Every March, Austin becomes a different city.

Traffic gets worse.

Hotel prices go insane.

Downtown gets packed.

Music pours out of bars.

Brands take over parking lots.

Celebrities start appearing at restaurants.

And seemingly every empty piece of pavement becomes an opportunity for somebody to build a temporary stage.

It’s SXSW.

For people with badges, SXSW is a massive conference, film festival, music festival and networking event.

For everybody else, it can look like you’re locked out of the party.

You’re not.

One of the biggest misconceptions about SXSW is that you need a badge to experience it.

You don’t.

In fact, some of the most memorable SXSW experiences happen outside the official conference venues.

The key is knowing how Austin works during SXSW.

And after years of covering Austin events, Baller ATX has learned one important lesson:

Don’t try to do SXSW like a badge holder if you don’t have a badge.

Do it like an Austin local.

FIRST: UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE NOT GETTING

Let’s be clear.

A SXSW badge gives you access to official programming, venues and events that aren’t necessarily available to the general public.

Without credentials, you’re not going to walk into every keynote, every panel or every official showcase.

That’s not the goal.

The goal is to take advantage of everything happening around SXSW.

And there is a lot.

The city fills with unofficial parties, outdoor concerts, brand activations, restaurant events, pop-ups and free shows.

Some require RSVPs.

Some have capacity limits.

Some are first-come, first-served.

Some are completely open.

And some events advertise themselves so heavily that you’ll wonder how anyone could possibly miss them.

SXSW 2024 RUNS MARCH 8–16

The official 2024 SXSW conference and festivals run March 8 through March 16.

Music is one of the biggest components, with showcases and performances spread throughout downtown and the surrounding entertainment districts.

Film and TV programming also takes over theaters across Austin.

And then there are the hundreds of unofficial events happening outside the official schedule.

That’s where Baller ATX comes in.

TIP #1: DON’T START DOWNTOWN AT 10 P.M.

This is probably the biggest mistake first-time SXSW visitors make.

They wait until nighttime.

Then they head downtown.

Then they discover everyone else had exactly the same idea.

If you don’t have credentials, start early.

Morning events.

Day parties.

Food pop-ups.

Brand activations.

Outdoor stages.

Panels open to the public.

Those are your opportunities.

By the time the sun goes down, you’ll already have had half a day of SXSW.

TIP #2: RSVP TO EVERYTHING

This is probably the most important rule.

If an unofficial party offers an RSVP:

Do it.

Even if you’re not sure you’re going.

Even if you have five other events scheduled.

Even if the event is free.

RSVP.

You can always decide later.

But if the event fills up and you didn’t RSVP, you may be out of luck.

This is especially important for brand parties, private showcases and popular day parties.

TIP #3: FREE DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN WALK-IN

This is where people get confused.

An event might be advertised as “free.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean you can simply walk up and get inside.

Free may mean:

Free with RSVP.

Or:

Free while capacity lasts.

Or:

Free before a certain time.

Or:

Free for people who register online.

Read the details.

Don’t assume.

TIP #4: CHECK THE RSVP THE NIGHT BEFORE

SXSW changes quickly.

Events get updated.

Times change.

Venues change.

Additional performers are announced.

So if you’ve RSVPed to something several days ago, check it again before heading out.

The event website or organizer’s social media account may have updated information.

TIP #5: USE INSTAGRAM AS YOUR SXSW GUIDE

During SXSW, Instagram becomes one of the best ways to find out what’s happening.

Bars.

Restaurants.

Brands.

Musicians.

Promoters.

Event organizers.

They’re all posting.

Follow the places you already like before the festival begins.

Watch Stories.

Look for announcements.

Look for RSVP links.

Look for same-day events.

Sometimes the best party of the day doesn’t get heavily promoted until the morning it happens.

TIP #6: FOLLOW THE BARS

This is one of the easiest Baller ATX strategies.

Make a list of Austin bars and venues you already like.

Then check their SXSW schedules.

Places on Red River, Sixth Street, East Sixth, Rainey Street and South Congress often become part of the SXSW ecosystem.

Some host official showcases.

Some host unofficial parties.

Some host DJs.

Some bring in touring bands.

Some simply become packed with people.

Either way, they’re worth watching.

TIP #7: RED RIVER IS YOUR FRIEND

If you’re looking for live music without a badge, start with Red River.

The neighborhood already has a concentration of music venues, which means SXSW crowds naturally gravitate there.

Mohawk.

Empire.

Cheer Up Charlies.

Elysium.

Swan Dive.

Valhalla.

And the surrounding bars and restaurants.

You can spend hours walking around without ever needing to travel across the city.

TIP #8: GO TO EAST SIXTH

East Sixth is another great option.

During SXSW, bars and restaurants throughout the area get involved with events.

And unlike a giant festival venue, you can walk from place to place.

Find a show.

Grab a drink.

Walk outside.

Hear something coming from another bar.

Go investigate.

That’s how SXSW should be experienced if you’re going without credentials.

TIP #9: DON’T IGNORE SOUTH CONGRESS

South Congress can be slightly less chaotic than downtown while still giving you plenty to do.

Restaurants.

Bars.

Shops.

Pop-ups.

Outdoor events.

And plenty of people walking around.

It’s particularly good during the day.

Start with lunch.

Walk around.

Find a patio.

Check out a brand activation.

Then head downtown later.

TIP #10: DAY PARTIES ARE GOLD

If you’re trying to do SXSW without a badge, day parties are your best friend.

They are often easier to access than nighttime events.

Many are free.

Some have open bars.

Some have food.

Some have live music.

And some have surprisingly big names.

The best part?

You don’t have to stay until midnight.

You can attend a day party from noon to 3, then go somewhere else.

You’re building your own SXSW schedule.

TIP #11: FOOD IS A HUGE PART OF SXSW

Don’t make the mistake of thinking SXSW is only about music.

Austin restaurants know thousands of visitors are coming.

That means special menus.

Pop-ups.

Chef events.

Brand activations.

Food trucks.

Barbecue.

Tacos.

And plenty of free food at sponsored events.

If you’re doing SXSW on a budget, keep an eye out for events offering food.

You can turn a day of SXSW into breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks without spending as much as you might think.

TIP #12: FOLLOW THE FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks are another advantage for the badge-less SXSW visitor.

You don’t need a reservation.

You don’t need a ticket.

And you can usually find something quickly.

Tacos are the obvious choice.

But don’t limit yourself.

Austin’s food-truck scene is enormous.

Use SXSW as an excuse to try something you’ve never eaten.

TIP #13: DON’T CHASE CELEBRITIES

This is important.

You’re going to see famous people.

Maybe.

But don’t spend the entire day trying to find them.

SXSW is filled with celebrities, musicians, actors, executives and influencers.

You’ll hear rumors constantly.

“Someone saw so-and-so at this restaurant.”

“That actor is at this party.”

“That band is playing a secret show.”

Some of it will be true.

Some of it won’t.

And even if it is true, you may spend two hours chasing somebody who leaves five minutes before you arrive.

Go enjoy the festival.

If you happen to see somebody famous, cool.

TIP #14: SECRET SHOWS ARE REAL — BUT DON’T BUILD YOUR ENTIRE NIGHT AROUND THEM

SXSW has always had surprise appearances.

Bands show up.

Artists play unexpected sets.

Celebrities appear.

But secret events are exactly that.

Secret.

Don’t rely on them.

Have an actual plan.

Then if something unexpected happens, it’s a bonus.

TIP #15: GET OUT OF DOWNTOWN

SXSW doesn’t end at Congress Avenue.

Austin is a big city.

Some of the best unofficial parties happen outside the immediate downtown core.

Look at:

East Austin.

South Congress.

East Sixth.

Red River.

South Lamar.

The Domain.

Different neighborhoods have different events.

And if you’re willing to travel a little, you’ll have more options.

TIP #16: DON’T DRIVE DOWNTOWN

This should be obvious.

It isn’t.

Every year people attempt to drive directly into downtown during SXSW and then wonder why they’re stuck in traffic.

Don’t.

Park outside the busiest area.

Use rideshare.

Walk.

Use public transportation where practical.

And if you’re drinking, absolutely do not drive.

TIP #17: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

You’re going to walk more than you think.

You may walk a mile between events.

Then another mile to food.

Then another mile because your next event is somewhere else.

Comfortable shoes are not optional.

They are SXSW survival equipment.

TIP #18: BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER

Your phone is going to get destroyed.

Maps.

Instagram.

RSVP emails.

Tickets.

Event websites.

Group texts.

Photos.

Videos.

Rideshare apps.

Everything depends on your phone.

Bring a portable charger.

Seriously.

TIP #19: DON’T OVERBOOK YOURSELF

This is the biggest mistake after not RSVPing.

People schedule:

12 p.m. event.

1 p.m. event.

2 p.m. event.

3 p.m. event.

4 p.m. event.

5 p.m. event.

6 p.m. event.

It looks great on paper.

It will never happen.

Austin traffic.

Lines.

Walking.

Events running late.

Security.

Crowds.

Give yourself time.

Two or three major events in a day is plenty.

Everything else is a bonus.

TIP #20: HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

If your main event has a huge line, leave.

Don’t stand there for two hours hoping.

Find another event.

This is the advantage of going without a badge.

You aren’t locked into a schedule.

If something doesn’t work, move.

SXSW WITHOUT A BADGE IS ABOUT BEING FLEXIBLE

This is the biggest lesson.

If you’re trying to recreate the official SXSW experience without credentials, you’re going to be frustrated.

Don’t.

Create your own.

Wake up.

Find breakfast.

Check Instagram.

Look at the day’s events.

Pick a couple.

Head downtown.

See what happens.

Maybe you get into the party you wanted.

Maybe you don’t.

Maybe you discover a band.

Maybe you find a food truck.

Maybe you end up at a bar you had never visited.

That’s SXSW.

THE BEST FREE THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS THE BIGGEST EVENTS

Don’t assume the biggest party is automatically the best.

Sometimes a small venue with a local band is much more fun.

Sometimes a tiny backyard party has better food.

Sometimes a bar you’ve never heard of has the best DJ.

Sometimes the biggest brand activation is just a giant line.

Explore.

THE BANGER’S SAUSAGE HOUSE STRATEGY

One of the easiest ways to build a day around East Austin is to start with food.

Grab something at a local restaurant.

Walk toward East Sixth.

Find a bar.

Check the day’s events.

Then move toward downtown as the afternoon develops.

You’re not trying to be everywhere.

You’re trying to enjoy the city.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE OFFICIAL FREE EVENTS

SXSW itself also offers programming and performances that don’t necessarily require the same credentials as every conference session.

Keep checking the official SXSW schedule as the festival approaches.

Events and access requirements can change.

The key is to look for anything specifically marked as open to the public or requiring free registration.

THE BLAZER-AND-SNEAKERS RULE

Austin SXSW fashion is simple.

Wear something that works for 80-degree weather.

And something that works for 50-degree weather.

Because you might get both.

Bring layers.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Don’t worry about looking like you’re attending a technology conference.

You aren’t.

You’re going to be walking around Austin all day.

THE BALLER ATX SXSW SURVIVAL KIT

Here’s what should be in your bag:

✔ Phone

✔ Portable charger

✔ ID

✔ Comfortable shoes

✔ Sunglasses

✔ Sunscreen

✔ Light jacket

✔ Water

✔ Event RSVP confirmations

✔ Rideshare app

✔ Patience

You’ll need all of them.

THE BOTTOM LINE

SXSW can seem intimidating if you don’t have credentials.

Don’t let it.

The badge is only one way to experience the festival.

The other way is to experience Austin during SXSW.

And honestly, that’s what we recommend.

Walk Red River.

Explore East Sixth.

Eat tacos.

Find a food truck.

Check out a day party.

Listen to a band you’ve never heard.

Grab a drink.

Find another event.

Talk to people.

Take pictures.

And let the city surprise you.

Don’t spend the entire week worrying about what you’re missing inside the convention center.

There is an enormous amount happening outside of it.

And the best part?

You don’t need a badge to experience Austin.

You just need to know where to look.

SXSW 2024: March 8–16.

No badge?

No problem.

Go have your own SXSW.