SXSW 2024 Planning Checklist: Advice From a Local’s Perspective
The unadulterated spectacle of music, fashion and generally boozy good times known as South by Southwest is quickly approaching. Over the last 3 decades, the festival has evolved from a small super cool thing, showcasing mostly unknown musicians performing at a handful of clubs downtown, attempting to get signed by record labels, to a multi-million dollar, star-studded event that draws from around the world.
In 1988, SXSW boasted 417 showcasing artists on 27 stages. In 1994, 482 artists performed in 30 venues. Acts included Beck, Ben Harper and Johnny Cash. Ten years later, in 2004, there were 1,279 showcasing acts in more than 50 venues. Ten years later, that number had doubled again.
Planning for SXSW 2024
Navigating SXSW these days takes a little bit more planning, ok, a lot more planning, than it used to “back in the day” (as we locals love to say). With over a million people expected to arrive in town for the festivities, SXSW turns the city upside down for a few weeks at least. If you want to make the most of your experience, you’re going to want to prepare. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the best out of your fest.
Pack sensibly, and layer up.
Wardrobe prep is key to enjoying all of the outdoor events during SXSW. Austin weather is notoriously unpredictable, especially in the spring. Sudden cold fronts, warm fronts and thunderstorms are common. Just as common are magnificently mild and sunny days. Like the saying goes, you just never know what you’re going to get. Pack clothes that can be layered and bring at least one good coat and rain slicker as well as your swimsuit and towel. If the weather is nice, you won’t want to miss a chance to refresh yourself with a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
Bring good walking shoes.
You will be doing a lot of walking during south by. A lot of walking. Some of it uphill, some of it downhill. If you don’t have the right shoes you will be bummed. If your shoe game is strong but not exactly good for long walks, consider bringing a set of comfy sneakers to wear in between venues. Going back to the point above, remember that it could be rainy and muddy. Bring at least one good pair of rain shoes so you don’t ruin those cute festival booties you just paid half a month’s salary for.
Plan out your transportation situation.
Austin traffic is gawd awful on a normal Wednesday, and during south by southwest it’s practically at a standstill downtown. This local won’t even cross the river during south by southwest without a solid parking plan. If you rent a car, understand that it might be more hassle to park than it’s worth. Road closures don’t make things any easier. As long as the weather allows, a bike to get between venues and downtown is the best way to avoid traffic. Austin is very bike friendly and has many dedicated bike routes. There is also a pedestrian trail that goes along the lake. If the weather is sketchy, there is always Uber and Lyft. In the past, it has been hard to get a ride so be prepared and book early, like before you actually need it, to ensure a timely ride. Bikes are the way to go, don’t dare ride those e-scooter death traps!
see you at the fest!
Take advantage of free.
Let’s be real, South by Southwest isn’t cheap. In between wristbands, airfare, Air B&B and the necessary daily allotment of food + drinks, you can easily drop major cash in no time at all. If you want to make your money go farther, take advantage of all the freebies SXSW has to offer. If you plan it out right, you can take advantage of free food and drinks every day! Yay for free booze! Keep updated with SXSW Free Events to keep on top of the situation.
Always have a buddy.
You remember the buddy system from elementary school field trips? As in, always stay with your buddy and don’t get lost? Well, same rules apply during South by Southwest. There’s a lot going on during the fest, and, let’s be real, a lot of drinking, and it’s easy to get confused and lost in all the bustle. Austin is a relatively safe city but things happen. Having a buddy system and a plan for keeping tabs on your crew will ensure that you all enjoy the fest and stay away from creepy situations. I don’t think we need to go into detail about what could happen, but we’re all adults and we’ve all listened to true crime podcasts so I think we all know the worse case scenarios.
Support the Locals!
Austinites are a naturally friendly and gracious bunch, who welcome visitors with open arms. The locals look forward to the annual South by Southwest madness because, even though it makes our city a bit crowded and hard to navigate for the month of March, its brings in an influx of great energy and vibes that we can all dig on. But, to be real, it also brings in a lot of money. The cost of living in Austin rises each year, and events like South by Southwest offer an opportunity to help locals offset that increase. Austin is a wonderful place to visit because so many cool people live here and have made it that way. While your visiting, please consider supporting local businesses and the people that make this city great. Check out this list of some of our favorite places.
SXSW is always the most anticipated event of the year, and for good reason. There are so many opportunities to mingle, experience amazing music and discover new artists.
Mike’s tip- Don’t rush around to try and wait in long lines for 5 min performance of someone big, maybe pick a general neighborhood to hang in and let the fest come to you! Meet the locals why dont’cha…
