SXSW MF 2019 Bible (Unofficial Guide)

SXSW MF 2019 Bible (Unofficial Guide)

SXSW is a Music, Film, Interactive, and more conference from March 8 – 17 in Austin, TX, which provides a chance to party with some of the greatest people on Earth. (Official SXSW Site)

SXSWi – South by Southwest interactive is the conference where Twitter was launched and staring at your phone is expected. Understand SXSWi parties are more business with a side of music, booze, and food.

SXSW Film – The who’s who of Hollywood are all in town for the movies premiers, parties, and music.

SXSW Music – The variety in music is unmatched by any festival in the world.   Recent years have hosted over 2000 official and unofficial artists playing multiple shows daily to break to the next level!  These artists are putting in work!

SXSW has an Attendee Services Hub that has all the info for official attendees.

What to Bring

HARDCORE
  • ID
  • Cash/Credit card
EVERYTHING ELSE

Getting Around

  • Pedicabs – staple of SXSW travel $15 – $40 to get most places
  • Taxis– Head to a hotel or I-35 access road to catch one
  • Taxis Alternatives 
  • Capital Metro Buses
  • Parking – Try to get downtown before noon
  • Walking – Lots
  • Bicycles – Helps cut down on the walking
  • ScootersEverywhere

Parties

Many SXSW attendees are here for business, so expect a lot of side conversation during performances. If you are there for the music, try to get to the front and remember earplugs.

  • Follow these accounts on Twitter – they will provide the best unofficial SXSW updates
  • RSVP for everything – create a separate email account (RSVPster is a lifesaver)
  • Have a backup plan or four – print them out (phones die)
  • Arrive early  – lining up an hour or two early is sometimes the only way to get into a “must see” party or shows
  • If you are not having fun, leave
  • Find new music
  • Make friends
    • If you are networking remember business cards
  • Tip the bartender – even if the drinks are free

Food

  • Some parties will have food – Check the RSVP (follow @thefreenoms on Twitter)
  • Food Trucks are awesome
  • TacoTacoTaco– (Torchy’s Secret Menu – try the Trailer Park Hillbilly Style)
  • BBQ – Austin is becoming the BBQ capital of world but if you need a break and have a car head to Lockhart for authentic Central Texas BBQ
  • Many more – Check Yelp or Urban Spoon

Official Music Showcases

  • Arrive early
  • Priority
    • Primary access is Platinum and Music badges
    • Second – Film and Interactive badges
    • Third – Music festival wristbands
    • Forth – no credentials $0 – $20

Music Felon’s SXSW 2019 Top 20 (Best of the Best)

SXSW 2019 Playlists

SXSW 2019 Twitter List

SXSW 2019 Unofficial Guides, Party Lists, and Helpful Sites

SXSW 2018 – Wrap Up and Photos