Eight Survival Tips for Your First SXSW
Do not wear new shoes.
And if you do, do not walk all the way across town just to buy a tablecloth.
Pedicabs and the 'Dillos are your friends.
Comfortable footwear notwithstanding, sometimes you just need to catch a lift. The Dillo trollies on Fifth and Sixth streets a little bumpy, but free and convenient. And Pedicab rides are every bit as terrifying as they seem, but are still a fun (and environmentally-friendly) taxi-alternative that go all over the city.
or better yet, plan your schedule to where you don't need to use them and spend valuable time traveling across town to South Congress or Manor Road.
Don't get too attached to your plans.
They will probably change.
Bands tend to run behind schedule as the day goes on
Accept that there's always something you're missing.
You can spend every hour thinking about the six bands you're not seeing, or you can just enjoy the one in front of you.
My biggest problem. Cloning is the solution.
Plan ahead, especially when the words "buzz band" are involved.
If you really want to see an act, avoid the pain of being stuck out on the curb while the sounds of the next big thing wafts at you from inside. Get there early, even if it might mean taking in a band you're not so keen on (and you never know-- they could be the next next big thing).
Don't be afraid to go it alone.
Last year, I dumped two Brit-hop loving compatriots at Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip and headed up by myself to see Bon Iver at Mohawk. It was hard to feel lonely while being elbowed in the ribs by no less than ten awed strangers at once.
Drink when it's free...
Many day parties have free liquor, and that'll let you clear your head by the wee small hours—just in time to get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling fine.
...but pace yourself.
You probably can't have all the beer and all the bands and all the tacos that you want to have without barfing and/or passing out. Take it easy at first, get your business done, then save the serious craziness for the last day and just zonk out on the flight home.
Go to Hut's.
If you are hungover, or if you've ever been hungover, or if there is a chance you may ever be hungover at any point in your life, consumption of these hamburgers is simply imperative.
... eh, Hut's is too far from the heart of the action. Go to Stubb's and grab a BBQ sandwich instead.
3 comments:
I disagree about hitting up Stubbs over Hut's. Hut's is simply amazing.
Hut's is amazing... I just don't want to walk that far and spend valuable time NOT listening to music.
Fair enough. Have fun at SXSW. I wish I could be there!
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