Billboard partners with Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda for the Unexpected at SXSW: See the photos

Billboard's return to SXSW in Austin, Texas brought the unexpected in collaboration with Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda.

For the annual visit, the Pickleball Experience set up shop right in the middle of Rainey Street to celebrate the new release of Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda. With a roster of DJs including superstar Cardo Got Wings, +21 attendees showed off their skills, picked up free swag and sampled the line's variety of flavors including Watermelon Lime, Pineapple Orange, Strawberry Dragonfruit and Raspberry Peach. Separately, Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda was featured on THE STAGE, our three-night concert series at Moody Amphitheater, with a specialty bar, samples and custom cocktails.

If you missed the action, Billboard has you covered with photos from the jam-packed weekend. Scroll below to see how the unexpected took over Austin!