Ian Somerhalder: 'Vampire Diaries' Actor Hangs Out at 2014 SXSW Festival and Mardi Paws Dog Parade

"Vampire Diaries" actor Ian Somerhalder had a busy weekend as he attended separate events. Ian, 35, appeared at the 2014 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 8, and then headed to the Mardi Paws Dog Parade at the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, March 9.

According to the Wet Paint report, Ian Somerhalder attended the annual media festival as a guest panelist for the "Companies, Non-Profits & the Future of Impact" where he shared the philanthropic work experience he had with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF). The founders of RYOT, (RED) and Omaze LLC joined the TVD star at the festival and Ian excitedly posted about the event on his Twitter account @iansomerhalder.

#SXSW #SXSW14 schedule http://t.co/lb5ujVDq24 AN AMAZING schedule to be on!Cant wait to talk @RYOTnews &the power of @IS_Foundation UNREAL

— ian somerhalder (@iansomerhalder) March 7, 2014

After the SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival in Texas, Ian Somerhalder headed over to the Facebook Pop Up HQ event where he met actor Kevin Bacon. The "Footlose" actor shared a captured image on his WhoSay account that shows himself hanging out with new found friend Ian Somerhalder.

Kevin's caption reads: "Sixdegrees of @kevwilliamson @iansomerhalder #sxsw." Click HERE to see photo. Ian Somerhalder had a chat first with Kevin Bacon before leading the Q&A session on his official Facebook page.

"Thank you for this experience everyone! And thank you Facebook for making it possible. You all inspire me... This was amazing dialogue, to keep it alive and follow RYOT and Ian Somerhalder Foundation!!" the TVD star posted after the Q&A session. Click HERE to see photos of Ian Somerhalder at the 2014 SXSW Festival.

Another important event made Ian Somerhalder return to his hometown. The Times-Picayune Greater New Orleans reports the heartthrob actor attended the Mardi Paws dog parade as the Celebrity Monarch on the Madeville lakefront where he used to hang out.

"This is where I used to hang out. I mean, literally, right here," Ian Somerhalder revealed even pointing at the ground. The actor further shared that he was there every day of his life. "This is where I rode my bike and my skateboard and it was incredible," Ian recounted.

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) was one of the Mardi Paws dog parade sponsors that support the local charities. Ian shared on Instagram his experience at the parade and the actor expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated at the Mardi Paws event. Click HERE to see photo and Ian's message.

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