If you’re planning to do SXSW, this one’s for you. I have been bombarded with questions so I’m answering some of the most popular ones right now. I have been covering SXSW for almost 20 years and it’s a lot and so let’s get started.
Top Three Tips To Get Your Ready For SXSW
1 – How Do I Spot A Celebrity?
The number one question I get asked is about how to spot a celebrity. I have an entire list of every celebrity confirmed to attend the festival. You can check it out here. If you’re looking to get a picture, an autograph, whatever, know that a lot of the celebs are coming for films that are screening at the festival. So, go to SXSW.com and look at the schedule to see when their film will be screening. The red carpet usually starts an hour before.
Now, if you’re gonna go out there, be respectful. Stay in the area security tells you to stay. Please note: if you really want to get to the front of that barrier to be able to get that picture or autograph, get out there early. Be prepared to stand – and probably be very hot.
Again, I must insist you be respectful. Sometimes celebrities are running really behind schedule. Sometimes they are not feeling well. Sometimes they skip that area altogether. But, usually, they’ll come over and try to do as many autographs and photos as possible.
2 – Do I Have To Have A Badge?
The second question I get asked is, do you have to have a badge. You do not necessarily have to have a badge to go to everything. There are a lot of free events and a great account to follow if you want to know about every event is The Dirty Team on Instagram. the account run by the When Where What Austin team and they’re on top of everything event related.
In regards to seeing the films, most screenings and premieres are primarily for badgeholders and access is limited. In recent years, SXSW has offered a limited number of public (non-badge) tickets for select screenings at theaters like Paramount, Stateside, ZACH, and Austin Film Society venues. Tickets are sold at the box office shortly before showtime, only if seats remain after badgeholder entry. This tends to work best for less busy or daytime screenings, not major premieres — and you should arrive at least an hour before the screening.
3 – How Should I Prepare?
The third thing you need to know is how to prepare for the festival. SXSW is a beast. Events are happening all over town. And this year is going to be even more crazy than usual because the convention center is gone, there is a ton of construction going on downtown and things are even more spread out. More movie premieres are happening at the Zach Theatre this year in addition to the Paramount and The State.
Be prepared to be on the move and wear your walking shoes. Even if you try to take an Uber, there’s so much traffic, it might end up taking you so long that you’ll have to get out and walk anyway. Petty cabs are your friend. But they can be expensive. Sometimes a studio or a network will be offering free rides so definitely take advantage of that. But remember to tip that petty cab driver well. They are working hard!
Most importantly, pack your patience. If you don’t like lines or crowds, this festival is not for you.
So there you have it! I’m sure you have more questions. Hit me up on Instagram or TikTok and I’m happy to help in any way that I can.
