My first trip to Texas for this world renowned festival was better than I could have ever imagined. Where to begin? The barbeque? The surprises? The free alcohol? Well first off, it’s not a “music festival” in the same way most of us are familiar with the term. No big fields. No main stage. No ticket necessary. Just so long as you’re ready for an adventure; ready to walk around to the hundreds of restaurants, venues, and bars of downtown Austin, Texas, you are in for a treat. Check after the jump for everything you’d want to know about SXSW and the highlights of 2013.

How does it work?

As stated earlier, this isn’t your typical festival format. There are three kinds of people at SXSW: people who RSVP and go to everything early and for free, people with wristbands (usually Austin locals or smaller websites/publications), and people with badges (people with a lot of money or big time music industry folk). Wristbands cost between $160-230, while badges cost from $700-1200. Badges get priority to every single event. Wristbands get second priority. Sometimes the wristband and badge line is one. In those cases I felt kind of bad for the people who paid 5-8x as much for a badge, but not really. You can get by with RSVP’ing to events and going early, but if you have the opportunity to buy a wristband like I did, you won’t regret it.

Who goes to SXSW?

Anyone and everyone from all over the world. Artists. Celebrities. Big companies. Food trucks. The fact that it’s nearly in the middle of the U.S. brings a lot more people from around the states. This doesn’t keep thrill seekers world wide from coming out for this film, tech, and music wonderland. As far as talent, I always thought Coachella took the cake for bringing the most variety, but this open ended festival brings just about any type of music you can imagine, AND some.

What goes down?

The official showcases are planned around downtown Austin. These shows give priority to people who have bought wristbands or badges, but most of them are open for free RSVP’ers. If you’re down to get there sometimes hours before, of course. But that’s not all. There are TONS of free concerts listed on various websites that give you the inside scoop on where and how to RSVP. These lists usually include places to get food and alcohol for free as well! Open bars are aplenty. Make sure you have your self control in order…Be prepared for exclusive parties, secret shows, adventuring, getting drunk, meeting people, and advertisements (mostly in the form of free stuff).

Where does everything happen?

The events happen all over the city’s seemingly infinite bars, venues, and restaurants that are all pretty much walking distance. Though “walking distance” gets a bit subjective, it is all very doable. Worst case, you are only a $1 bus ride away from the whole city.

When?

The whole SXSW event spans nearly 3 weeks. The first week being focused on technology, followed by film, and ending with music. The music nights last until about 2 AM everyday, unless you hear of the after parties. This is assuming you have enough energy…Music week is 7 days long, so pace yourself.

Why?

The point of this event is to showcase EVERY up and coming buzz band or company in the scene. It gives an opportunity for anyone who dreams of being in the music business a chance to show the world what they have to offer.

Memorable moments
Dancing on stage with Flight Facilities after Jess came out to sing with them.

Riding a scooter during A-Trak’s set at an empty car wash.

When one of the speakers burst into flames during
the Neighbourhood’s set and we put it out with beer.

Taking the wrong bus home and getting dropped off at the
Mad Decent/Fools Gold party while Flosstradamus was playing.

When Disclosure played a full live set at Hype Machine’s Hype Hotel!
Open bar..free tacos…ah

When everyone got pissed that Skream played disco/house for his Boiler Room set.

Watching Aeroplane play a small club during the day to ~50 people.

After going to SXSW for my first time this year, it was made very clear why it’s held to such acclaim. The adventuring possibilities are endless. The drinks seem to never cease pouring. It’s just a place for people to explore and go out of their comfort zone with people they’ve never met. Surely going to reserve the end of March for SXSW from now until I’m deaf or paralyzed or both.