The social lion of March is South by Southwest (March 8-17, various locations). Music, movies and technology are only three of the cultural activities exalted by this festival of unquestioned global magnitude. B
esides showcases, premieres and industry confabs, you can’t cross the street in Central Austin without stumbling on a side party, day party or after party.
The region’s rural heritage gets a lift from Rodeo Austin (March 8-23, Travis County Exposition Center), which includes a carnival, stock show, musical acts and pro rodeo contests. Socializing also pops up at various spots on the rodeo grounds.
Flashy, fun and a bit campy is Viva Las Vegas for AIDS Services of Austin (March 2, Shoal Cross Events Center), and the CASAblanca Gala for CASA of Travis County (March 2, Hyatt Regency Austin) is dressy, classy and a bit nostalgic.
The Helping Hand Home for Children’s Crystal Ball (March 2, Palmer Events Center) is among the city’s few debutante affairs and includes a nice fashion show.
At the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Awards Show (March 3, ACL Live), performers Toby Keith, Jack Ingram and Larry Gatlin will join honorees Ronnie Dunn and Sonny Curtis on-stage.
Among those receiving the Texas Medal of the Arts (March 4-5, Long Center), which honors high achievers in music, film, arts, philanthropy and other fields, are Austin theatrical superstars Joe Sears and Jaston Williams.
The First Tee of Greater Austin’s 9 Core Values Awards salutes outstanding local citizens over lunch (March 6, AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center).
Also packed with A-List celebrities is the Texas Film Hall of Fame (March 7, Austin Studios), which serves as an unofficial social kick-off for South by Southwest.
A Western theme and a bucolic setting separate the Bandana Ball for Ronald McDonald House Charities (March 23, Wild Onion Ranch) from other such events.
The Heart to Heart Gala for Sacred Heart Community Clinic (March 23, Westin Austin at the Domain) is among the only major galas for a Round Rock charity. It proved an instant hit last season.
The Austin Recovery Speaker Series Luncheon features football legend and meat purveyor Earl Campbell (March 26, ACL Live). Just try keeping a dry eye during this inspirational event.