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The XP Guide: March 2025

March 2025 isn’t just packed with must-attend events — it’s a masterclass in Newstalgia, where the best experiences remix the past to create something fresh, immersive and deeply personal. Page Break is disrupting Big Book Club. SXSW turns Austin into a future-forward playground, with XLISTER Hugh Forrest once again pushing creative boundaries. Over in Boise, XLISTER Eric Gilbert’s Treefort Music Festival proves that indie music’s DIY spirit is alive and well. And XLISTER Tony Khan’s AEW Revolution delivers high-octane wrestling storytelling that feels more cinematic than ever. Even the biggest pop culture tentpoles — think the Oscars, Ultra Music Festival and Charleston’s Lowcountry cuisine scene — are serving up nostalgia with a twist, making participation the new prestige. It’s not just about watching the moment unfold. It’s about stepping inside it, remixing it and making it your own. Attractions Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images Mardi Gras: February 28-March 4; New Orleans, LA On Fat Tuesday, New Orleans cranks the revelry to full blast with the legendary Krewe of Rex and Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club leading the charge — think dazzling floats, hand-painted coconuts and wall-to-wall energy. The grand finale comes as the Krewe of Elks Orleans and Krewe...