For the past 20 years, SXSW has evolved into an intense networking and discovery conference and festival that swallows up Austin every spring break. The festival is comprised of four branches: SXSWedu, an education technology conference; Interactive, a technology conference; Film, an indie showcase displaying new talents in cinema and over 30 world premieres; and Music, the centerpiece of the entire festival, which showcases indie and mainstream talent alike. The conference is huge, a behemoth of industry talent, parties, panels, ideas, networking and discovery. Not only does the festival bring some major revenue to Austin every March, it also brings some of the biggest names in the education, interactive, film and music industries to the city. For example, Bill Gates, space pioneer Elon Musk, actors Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell and musicians Prince, Justin Timberlake, Green Day, John Fogerty and Dave Grohl all converged on Austin this year to help curate an eclectic blend of entertainment for the over 30,000 SXSW attendees.

Crowds–including dogs–swallow up 6th Street in downtown Austin on Saturday night.

Zac Efron addresses the audience after a screening of his movie “At Any Price” at The Paramount Theater.

Zac Efron addresses the audience after a screening of his movie “At Any Price” at The Paramount Theater.

Austin, Texas, March 2013

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams performs at The Belmont on Wednesday night.

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams performs at The Belmont on Wednesday night.

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams performs at The Belmont on Wednesday night.

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams performs at The Belmont on Wednesday night.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl addresses the audience after a screening of his documentary “Sound City” at The Paramount Theater.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl addresses the audience after a screening of his documentary “Sound City” at The Paramount Theater.