Each year, Austin transforms into the epicenter of creativity, culture and innovation as it hosts South by Southwest (SXSW). Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to make the most of this event, SXSW offers something for everyone—film buffs, music lovers, tech enthusiasts and creators of all kinds. From star-studded red carpet movie premieres to captivating panels with industry leaders to live performances, SXSW is an experience like no other. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to navigate the festival, make the most of your time in Austin, and fully embrace the energy of SXSW.
Our team has been attending SXSW for over 15+ years. We’ve done it all: volunteered, attended badgeless, attended with a regular badge and eventually covered it as official press. If anyone knows what they’re talking about, it’s us! So now for the tea… survival guide edition.
Make A Plan:
There’s so much to do and see at SXSW that it can get really overwhelming. Do yourself a favor and be prepared to miss a few things. Not being able to go to everything is just part of the festival experience. We recommend creating a schedule of things you want to see based on priority. Make sure you get to those top choices and figure out the rest as you go. Not being able to get into something and finding yourself on a side quest is an SXSW rite of passage. The SXSW app is a great way to stay on top of your schedule and any changes that might occur during the festival. Note that any unofficial SXSW parties cannot be added to this schedule. Pro-tip: create an email just for SXSW RVSPs. Trust us; your primary inbox will thank you. Another great way to stay on top of events is to follow us on social media! We have multiple lists that we update as we get closer to the festival.
The Parking and Share Ride Situation:
It’s no big secret that there will be a lot of traffic. There are plenty of places to park in and around downtown Austin, so be sure to do a search for parking garages and lots in the areas you’re planning to visit. From there, you can usually find pedicabs and scooters (Lime and Bird). Complimentary SXSW Festival Shuttles and ride shares (Uber, Lyft, Earth) are also available to take you where you need to go. And don’t discount public transportation as a viable transportation method. CapMetro keeps buses running throughout the entire festival. There are plenty of ways to downtown but once you’re here our advice is walk where you can. It’s a great way to explore the city, plus you never know what you’ll stumble upon!
What to Take With You:
Backpacks and purses will most likely be searched at the entrance to most venues. Some might not even allow bags at all, or they’ll have a clear bag policy. For this reason, we recommend that you embrace the art of minimalism and find effective ways to carry necessary items on your person. We believe the official SXSW tote bag is allowed in most official venues. You can find out more about the festival’s policies here.
Here are a few necessities to remember to bring if you can: a charger or battery pack, a modest amount of cash (for tips), and a debit card – or just opt for a digital wallet. There isn’t much else you need! If you do need something, there are a few bodegas, pharmacies, and even a Target and Whole Foods on the east side. Don’t lug around a water bottle; venues will make you empty it before you enter, and it’s honestly a hassle to carry it around. Most venues and events will have a free water station, or you can purchase water from a food truck or even the convention center.
If You’re From Out of Town:
If you’re visiting Austin for the first time or if you’ve visited before but just not during SXSW, then you’re going to want to do some research before you get here. We suggest mapping out where your hotel or stay is from the convention center since that’s really the center of the festival. From there, you can bike, scooter, walk or even take a pedicab to your next destination. Taking a share ride downtown during the festival sometimes takes longer than walking due to traffic and road closures, so pack your walking shoes.
Speaking of clothes, you’re going to want to look at the weather before you do – but don’t be fooled you can’t trust the forecast completely. Expect it to be hot, cold, overcast and even rainy during the entire festival at any given time. We highly suggest layers and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. This seems obvious, but please make sure your state ID or passport is up to date! They will not let you in regardless of how old you look.
How to Spot a Celebrity:
If you follow us, you know we’re one of the only entertainment outlets in town. We’re also the only one to publish a list of confirmed celebrities attending SXSW every year. If anyone knows how to spot a celebrity, it’s us. It’s honestly not as hard as you think it is. Just walk around or wait outside the Paramount theater before red carpets. More often than not, the celebrities will stop to sign autographs and take pictures. With all of this said, we want to remind everyone to be respectful. Read the room, If they’re in the middle of a conversation or look like they’re busy, it’s okay to grab a quick snap of them but don’t stop and ask them for a picture. Be courteous and remember that they’re people too. We suggest the Paramount mostly because when they’re there, the celebrities are working; they’re there promoting their film – it’s not their personal time. So just keep these things in mind.
Enjoy Yourself:
It doesn’t matter if you’re attending SXSW for work or fun; it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. Remember to take time for yourself if you need it, but also try to stay in the present and experience what’s happening in front of you. Get rest when you need it, but also eat the extra taco or have another round of drinks. Everything in moderation (we’re still working on that ourselves).
Stay tuned as we post the latest SXSW news updates and highlights!
