CLUNK’s Guide To SXSW Festival
Heading to SXSW this year? Then you’re going to want to read our guide to enjoy what is possibly the greatest week of your life!
If you’re not aware (you probably are) SXSW is arguably the world’s most prestigious and largest Art, Tech, Film, & Music festival/expo in the world. Naturally our focus is the music aspect of the 2 week festival that takes place in Austin, Texas, USA. In 2023 we made our debut journey to what we consider a pilgrimage of music fans and industry types alike. During our stay we learnt a hell of a lot and we want to pass that knowledge on to you! This comprehensive guide SHOULD help you navigate what is arguably an overwhelming (yet incredibly fun and life affirming) experience.
Saddle Up
SXSW will see you making your way across the entire city for likely an entire day, some days we’d leave the house at 9am and get back at midnight. So, with this in mind make sure you bring a bag with you and have EVERYTHING you will need for an entire day’s journey. Essentials are a bottle of water (plastic), your ID, SXSW badge/pass, snacks, money, cameras, extra film, and if possible a raincoat or jumper. The latter is important in Texas as the weather can be somewhat unpredictable that time of the year. Make sure you are prepared for all weathers.
Make A Schedule
It can truly be overwhelming just how much is on offer at SXSW. It’s hard to fathom we were able to catch as much as we did and we still missed SO MUCH. However, you can navigate this stress (and serious FOMO) by having a schedule/plan. Thankfully you can create this via the SXSW website once you have your passes sorted. However, this will only cover official showcases so having your own plan, whether digital or written is a good idea. Even with a solid plan though you should be ready and prepared to be flexible as some of our best experiences came from walking past a venue/park, or whatever and getting lost on their offerings.
EAT TACOS
Austin is full of amazing food but NOTHING comes close to their tacos. To this day, this pasty englishman has never had a breakfast burrito with so much taste, flavour, and intensity to this day. Every place that sold tacos was amazing and CHEAP. For a burrito the size of your head it was roughly $4 which is bonkers. There was on particular place next to the Speedway convenience store near San Jacinto Blvd (North University) that was *chef’s Kiss*.
Use The Bus
Getting around Austin is incredibly easy, it’s very walkable but it also has a great public transportation, particularly the bus. The bus is cheap, regular, safe, and extremely easy to use. Simply download the CapMetro app and purchase your weekly (7 days) bus pass for around $12.
Only Use Lime scooters For Short Distances
As you may know we’re from Cornwall, the country side of the UK so the concept of being able to scooter around was extremely novel. We spent a ludicrous amount of money on these little lime bastards and although incredibly fun, it’s stupidly expensive for longer trips. For example, we took the scooters from North University to city centre and it cost around $25 dollars, sounds cheap enough, until you realise that is a 25 minute journey. We did, however, see a lot of the city this way which was fun. Our advice is only use the scooters for short distances as it does rack up in price.
Follow These Accounts
There are a variety of apps to download that will help you navigate the festival and curate your experience, such as @RSVPATX, @whenwherewhataustin, @SXSW (obviously), and @thedirtyteam.
Be Flexible
As mentioned above, be prepared to be flexible as times can change depending on weather, bands, venue changes, etc. There a lot of variables to a festival of this size and magnitude. Also, you will find that leaving your schedule loose will lead to interesting and unique opportunities. For example, a boat party, a record signing, or even, FREE BEER.
Unofficial Showcases Are Just As Good As Official
As well as the official SXSW showcases there are a litany of unofficial showcases that features local artists AND MORE. For example, last year we stumbled into a smokehouse and they were hosting music, including our friends Saloon Dion (this is where the famous horse photo is from). We found that these showcases were just as fun and offered a lot for those looking to discover new music.
Be A Yapper (talk to everyone)
Don’t be afraid to talk to everyone and anyone you can, before, during and after. Join the Whatsapp groups (there are plenty) and when at SXSW just introduce yourself, people are there to network and connect. It is a great opportunity for collaboration and we can attest to this. We walked away with so many new friends, connections, and more.
Dress For The Weather
We’ve briefly chatted about the weather above but it can not be understated how much the weather can change in Austin, Texas. Generally speaking during SXSW the weather is pleasant, it’s not too cold but also not too hot, you will need a light jacket but that is it. However, the weather can change, and quick. As an example, one of the days we were there it was humid as can be during the day, felt like a damn swamp, then by nightfall, the heavens opened, the temperature dropped, and a tornado warning was issued. So, with all this in mind, dress for the occasion and keep a raincoat in your backpack!
Don’t Worry About Missing Out (You Will)
FOMO is VERY real at SXSW as there is so much on offer it truly is impossible to cover it all. There is no point getting worried or upset about it, it’s just part of SXSW. You will make it up by seeing a thousand other things on that day, you literally cannot do it all.
There Is Something For Everyone
SXSW truly has something on offer for everyone so no matter what you’re into there is almost certainly a showcase for it.
Get Ya Goodies
Due to the size and magnitude of SXSW there are, as you can imagine, a lot of sponsors and businesses all looking to capitalize on the volume of people descending on the city. So, keep your beady eyes open for all the goodies, as there are a lot. Half of my suitcase was filled with goodies when returning home, much to the ire of British Airways.
Be A Collector
With so many trinkets, goods, etc on offer do not be afraid to be a collector, grab it all and keep hold of it. I literally have a box under my bed full of posters, keyrings, badges, trinkets from my time at SXSW 2023.
McLovin?
You will get ID’d EVERYWHERE. I have never seen such strict door staff, they were literally asking grey foxes and clearly older people for ID. Great that they are so safe with underage drinking I suppose, but perhaps a little overzealous. Anyways, no matter what, always have your ID with you, even if you’re retired!