NEWS
South by South Westworld as popular show comes to SXSW as immersive theme park experience
POSTED 22 Feb 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
The fictional android operated Westworld theme park will become a reality at SXSW Credit: HBO
A fully-immersive theme park based on Westworld is coming to this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

The show – originally based on a 1973 film of the same name and recreated as a hit series for HBO last year – is a sci-fi western thriller taking place in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. In the show, Westworld theme park caters to high-paying guests, who may indulge in whatever activities they wish within the park, without fear of retaliation from the hosts. That is, until things go wrong.

Open to the public between 9 March and 11 March, the Westworld universe will be recreated at SXSW, with an 8,000sq m (87,000sq ft) area used for the pop-up. In the park, guests will be allocated either a white hat or a black hat, before being taken on a Delos shuttle to the park, where they will be left to do what they want for two hours with no orientation and multiple happenings taking place depending on their choices. During their time, visitors will be able to interact with a number of actors playing hosts, hunt for clues about the show’s second season and sample western-themed food and drinks in the show’s Coronado hotel and Mariposa Saloon.

In addition to offering the experience up to SXSW visitors, HBO has also teamed up with Delta Air Lines to offer a VIP group an immersive Westworld-themed flight taking them from Los Angeles to the experience in Texas on 9 March.

“Our roadshow experience offers an unparalleled, immersive world where you have the freedom to become who you’ve always wanted to be or who you never knew you were,” said a press release, hyping the event.

“Live Without Limits Weekend is an exclusive experience for SXSW attendees. For a limited time only, adventure to Westworld—in the real American West.”

RELATED STORIES
  HBO creates Game of Thrones Hall of Faces installation at SXSW


HBO has once again promoted the upcoming season of Game of Thrones with a temporary visitor attraction, this time making a recreation of the Hall of Faces at South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - South by South Westworld as popular show comes to SXSW as immersive theme park experience...
06 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

22 Feb 2018

South by South Westworld as popular show comes to SXSW as immersive theme park experience
BY Tom Anstey

The fictional android operated Westworld theme park will become a reality at SXSW

The fictional android operated Westworld theme park will become a reality at SXSW
photo: HBO

A fully-immersive theme park based on Westworld is coming to this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

The show – originally based on a 1973 film of the same name and recreated as a hit series for HBO last year – is a sci-fi western thriller taking place in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. In the show, Westworld theme park caters to high-paying guests, who may indulge in whatever activities they wish within the park, without fear of retaliation from the hosts. That is, until things go wrong.

Open to the public between 9 March and 11 March, the Westworld universe will be recreated at SXSW, with an 8,000sq m (87,000sq ft) area used for the pop-up. In the park, guests will be allocated either a white hat or a black hat, before being taken on a Delos shuttle to the park, where they will be left to do what they want for two hours with no orientation and multiple happenings taking place depending on their choices. During their time, visitors will be able to interact with a number of actors playing hosts, hunt for clues about the show’s second season and sample western-themed food and drinks in the show’s Coronado hotel and Mariposa Saloon.

In addition to offering the experience up to SXSW visitors, HBO has also teamed up with Delta Air Lines to offer a VIP group an immersive Westworld-themed flight taking them from Los Angeles to the experience in Texas on 9 March.

“Our roadshow experience offers an unparalleled, immersive world where you have the freedom to become who you’ve always wanted to be or who you never knew you were,” said a press release, hyping the event.

“Live Without Limits Weekend is an exclusive experience for SXSW attendees. For a limited time only, adventure to Westworld—in the real American West.”




Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships
Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships   05 Jun 2026

Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first world championship for running on connected treadmills over .... more>>

Company profile


Seed To Skin

Founded by Jeanette Thottrup in 2018, in Tuscany, Seed to Skin is an award winning skincare line.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd