SXSW 2025 in Austin is not just about technology, music, and film. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary focus on food, featuring sustainability, innovation, and global culinary traditions. For food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, these five events are unmissable.
1. Dubai’s Museum of the Future: A Glimpse Into 2071
Dubai will make its debut at SXSW this March with the Museum of the Future (MOTF) offering a unique experience. Located at 3rd and Congress in downtown Austin, this immersive exhibition will run from March 7 to 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Museum is the exclusive sponsor of SXSW’s 2050 conference track. Expect discussions on lunar colonization, AI, and sustainable food production. MOTF’s food-focused panel brings leaders together to explore innovative desert food systems and space-proof cuisine. Attendees will also have the chance to discover Solar Foods, a pioneering brand using solar energy to produce food in new ways.
Dubai’s culture will also be showcased through tastings of viral Dubai chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier and traditional chai demos by Project Chaiwala. With limited space for 250 people, advance planning is recommended for those interested in attending.
2. Food Tank’s “All Things Food” Summit
For anyone eager to dive deep into food systems, sustainability, and innovation, the “All Things Food at SXSW 2025” summit is a must. Taking place on March 13-14 at Barr Mansion, this event offers an immersive two-day experience. Hosted by Food Tank, Huston-Tillotson University, and Driscoll’s, the event is free with RSVP via Eventbrite.
This summit will bring together over 100 food system experts, including leaders like Impossible Foods founder Pat Brown, Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, and James Beard award-winning chefs. Participants will enjoy a full-day menu, drinks, live performances, and interactive experiences.
Food Tank members will have exclusive access to special culinary creations from celebrity chefs, including Dave White, the 2025 Chopped Grand Champion.
3. Whataburger Museum of Art
Whataburger is celebrating its 75th anniversary by debuting the Whataburger Museum of Art (WMOA) in-person at SXSW. After years of being a digital-only phenomenon, this immersive gallery experience will take place on March 8-9 at Wanderlust Wine Co. in downtown Austin.
The event showcases fan-created artwork inspired by Whataburger’s signature orange-and-white striped aesthetic. Visitors can also participate in collaborative art in the Whataburger Day Dot Room. The Whataburger Food Truck will be on-site, serving the limited-time Monterey Melt.
This event is free and open to all, including non-badge holders, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
4. UT’s Hook ‘Em House at Antone’s
The University of Texas at Austin’s Hook ‘Em House returns for a two-day event at Antone’s on March 7-8. This event features a mix of photo-worthy installations, discussions with top academics and entrepreneurs, and live performances from Austin’s favorite artists, Mobley and Shakey Graves.
Food lovers can enjoy complimentary chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, served daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. UT alumni will also showcase their culinary talents, with Tamale Addiction offering authentic creations from twin sisters Valentina & Andrea Paredes, and Tiff’s Treats serving their famous cookies. The breakfast spread during the International Women’s Day celebration will feature locally-sourced morning favorites.
The event is free with an RSVP on Eventbrite and is open to the public, with priority access for SXSW badge holders.
5. Must-Attend Food Panels
SXSW 2025 also features several high-profile food panels that delve into the future of food systems, sustainability, and innovation.
The Future of Plant-Based: Inclusive, Delicious, Sustainable (March 8, 10 a.m.)
Peter McGuinness, President and CEO of Impossible Foods, will explore plant-based innovations that can help address climate change. The panel will discuss how plant-based foods bridge the gap between vegans and meat lovers while promoting environmental sustainability.
Farm to Future: The Role of Climate-Smart Agriculture (March 8, 2:30 p.m.)
Experts from Whole Foods Market, Patagonia Provisions, and Guayaki Yerba Mate will discuss how food and beverage companies are adopting regenerative agricultural practices to tackle global environmental challenges.
Seeding Change: The Future of Organic Food and Agriculture (March 9, 11:30 a.m.)
Leaders from CCOF, Farmshare Austin, and Daily Harvest will discuss the importance of organic agriculture. They will explore how it benefits farmers and how brands invest in sustainable organic supply chains.
SXSW 2025 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking festival for food lovers, offering everything from futuristic food systems to delicious culinary experiences. Make sure you don’t miss these essential events in Austin this March!
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