Elan East is lucky enough to be in the middle of the action for South by Southwest (or SXSW), an annual festival that celebrates up-and-coming technology, music, and films. The festival returns from Mar. 11 to Mar. 20 to various locations throughout Austin. Festival highlights include a speech from Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, a presentation by J. J. Abrams, live music by BØRNS, a screening of Miles Ahead (the new Miles Davis biopic starring Don Cheadle), and more. Additional events include meet-ups, discussions with like-minded creatives, parties, and more.

In addition to events and shows, some of Austin’s favorite food trucks and mobile food vendors from across the country will set up shop at the Southbites Trailer Park. Vendors will be peddling everything from lobster rolls and barbecue to ice cream and fresh juice. Admission to SXSW ranges in price depending on which ticket package you select. Tickets start at $495.

South by Southwest
Mar. 11 to Mar. 20
Austin, TX
www.sxsw.com/

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr allisonmseward12

A show with comedy, music, and magic that’s been a vital and vibrant part of Austin nightlife for over 35 years, Esther’s Follies is a must-see for its fun, irreverent take on current events. A bit like a live version of SNL, the cast of Esther’s Follies perform ever-changing routines based on the headlines of the day. The cast blends political humor with local jokes into skits and musical numbers. There’s even a magician seamlessly incorporated into the fun.

To give fair warning: audience participation is huge here—they will not only pull audience members into the scenes, but they'll even pull people off the street! The venue is intimate but still has plenty of seating, which is great for a show like this. The space is Esther Williams-themed and filled with kooky items, like a mermaid fountain and a fish tank made from a television. Esther’s Follies is about 10 minutes from Elan East.

Esther's Follies
525 East 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
www.esthersfollies.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Laurel L. Russwurm

Are you looking for a new restaurant to add to your must-try list? You’re in luck. Revival Public House opened its doors in late December, serving Southern fare only two miles from Elan East.

The dinner menu is full of classic dishes like shrimp and grits, a barbecue pork sandwich, buttermilk biscuits (served warm, of course!), and crispy pickle chips, to name just a few of your options. The brunch menu also packs a Southern punch with plates like Nashville hot chicken served with Texas toast, a burger topped with pimento cheese, cheddar grits, and smoked sausage. In addition to Southern-inspired eats, the restaurant also brings the flavor with more inventive dishes like green chile chicken enchiladas, kimchi Frito pie, and bacon-wrapped dates.

If all of the food makes you thirsty, Revival Public House serves up a variety of Texas brews, as well as domestic and imported beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.

Revival Public House
340 E. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 469-0000
revivalph.com
www.yelp.com/biz/revival-public-house-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr brx0