A how-to guide on experiencing the pricey fest for FREE.
South by Southwest (affectionately known as ‘South By’) in Austin, Texas showcases many of the best up-and-coming musicians from all over the world. Much like Burning Man is to hippies, SXSW is a main event for the music industry. With festival wristbands costing over a month’s rent, local Austinites opt for the FREE shows with FREE beer and here is how it’s done.
The Gist
SXSW is Tuesday March 13th to Sunday March 18th; it is a festival unlike any other. The producers of SXSW rent every venue, club, house, and empty lot around downtown, hosting nighttime concerts for up and coming unsigned artists. Over 2,000 bands will be showcasing their talents in over 90 venues. The best part is that many of these bands will also play FREE SHOWS during the day at parties with FREE BEER. Also, there are always secret shows like the Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Kanye. If you’re in the right place at the right time, these are FREE too!
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Play the Game
Pay attention to the sponsored party lists and submit a quick RSVP online. RSVP early and don’t worry about signing up for too many shows. As one example, Dickies, is sponsoring three days of FREE MUSIC with bands including Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Drums, Miike Snow, and Built to Spill with FREE BEER. Once you make it to Austin follow your nose and be flexible. With dozens of free shows happening at once, don’t get stuck at anything less than amazing. Chances are magical things are happening around the corner.
Sites for Free Show Listings and RSVP:
Do512, Filter Mag: Top 5 Austin SXSW Venues, Show List Austin, Austinist The Frickin’ Free-For-All Guide to SXSW, ultra8201
Dress to Impress
SXSW is actually a lot about style, more than one would think. However, there are other important factors to consider. You will be standing around on cement for extended periods of time, walking (a lot), sitting on unclean surfaces, far away from home, under the influence of extremely good times, and subject to warm but possibly changing weather. I recommend bringing a bag big enough to stash a sweater or a pair of leggings.
Getting There and Staying There
With free shows and a world-famous festival, getting to Austin and finding a place to stay will be your biggest budget hurdles. Round-trip flights from Seattle are still in the $400 range but these are bound to creep up. If you don’t have a friend in Austin, finding a place to stay this late in the game will be tough. Rooms are still available on deals sites and sharing with friends will reduce some of the cost. Hostels may have beds available for part of the week and Airbnb and Couch Surfing provide alternative options.
Bands to Watch For
Of Montreal, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Toro y Moi, Sparkadia, Japandroids, Miike Snow, Metric, Fanfarlo, Pomagranites, The Shins, Marmalakes, Andrew Bird, Maps and Atlases, Neon Indian, Twin Shadow, The Givers, Calm Blue Sea, Shout Out Out Out Out, Dan Mangan, Young Galaxy, Niki & the Dove, Heartless Bastards, Oberhofer, White Rabbits, The War on Drugs, Alberta Cross, Blitzen Trapper, Of Monsters and Men, Dinosaur Feathers, Okervil River, Vetiver, The Dum Dum Girls, TV On the Radio…
Parting Last Words
Pace yourself, most of the booze you drink will be FREE. This can obviously become problematic and escalate quickly. Cut loose and have a great time but remember… SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint.
SXSW | Tuesday, March 13th – Sunday, 18th | Austin, Texas
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