South by Southwest is here! The seven-day festival kicks off today and we must not waste anymore time!
Here’s what you need to know:
Road Closures
A number of streets are closed or partially closed during the festival this year.
- Congress Avenue is closed between West 10th Street and West Seventh Street through March 19 at 11 a.m.
- Parts of West Ninth Street between Colorado Street and Brazos Street close after midnight on Friday through March 15 at noon.
- Red River Street will close between Fifth Street and 10th Street after midnight on Friday through March 19 at 3 a.m.
- Sixth Street between Brazos Street and Interstate 35 is closed starting Thursday at 7 p.m. through March 19 at 3 a.m.
The Convention Center Is Gone
If you’re not doing SXSW this year, it’s best to avoid downtown until it’s over. Without a convention center, the festival is spread out more than ever through downtown.
Bring a Book
Waiting in long lines is part of SXSW, and bringing a book to read is way better than twiddling your thumbs or staring at your phone. You could also bring a small craft to do. I’m planning on making a lanyard keychain!
Do It on a Budget
SXSW isn’t just for those who can afford a badge, which start at $895. You can still experience all the fun with just a few tips and tricks. Start with this guide to doing the fest for free and check out SXSW’s free list. The too-long-didn’t-read version is: Be a social media hawk and search for free parties to attend, make friends at the fest, and walk around and see what you can discover!
Don’t Drive
You absolutely do not need to and should not drive to SXSW. Save yourself the time it would take to find a parking space (which would be too expensive anyway) and try one of the following:
- Opt for a rideshare.
- CapMetro has 75 bike stations to rent an electric or pedal-assist bike. Rides are $2.50 plus a quarter a minute. You can also buy a $10 day pass.
- Hop on a CapMetro bus for just $2.50.
- SXSW is offering a free shuttle to attendees this year. It runs between most of the venues. Routes, a map, and more information can be found online.
Airport Wait Times
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is going to be a pain during SXSW, whether or not your travel is related to the festival. Arrive earlier than you think you should, as the airport is going to be packed with people flying in and out for the festival. The government is also still in a partial shutdown, which could cause some delays.
