Month: January 2026

Hilton Austin Unveils Romantic Valentine’s Day Experiences With Chef-Curated Dining, Comedy, and Luxury Stays

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

Hilton Austin Unveils Romantic Valentine’s Day Experiences With Chef-Curated Dining, Comedy, and Luxury Stays

Hilton Austin is setting the stage for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day weekend in downtown Austin, offering a thoughtfully curated lineup of dining experiences, entertainment, and romantic stay packages designed for couples, friends, and solo celebrators alike. From elevated chef-driven cuisine to one of Austin’s most exciting comedy venues, the hotel is transforming Valentine’s Day into a full weekend of indulgence and connection.

At the heart of the celebration is Cannon + Belle, Hilton Austin’s signature restaurant known for its commitment to authentic Texas flavors and locally sourced ingredients. On Saturday, February 14, the restaurant will host an intimate Dinner for Two experience curated by Chef de Partie Sierra Preston. The five-course prix fixe menu bridges culinary tradition and innovation, showcasing seasonal ingredients and elevated techniques in a refined yet approachable setting. Priced at $160 per couple, the dinner includes a thoughtful take-home gift from Hill Country Collective, adding a meaningful local touch to the evening. Reservations are available through OpenTable and are expected to fill quickly.

For those seeking a more playful and social celebration, Austin Taco Project offers a vibrant alternative with Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day specials throughout the weekend. The downtown hotspot, which features the city’s only Topgolf Swing Suite, will kick off festivities on Friday, February 13 with Galentine’s Day specials, including a $15 lobster tail taco and a $12 clarified sweetened watermelon margarita. On Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy an elevated breakfast buffet with extended hours from 6 a.m. to noon, followed by half off all wine bottles priced under $100 for the remainder of the day. Reservations for Austin Taco Project are also available via OpenTable.

Adding an unexpected twist to the weekend is Bat City Comedy Club, Austin’s rising star in the stand-up comedy scene. Known for hosting touring comics and Comedy Mothership regulars, the club delivers high-energy performances and sharp storytelling in an intimate setting. On Saturday, February 14, Bat City Comedy Club will host a special Valentine’s Day show at The Reverbery, located inside Hilton Austin, offering couples and groups a laughter-filled night out. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

For guests looking to turn Valentine’s Day into a complete getaway, Hilton Austin’s Love and Bubbles Package delivers a seamless romantic escape. Available for a limited time, the package includes a chef-curated dinner for two at Cannon + Belle, a bottle of champagne, complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late check-out. Whether guests plan to explore downtown Austin or enjoy a cozy evening in, the package is designed for maximum relaxation and indulgence. Reservations can be made directly through Hilton Austin’s website.

With its prime downtown location and thoughtfully designed Valentine’s programming, Hilton Austin offers a celebration that balances romance, fun, and self-care. Whether planning a special night out or a full weekend retreat, guests will find no shortage of ways to savor the most romantic weekend of the year.

SXSW 2026 Music Festival Expands Lineup With Over 300 New Showcasing Artists

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

SXSW 2026 Music Festival Expands Lineup With Over 300 New Showcasing Artists

South by Southwest (SXSW) has officially announced more than 300 additional showcasing artists for the 40th annual SXSW Music Festival, taking place March 12–18, 2026, in Austin, Texas. With this major lineup expansion, SXSW 2026 further cements its reputation as the world’s leading platform for music discovery, spotlighting emerging talent and global sounds across Austin’s most iconic venues for seven consecutive nights.

Artists newly added to the SXSW 2026 lineup represent more than 50 countries and a wide range of genres, offering attendees a front-row seat to the future of music. Standout acts include Oslo-based ambient-pop artist Sassy 009, genre-blending American songwriter Deloyd Elze, internet-famous London producer DJ AG, and folk favorite Hannah Cohen. The announcement also highlights rising international voices such as Chilean experimental artist Javiera Electra, Atlanta rapper MARCO PLUS, Latin music breakout Oscar Ortiz, and Manchester rocker TTSSFU.

According to Brian Hobbs, VP of Music at SXSW, the newly announced artists embody the festival’s long-standing mission. “Our goal has always been to curate a lineup that reflects the future of music,” Hobbs said, noting that SXSW remains a global epicenter for both creativity and commercial breakout potential.

In addition to the expanded showcase lineup, SXSW 2026 will once again feature high-profile branded showcases. Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase returns March 12–14 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, headlined by Lola Young, Fuerza Regida, and BigXthaPlug. Notably, the Rolling Stone showcase will be ticketed for the first time in 2026, with tickets available through AXS.

Billboard Presents THE STAGE will also return to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park from March 13–15. This year’s headliners include Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P, with additional performers to be announced. Limited access will be available for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, as well as Music Wristband holders, on a first-come, first-served basis. General admission tickets are also available now via Ticketmaster.

SXSW also revealed new Music Conference programming designed to support artists and industry professionals navigating today’s evolving music economy. Newly announced sessions include discussions on equitable brand partnerships, artist marketing rollouts for 2026, and strategies for breaking artists across Africa’s rapidly growing music markets. The full festival and conference schedule can be found here.

Platinum and Music Badges, as well as SXSW Music Festival Wristbands, are currently on sale, offering access to official showcases and conference programming throughout the week.

Founded in 1987, SXSW has grown into a globally recognized celebration of music, film, technology, and culture. SXSW 2026 runs March 12–18 in downtown Austin, preceded by SXSW EDU from March 9–12, continuing the festival’s legacy of discovery, innovation, and creative connection.

Also read: Austin Film Society to Host Third Annual Pan African Film Festival