‘Game Of Thrones’ SXSWesteros Gives Fans First Taste of Season 5 With Beer And Sword Training [PHOTOS]

Winter is coming to sunny Austin, Texas. On the corner of West Fifth and Lavaca Streets, fans of the HBO series “Game of Thrones” can enjoy a taste of the Westeros experience at South by Southwest.

Enter into the House of SXSWesteros, where “Game of Thrones” fans can train with a sword like Arya Stark, sit on the infamous Iron Throne and sip the show’s new brew.

Once in the darkened hall, the first stop for most fans (21 and over) is a free sample of the new “Game of Thrones” beer, Three-Eyed Raven. The Dark Saison Ale has the alcoholic content of a glass of wine and packs a punch. It will be available for purchase April 6, but visitors at SXSWesteros got the first taste.

Moving along to the beat of the “Game of Thrones” grandiose instrumental scores, fans can then queue to get their photo taken on the Iron Throne. Next up, is the largest draw of the exhibit -- the centerpiece interactive sword training game. First, fans take a quick portrait before lining up to fight. Then, three combatants face a shadow image of their photo and, using a plastic broad sword, hit targets that then break and artistically re-create their photos. The re-created portraits are formed from some of the most iconic symbols from “Game of Thrones,” including swords, stag antlers and raven feathers. Sword fighters can then email themselves their portraits as an extra memento from SXSWesteros.

On the way out, attendees can try their luck at the “Catch the Throne” vending machine, powered by social media, where they can win branded prizes like headphones and iPhone covers. Entrants have the opportunity to win prizes by tweeting.

SXSWesteros is open to the public March 13-15 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and March 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 213 W. Fifth St. The SXSW Film Festival runs March 13-21.

“Game of Thrones” Season 5 premieres April 12.