Among the hordes of hipsters, bands, and industry elites, there were quite a few spectacles. Favorites:

3) It’s-your-birthday-chick: Some girl dressed as a slutty Catholic schoolgirl chased me, asking over and over and over, “Is it your birthday? Is it your birthday?” I told her “No,” but wished her luck. Finally she left, but not before saying “You should have said yes!” Obviously, I’m glad I didn’t… she had two huge guys with her anyway.

2) Musical (wheel)Chairs: A Hoveround that made music as it drove past… like a one-man-band on wheels. Cooler than a band playing on top of a van (also present). Less cool than a motorized vehicle powered by music (a not-yet-but-should-be-invented alternative energy source).

1) Real, live leprechauns: It wasn’t even St. Patrick’s Day yet, but two little people decked in green strutted down 6th Street. Though probably a (exploitive) marketing gimmick, I’d like to think SXSW was the pot of gold.