Let me first start by apologizing for how long it’s taken me to fully recover from the madness of SXSW. This lifestyle is not for the weak of heart y’all. And after 12 years, keeping up the festival stamina most definitely does not get easier. In fact, it gets harder. But as you’ll see by reading on about our favorite things at SXSW 2019, it’s worth it. No doubt about that!

First off, let’s re-cap some of what we already shared with you from weekend one of SXSW.

The most famous person we saw was Charlize Theron, though Woody Harrelson ranked as a close second. The most entertaining celeb we saw remains to be Busy Philipps. Our favorite photo op was the desk from The Office, located at the Comcast NBCU House. Tom Cullen and Tatiana Maslany still rank as cutest couple. And the best installation/ activation was Audible’s Heads Will Roll event, which you can read more about here. We actually ranked all of our top installs here.

Now, let’s look back at more of our favorite things, shall we?

These are the rest of the best moments from SXSW 2019.

Best Austiny Thing We Saw

When Busy Philipps hosted her Busy Tonight talk show at SXSW’s Comcast NBCU house, she received a surprise from pal Whitney Cummings. The Central Texas Pig Rescue showed up with Joe, the pig Cummings rescued from the California wild fires, as well as a big boy named Maxwell.

Pretty sure they brought a very large pig to make it adamantly clear that there is no such thing as a “micro pig” and any pig you purchase can grow to be hundreds of pounds.

Favorite ATXgossip Interview Question

It was our favorite question but I’m not sure it was MY favorite answer.

We forced inductees and presenters at the Texas Film Awards to choose who is more Texan: Willie Nelson or Matthew McConaughey. I thought this would be a difficult decision. Turns out it’s not. Every single person said Willie.

Favorite Promo Item

This was a tough call as we received quite a few fun items. While the pre-charged battery bricks from Booksmart ranked highly, we chose the Tik Tok branded fanny pack as our ultimate fave.

Favorite Non-SXSW Show

Hands down, the best non-SXSW show or event that happens while the fest is in session is Luck Reunion. No contest.

Favorite Musical Act

There were so many amazing artists at the festival this year, but no one can compare to Joan Jett. Not for this 80s loving gal, that is.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu868PelUOb/

Most Intimate Performance

We were lucky enough to stumble upon Wolf + Moon at the German Haus during SXSW music.

Before concluding their set,  the German duo climbed up on the bar at Seven Grand, urging the crowd to pipe down so they could play an acoustic tune. The crowd complied and the song was a success. I’m betting we weren’t the only ones they made an impression with.

Best TV event

Though the Shameless House was fun to see it wasn’t really that fun to experience. However, the Good Omens Garden of Earthly Delights was loads of fun. As was Audible’s Heads Will Roll event which you can read more about here.

Favorite Film Event

The Booksmart party was epic, to say the least. Read more about why it ranks so highly here.

Best Non-Entertainment Related Activation

The Ipsy event during SXSW Music was great. Not only did we snap this adorable pic, we walked away with all kinds of make-up and skin care items. If I wasn’t already a customer, I would be based solely on this promotion.

Most Unexpected Celebrity Sighting

We had no idea that Jax and Brittany from Vanderpump Rules would be on hand at the Media Temple/ Daily Mail Party serving up Jax’s new drink mixer line Just Add X. Read more about it here.

Most Unexpected Moment Overall

Dancing with Danielle Brooks (whom you most likely recognize from Orange is the New Black) at the A-List Communications Supper Suite will rank as one of my favorite moments until the end of time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvLcRRRlF6h/

Best Birthday Celebration

Though we were present for three bday celebrations, Olivia Wilde’s ranks as the best. But it was fun to be present for surprise treats presented to both Pollyanna McIntosh and UT grad Jay Duplass.

Favorite Movie

Though we saw a handful of documentaries this year, including the much anticipated Becoming Leslie, our fave was The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story. I’m actually a bit surprised by how many times I have discussed this film since the screening.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_ZXy2FfZG/

Least Favorite Thing

Riding a scooter. If I didn’t hate them before, I definitely do now. Though I really hated them before. What was I thinking?

Most Fascinating Thing We Saw

3D Sushi! I saw it with my own eyes but I still don’t get it.

Best Place to Discover New Bands

As in past years, the place/ party where we discovered the most new and talented bands was the Rachael Ray Feedback House. This year’s highlights include The Cold Irons, Jamie N Commons and Castlecomer.

Proudest Moment

Tatiana Maslany liked this pic I snapped so much that she requested a copy. Insert girly squeal here.

Best Drinks

Though I enjoyed J.A.X., the Corona Refresca Premium Spiked Refreshers at the Rachael Ray Feedback party and Comisario Tequila at the A-List Supper Suite, our favorite drink continues to be the Deep Eddy cocktails served up at the Rachael Ray Feedback House.

Of course, our opinions aren’t king. Your opinions count too! We asked friends and followers about their favorite moments at this year’s fest. Here’s what they had to say.

@tonyxrodriguez on IG said:

“Met a ton of celebs this year! Prob more this year than before. The nicest? Kathy (Bates) for sure. She said “raise up the camera so I look good” haha.”

@atxfickleatx on IG said:

“I got to interview Andrew Zimmern, but the best was REVIVAL EXPERIENCE.”

https://www.instagram.com/atxfickleatx/p/Bu-TPjbFuqN/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1rohpya5t1oer

And that’s @rheartsinatx with her at the experience. Her favorite SXSW thang?

“I would have to say the Good Omens installation was the “coolest” but a panel at Goop most “spoke” to where I am today.”

Erica Wollman told us on Facebook:

“Peanut Butter Falcon was a great movie!”

Douglas Fred agreed, saying:

“I loved Peanut Butter Falcon – I hope it does get picked up by a distributor. Zack Gottsagen, a 33 year old man with Down Syndrome, put it perfectly – “I saved Shia’s life.” It does seem the weird and erratic chapter in Shia LaBeouf’s life is over. Thank goodness. The other film that I saw that was amazing was, Stuber – VERY FUNNY. Anyone who wants to laugh, just wait until July 12, 2019.”

Also on Facebook, Robb Johns told us:

“Got into a staring contest with Woody Harrelson at the premiere…he’s hilarious. Was a fun week+!”

Back on Instagram,  @forking_up loved the Ipsy installation, sharing this on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvCwLbuA7l3/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=10za2tccsez57

@seathislife had this to say:

“One of my favorites from SX was seeing Rev Run perform at the CNN 80s party on Friday night 3/8! Everyone was dancing and having fun.”

Also on IG, @palomaruro reached out to say this:

“Free music shows nobody knew about like toro y moi and j balvin! + all the open bars.”

And finally, our pal Lola wrote an entire guest post about how much she enjoyed the Heads Will Roll event. Check that out here.

And that’s a wrap on SXSW 2019… finally!

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Want to relive more moments?

Check out this interview Woody Harrelson gave at the fest.

Read about our five favorite festival installations here.

Check out our massive list of all the celebs who attended this year’s fest here.