Posted by Traci M | Sxsw info and tips

by Traci Marie Mondragon

You live in Austin. You are young and love to have a blast. So you know about SXSW. I mean’ you KNOW about it. You can’t afford a badge, so you RSVP like cray to get into as many free events as you can. Maybe you end up waiting in a line for an hour here and there but you GET INTO THOSE PARTIES DAMMIT. But have you ever wondered if there was an easier way? A secret society that seems to be forming around you and wish you belonged to? I’m your gal. I’m about to give you the secrets to having the BEST possible SXSW experience of your life. Promise. Pinky promise.

VOLUNTEER for SXSW. I know what you’re thinking. “I don’t have enough time to volunteer! So many hours! It’s too much work!” Okay, quit being a damn baby and get it together!!! You’re an adult. You’re smart. You’re capable.

Make your schedule work and sign up to volunteer. You work some (mostly easy) shifts, you get a badge. A badge most people pay WELL over $1000 for. It’s almost unbelievable. Do it. (UPDATED) Both volunteer calls have already happened for 2016, but there may be a 3rd one. Head over to volunteer.sxsw.com to see if you can sign up and email to see if you can still be part of a great festival. You won’t regret it.

 You’ll get into SO many parties, lounges, panels, films, shows, etc. that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t have that badge. Even things you can get into without a badge (i.e. Fader Fort) will give you priority access if you have a badge. It’s worth it on so many levels.

RSVP your life away. There are so many sites, Facebook groups, etc. that list free parties if you DON’T have a badge. So if you don’t take my first piece of advice, then do this.

Gather your friends together and carpool or better yet, split Ubers. If the above tips are successful, you WILL be drinking A LOT. So be safe.

SXSW means day drinking. My best advice? Stop drinking at about 8pm. Especially if you have a badge and will be going to night showcases. You won’t make it to that headliner you’re dying to see on the Friday night of Music if you are drinking from noon-4am every night that week. And even if you do… you’ll feel miserable.

If you’re anything like me, SXSW is your Christmas, birthday, and Mardi Gras all rolled into one amazing week. Make it count, make it last, and make it memorable. But most importantly make it safe so you can make it out again next year! And the year after that and the year after that!