Tito’s on Tour: South by Southwest 2016

SXSW Recap

The ten days of SXSW 2016 flew by, and have long since disappeared in our rearview mirror. But, even though it’s behind us, we had so much fun that we want to take a minute to recap and relive a few of our favorite moments…

Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake

Crowds ebbed and flowed from the Tito’s Airstream Lounge, situated on the edge of Lady Bird Lake with the Austin Skyline just behind. Some stopped in for a quiet moment in the shade or to take a seat and charge their phones, while others plugged in their own music igniting impromptu dance parties! The Tipsy Texan crafted our list of smokin’ hot and icy cool cocktails, which looked as good as they tasted.

Billy Reid and Newport Folk Presents Austin Shindig No. 6

The Billy Reid Shindig took over Weather Up in East Austin style with a big backyard stage (and a sweet, low key, high profile lineup thanks to Newport Folk Festival) for their sixth annual SXSW showcase. The Tito’s Handmade Vodka ponchos really came in handy early in the day, but were soon replaced with our wooden sunnies and bandanas as the skies cleared in time for Kacey Musgraves and Charles Bradley to close out the afternoon.

Luck Reunion

Our luck at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion lasted for most of the day, until the skies opened up, and an impromptu lightening display commandeered the evening entertainment lineup. Most of the day was picture perfect with The Tito’s Saloon packed full of cowboy boot-wearing concert-goers, sipping on cocktails and soaking up a little stardust.

Puppy Pawty

The Puppy Party we threw with PrideBites and Bumble at Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street had a line down the block throughout the entire event! The weather was sunny and warm — perfect for our yard full of wagging tails and Austin Pets Alive! pups looking for fur-ever homes (most of them found one!).

Front Gate Tickets Morning After Party

This mellow, fun gathering, just outside the circumference of SXSW insanity, was upbeat and bright despite a little morning drizzle. At the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Rejuvenation Station, guests got a fresh start to the day by decking out Barsmith Mix Bloody Marys and sipping on Tito’s cocktails with Juiceland’s Fun Punch and Kale Cucumber Agua Fresca.

Hype Hotel

We started out our days at Hype Hotel with our signature DIY Bloody Mary garnish bar, and kept the Tito’s Handmade Vodka-fueled dance party going ‘till closing time.

The Illmore

After six years of hosting one of the coolest unofficial parties at SXSW, The Illmore is calling it quits. This era ended with a bang though, as Tory Lanez closed it out at 4am on the last SXSW Sunday, swinging from the rafters and surfing the super psyched crowd.

Tito’s Bus

Our smiling Tito’s Handmade Vodka Crew welcomed Austinites and visitors aboard this SXSW favorite, and shuttled them around town in style. Some folks took the bus for just a stop or two, while others lost track of time relaxing on the comfy bus benches, or perched on a saddle seat sipping a cocktail and chatting with friends.

… and these are just a few! No wonder it took us until now to fully catch up on sleep and wrap up blogs.

SXSW Preview

Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be flowing at all kinds of events all around our hometown — from innovation and technology panels to raucous backyard shows on makeshift stages, and everything in between.  

Coming to Austin? Make sure to hop on the #TitosBus (click here to view the route), and ride around town in style for all ten days (with a drink in hand). Tips benefit Health Alliance for Austin Musicians!

Don’t miss the stop at Waterloo Records to checkout a great lineup… and more Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails. Snap a photo in front of the Tito’s Airstream Lounge, which will be parked at Waterloo from March 16th-19th.

Chill out with Tito’s at the Fire & Ice themed Spirit Garden next to the SXSW Outdoor Stage. This free-to-the-public stage at Lady Bird Lake hosts a three-day series of charity beneficiary concert events.

Need some mid-festival puppy snuggles? Stop by our Puppy Party (benefitting Emancipet and Austin Pets Alive!) at Lustre Pearl on Rainey St on Sat March 19th from 12-6pm.

Do you plan your SXSW route in advance or do you prefer to wing it?

Either way, here are a few more stops to keep on your radar…

See you out there!