For three nights during the SXSW Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to visit The Highwaymen House, a pop-up experience transforming Austin’s Banger’s Basement at 81.5 Rainey Street into an interactive space that takes guests back in time to the 1930s when infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde were at large. Hosted by Netflix and produced by COLLiDE, the pop-up will immerse guests in the spirit of the upcoming film The Highwaymen, which follows the untold true story of the Texas Rangers who put an end to the notorious duo’s crime spree by relying on gut instinct and old-school skills to get the job done. The film, from director John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side), will premiere at SXSW on March 10 and launch globally on Netflix on March 29 with exclusive theatrical engagements beginning March 15.
Upon arrival at The Highwaymen House, guests will receive a period-appropriate name and RFID bracelet that unlocks experiences within the space. Highlights include personalized ‘wanted sign’ photo ops, interactive narrative with actors in character, and gambling and games that earn points for redemption at the General Store, where premium, custom swag – including denim jackets, hats, watches, flasks, patches, pins, and bandanas – will be up for grabs. The more attendees interact with the activation, the more rewards they will earn.
In SXSW fashion, each night will offer surprise musical guests, providing rare intimate performances from top acts. Outside of the Banger’s venue, The Highwaymen experience will invade Austin through several local partnerships. Hospitality group Bunkhouse will offer guests at their Hotel Saint Cecilia and Hotel San Jose properties transportation to Rainey Street in vintage vehicles, and they’ll be further transported to The Highwaymen era with custom-themed cocktails at the hotels’ bars.
Additionally, a popular local taco destination will offer two custom secret, off-menu items, available from March 8 to March 12 at their South Congress and Northshore locations. The ‘Maney Ranger’ features tender marinated and grilled beef fajita, black beans, grilled corn, freshly grated Jack cheese, and cilantro with chipotle sauce on a flour tortilla, and the ‘Old Lucky’ includes chopped brisket, grilled jalapeños, pickled onions, freshly grated Jack cheese, fresh avocado, sour cream, and cilantro with tomatillo sauce on a crisp corn tortilla inside of a flour tortilla.
Those interested in attending The Highwaymen House should register WWW.THE-HIGHWAYMEN.COM.
