We’ve learned a a lot attending the SXSW Music Festival over the years so we thought to compile some of the more important ones for anyone heading to Austin for the first, second, or a third time. Hopefully these five quick tips will help provide you with a better SXSW experience.
MAKE A SHOWLIST: But don’t expect to stick to it. It’s SXSW and you need to be flexible. You HAVE TO BE. There really isn’t a choice. You’re going to get stuck talking to friends or networking at one show, and then realize there’s free food and drinks at another. Other times, shows will simply be just too far apart for you to make in time. But fear not, there is plenty of great things to see even if they’re not on your list. You’ll accidentally be eating and catch a great new band, or you’ll be dragged by your friends for another. Still scared of completely letting go? Get detailed on that list. Make three or four options for each time of the day. That way, no matter where you are, you’ll always be close to something you want to see.
DON’T PAY FOR FOOD (OR DRINKS): Everyone needs to eat, why not do it for free. Okay, at some point you’re probably going to have to pay for something, but this festival has parties with FREE food and drinks and if you’re not taking advantage of them, you’re making a mistake. So when making those showlists, make sure to add the parties. Some will have free food, some will have free alcohol, and others will even have free coffee and energy drinks. There’s something for everyone, and we’re always surprised at how not crowded these events are. You just need to be on top of it and RSVP. The venues are all close to music and most even have bands or DJs playing so don’t sleep on the free food and drink.
TAKE A BREAK: This is always hard. There’s always something to do at SXSW and it’s hard to stop. But if you’re starting at 10am and going until 2am, it’s really smart to take a break somewhere. Get back to your hotel, maybe change clothes and take a shower or take a nap. Go to a sit down dinner on the east-side somewhere or take in one of the many movies the festival is offering. Recharging isn’t just important for your phone, but for you as well.
BRING ONE SET OF EXTRA CLOTHES: At least. Austin is nice, but the weather can be all over the place. Rain, humidity, high heat, cold… you’re going to want shorts one day and jeans the next.
BRING A BACKPACK: Especially if you’re not going back to the hotel during the day. What to pack? You’ll want kleenex, wet naps/wipes, a hoodie or longsleeve shirt for the night, a poncho in case it rains, a phone charger, a couple band-aids, and a bandana. The bandana helps to wipe your brow or keep your hands. If you don’t want to lug a backpack around, see how much you can fit into a camera bag.