SXSW 2015 Unofficial Guide

SXSW is a Music, Film and Interactive conference from March 13 – 22, which provides a chance to party with some of the greatest people on Earth. (Official SXSW Site)

SXSW 2014 had over 2300 official and unofficial artists!

Stuff

Hardcore

ID
Cash/Credit card

Everyone Else

Bag – to hold other supplies and free swag (Timbuk2 Messenger Bag)
Poncho – Weather is crazy in Austin
Comfortable Shoes – e.g. Nike Air Pegasus
Sunscreen – at least SPF30
Lip balm
Quality Ear Plugs – Keeps ears healthy and drowns out side conversations (Etymotic Research ER20)
Extended battery pack – Your phone will die (small or large)
Phone Charger – You may forget to recharge your extended battery pack
Print outs of the parties you want to go to –Your phone will be slow

Getting Around

Pedicabs – staple of SXSW travel $5 – $20 to get most places
Taxis – Head to a hotel or I-35 access road to catch one
Taxis Alternatives – Uber and Lyft
Parking – Try to get downtown before noon
Walking – Lots
Bicycles – Helps cut down on the walking

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.

RSVP for everything – create a separate email account (rsvpster)
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
Tip the bartender – even if the drinks are free

Food

Some parties will have food – Check the RSVP (follow @SouthByFreeNOMS on Twitter)
Food Trucks are awesome
Taco, Taco, Taco– (Torchy’s Secret Menu – my pick is Trailer Park Hillbilly Style)
BBQ – If you need a break and have a car head to Lockhart for authentic Central Texas BBQ
Many more – Check Yelp or Urban Spoon