SXSW Unofficial Guide
Festivals, SXSW

SXSW Unofficial Guide

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SXSW is a Music, Film and Interactive conference from March 7 – 16, which provides a chance to party with some of the greatest people on Earth.

Stuff

Hardcore

  • ID
  • Cash/Credit card

Everyone Else

  • 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
  • Parking – Try to get downtown before noon
  • Walking – Lots

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
  • Have a backup plan or four
  • Arrive early
  • 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
  • Food Trucks are awesome
  • Tacos
  • 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

Official Music Showcases

  • Arrive early
  • Usually you can get in after the badges and wristbands for $5 – $15

My SXSW Playlists

SXSWISLIFE Playlists

Twitter Party People

  • @SXSWMF
  • @CameronAtSXSW – cameron@sxlineup.com – I post unofficial SXSW parties, showcases, news, rumors, all that stuff.
  • @FreeatSXSW – I’m here to help you experience SXSW for FREE. Sharing my knowledge of multiple South By’s with no wristband or badge. Feel free to share legit party RSVP links
  • @jackievanz – Marketing Specialist. Music Lover. People Watcher. Board Game Hoarder. Philly Scene Reporter @mxdwn_phl ..Philadelphia has my heart
  • @JacobStetson – Too many projects, not enough time. Catch me if you can… Soon to be New Yorker.
  • @MarkQuestion – Software Developer, Bassist Extraordinaire, and guy with his ear to the ground for all things SXSW.
  • @martyrAtSXSW – Responsive Web Geek, SXSW Interactive Volunteer, Musicologist. Vegan.
  • @mikeyzee – @mischiefonline – designer videographer photographer
  • @mischiefonline – Austin based music blog · Music · Videos · Culture
  • @MissKrisSxSW – A Torontonian at #SXSW. Probably not this perky in real life. Sometimes I film shows: http://www.youtube.com/user/MissMadMuzak
  • @OperEveryBand – The Mission: To Review Every Band Showcasing at SXSW 2014. Daily Write Ups (2,000+ bands!), Videos and Exclusive Content Through March.
  • @hippohonk – Seasoned concert goers rating bands on upcoming festival lineups based on how bad they want to see their show. Visithttp://hippohonk.com to view the results!
  • @rsvpster – We RSVP you to unofficial SXSW parties & events – sign up:http://RSVPster.com/order
  • @snow2go – I’m just a kid with like 36 tabs open on 3 monitors right now sry. E-mail me #sxsw things: tayloratsxsw@gmail.com
  • @SouthByFreeNOMS – Taking a bite out of Austin one party at a time! Your unofficial guide to all the free food + drinks at #SXSW. Brought to you by @mightymendoza. #SXSW2014 #SXFN
  • @SXRobot – Tweeting the newest parties on #sxsw. Like me? follow my creator @wiktorschmidt and RT my tweets
  • @SXSJess
  • @SXSWbaby – SXSW Baby! is an unofficial weblog and discussion forum about South by Southwest.
  • @SXSWHIPHOP – Information on everything Hip Hop/Rap happening in Austin, TX during SXSW – not affiliated with sxsw
  • @SXSWhoa – Two people reporting the latest news, rumors, shortest lines, and freebies for #SXSW Music 2014. On assignment for @austinist. Contact: SXSWhoa@gmail.com
  • @SXSWISLIFE – Free shows, drinks, food, and parties. RSVPs, artists to watch, tips, and rumors. All SXSW. I am in no way affiliated with SXSW. sxswislife@gmail.com
  • @SXSWPARTYGIRLS -Your guide to SXSW for THE best free shows, booze & food. We’re SXSW party professionals. Follow for tips, lineups, and debauchery!
  • @SXSWPartyList – The Party List for #SXSW2014 Email us: SXSWPartyList@gmail.com
  • @SXSWUnderaged – SXSW Underaged is a complete list of events during SXSW that are all ages and no badges required. SXSW Underaged 2014 will be launched on February 16th at 6 PM.
  • @ulovei – I take photos, DJ parties, promote events, write articles, and always wear a tie.
  • @unofficialsxsw – Your Guide To All Unofficial SXSW Events! Free Beer, Parties, and more! Contact Us Here: 7starrmgmt@gmail.com

Fun SXSW Tweeters

  • @SXSWFanFIction – A chronicle of all things that happen at SXSW
  • @SXSWhine – Yhe best Whines of SXSW ‘11 and beyond. Please @ any you find. Created lovingly by @ZackTeibloom of @festivalcrasher
  • @SXSWPartyzzzzz – OMG #SXSW PARTIES! WHO WANTS TO PARTY? GO TO THIS PARTY! THESE ARE ALL THE PARTIES! I LOVE SXSW PARTIES! PARTIES! #PARTIES! #SXSW #SXSW sxswpartyzzzzz@gmail.com
  • @couchxcouchwest – Where the beer is cheaper and the only hipster is you. March 9-15, 2014

Other SXSW Guides

Helpful Websites