Tips from a local on surviving South by Southwest when you’re trying to avoid the lanyard-clad crowds in Austin this March
There might not be a more divisive event in Austin thanSouth by Southwest . You either love it , hate it , or love to hate it ( hi , I ’m in the latter camp ) . The nine - day citywide outcome , which this year runs March 7–15 , induce quite an annual bustle . As a business district - habitation Austinite , I ’ve experienced SXSW as someone navigating the sprawl fete both as a non - goer battling lanyard - clothe hoards and as a journalist pass over SXSW .
The fete aims to help “ originative people achieve their goals , celebrating a intersection of technical school , film , music , education , and culture ” . Not a bad delegacy whatsoever . But do I honestly think it ’s deserving it ? Nah . I mean , when you ’re paying $ 2,000 for a badge , do you really want to spend half the week in line being thrust marketing tract at booth after booth while hydrate with C4 Energy drink samples ? No amount of free Mionetto ( barf ) from an open bar will get you through it , sadly , and I ’ve try .
If you dwell inAustinand you ’re avoid SXSW this year , then welcome to the nightspot , wise friend . There ’s so much more to the city than festivals ( hard to believe , but it ’s true . Keep Austin Weird y’ all ) . store your cash ; save up your time ; and heck , bring through your stomach . Here ’s how to have an alternative solemnisation — without the overpriced badge .
Anne Hathaway at the “The Idea Of You” world premiere during SXSW 2024.|Courtesy of Daniel Boczarski /Stringer/Getty Images
Get Inspired for Free
You do n’t postulate to advert a keynote to be inspired . guide over to your neighborly bookstore or program library for a free author let the cat out of the bag instead . self-governing retailersBookWomanandBookPeopleholdevents multiple meter a workweek , such as book club meetings , verse readings , and an approaching author talk by Lawrence Wright on March 11 . Then there ’s the trustyAustin Public Library , where happenings span arts and crafts sessions as well as Women ’s History story time for kid , meaning nobody in the family is left behind .
Network With Your Neighbors
A gumption of belonging and community is one of the Francis Scott Key to a good life , so why not focus your efforts on receive to make out your neighbors instead ? Plus , with ATX these day a major hub for many businesses , creative and otherwise , the benefits could be reaped professionally . Host an flat edifice mixer , sign up for a biz at theAustin Recreation Center , or join aMeetupgroup to connect with like - apt individuals .
Trade Surge Pricing at Downtown Stays for a Westside Retreat
While hotels faithful to the activity are charging ridiculous gist for a Nox , speculation far west ( aka health spa town ) for a lot more bang for your long horse . Search Lake Austin onAirbnband you ’ll find everything from treehouses to lakeview place for less than $ 250 a night . For an extra soft experience , Lake Austin Spa Resorthas all - inclusive rates from $ 1,100 during South By . software program include plush nightlong fitting , alimentary ( and sumptuous ) dining , and activities like yoga and hydro biking . allow ’s just say nobody check in here to attend a conference .
Enjoy Off-Schedule Live Music
In case you did n’t know , Austin ’s John Roy Major for live music , and there ’s an creative person strumming sounds at every corner of the city , not just the official SXSW case . The Continental Clubhas ticketed public presentation every daylight beyond the South By schedule , including Patricia Vonne ’s Latinapalooza and The Blues Specialists with no covering fire , or cast in at theYETI flagshipon South Congress and you might happen upon a free set at the terrace taproom , where the cocktails are served in camp mugs .
Take Advantage of the Weather
This is Texas . March is select clock time to enjoy the great outdoors before thing get uncomfortable , not hiding out in the Hilton ’s feast hall . The tramp - and - bicycle track and Mungo Park are always big draw , but how about learning something about Austin while begin that step count up ? GetYourGuide proffer adowntown history walking tour , while Viator has afood walking tourto sample the great ( so you know there ’ll be brisket and greaser ! ) .
Catch a PremiereAfterthe Premiere
If you ’ve never been to a pic premiere , it ’s basically the exact same as live on to the cinema , except some of the star come to the front to introduce it in individual . Since you ’d be stick in line during SXSW you ’d miss the intro anyway . Catch the latest discharge at theAlamo Drafthouse Cinema , or have your pals jump in for a drive thru movie atBlue Starlite , because who does n’t loveThe Gooniesone more time ?
Finally, Escape Austin Altogether
Still ca n’t cut up the crew ? You might need to escape the city completely . Thankfully , Austin ’s a short drive awayfrom San Antonio ( 1.5 hours ) where the famed Alamo and Riverwalk await ; wine - country Fredericksburg ( 1.5 hour ) , and Dr. Pepper Ithiel Town , Waco ( 2 hours).Getaway Housesare also situated in Navasota and Wimberley for those who desire to get off the control grid in a midget house . coiffe that Out of Office automobile - reply from March 7 to 15 and inhale that delicious SXSW - free air .
Jo Anne Willis, Manager of the Austin branch of the Chicago Public Library, poses for a portrait at the Austin library on Feb. 1, 2016 in Chicago. She says there is a waiting list to check out books on racial discrimination at her branch.|Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Courtesy Lake Austin Spa Resort
Take a walking food tour through Austin, including a stop at Veracruz.|Courtesy Veracruz
San Antonio River Walk|Photo by Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
