 2nd Street District throughout the year, and we’d love for you to celebrate with us — honoring the moments, the memories, and the community that define downtown Austin.
And remember, the best way to stay in the loop about all things 2nd Street District is to follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.