SXSW for free

[Smurfette]

I've never really paid much attention to SXSW b/c I thought you had to buy the uber expensive badges.

I have some friends in visiting from LA right now, and they did a bunch of research into free stuff at South by- and apparently there's a ton of it.

So far we've been doing south by for two days and have only spent money on a handful of beers and one entrance fee-- 8 bucks.

We haven't stood in a single line, either. My friends have a friend in one of the bands that's playing, and he's been able to get us into a bunch of the "music lounge" types of things where there is free food and drinks, plush free t-shirts and **** too, and on a handful of guest lists-- like Antone's.

So far we've managed to get two pairs of Spy Optic sunglasses-- 100+ bucks each, a free flip video camera-- about 200 bucks, and a **** ton of t-shirts, bags, underwear, hats, and other random stuff. Most of this just from going to the "free" shows.

We went to see a film for the film fest, and a friend of mine dropped his MTV card, (happens to work for them,) and we got free tickets.

So.. anyway- my point is that there's tons of music out there. Downtown's a mess, but there's lots of free stuff out there!

 

[l00p]

This is true but don't say it too loud or often. I have not bought a badge or bracelet in over six years and have seen more music than when I did. Also, many of the day shows offer free food and beverages to include mixed drinks and beerses. So in the future you can cut back on the amount of beers you buy as well.

Shhhh.

Also, if you ride a bike down there is it easier to get through obstacles and easier to get out of downtown later on. The trick is to park near the barriers the PoPo put up since they are at them at all times. Your bike is less likely to get molested or the spokes kicked by some drunk douche. What I do is go and give them a bottled water or something, thank them for the hard work they do and tell 'em I appreciate them. I then point out my bike and jokingly tell them they can shoot anybody that messes with it. They laugh and always look out for it. Simple simon.

 

[brian_00]

ssshhhh,
don't tell anybody.
SxSW is only for corporations to exploit out of town douchbags into spending $$$$. Nothing at all for us poor common folk

 

[NBMisha]

I've never lived close enough to think about doing SXSW until the last couple of years. We came up yesterday, not specifically for SXSW, and caught a show at Waterloo for free, then went to the auditoreum shows show for free last night.

And to see the Arc Angels! My life is now complete.

 

[l00p]

I too think bitching about SXSW, the cost, the people and the traffic is pointless. You can do nothing to change it. But as a few here have said, with some homework you can find lots and lots of stuff to do for free. There are ways to plan ahead and use the fact you live in Austin to your advantage in beating traffic, knowing where to park and what events to get to early or not.

The thing is that you have to be sort of quiet about it all because then the douchebags will follow you there too. Good for them though. Come to Austin in large numbers, book hotels, spend money. Have the time of your life and then get the hell out and go home.

I don't see myself ever buying a wristband or anything official from SXSW in advance ever again and I will have tons of fun. So far this year I have spent 10 bucks to see a show and I too have seen upwards to 20 bands so far. The most money goes towards buying artist cds at the venue since I know the money goes to them. That is important to me.

There are tons of label samplers, artist samplers and compilations given out. Lots of swag to be had so take a backpack or bag with you.