5 Tips for SXSW 2024
January 24, 2024
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South by Southwest 2024 is just around the corner, taking place March 8-16. Each year, Austin transforms into a massive platform for all things tech, film, and music. With hundreds of events, both official and unofficial, there’s something to experience every hour of every day throughout the two-week festival.
But with everything there is to see and do, from film premieres to innovative tech showcase to live music shows, navigating SXSW can be overwhelming, to say the least. With a little insider knowledge, though, you’ll be set to have your best festival experience yet, whether you’re a seasoned attendee or are attending for the first time.
Drawing from our SXSW experiences over the years, here are our top tips for enjoying SXSW 2024 to the fullest.
Stay Close
Most SXSW events take place in and around downtown, and, over the years, have even expanded to much of East Austin. To quickly get to the festivities, and avoid congested roads, you’ll want to stay as close to these areas as possible.
Luckily, Heywood Hotel is right in the middle of all of the action. We have the perfect hotel location for SXSW. We’re just one mile away from the Austin Convention Center and within walking or biking distance to more than 100 venues like Stubb’s, Mohawk, Scoot Inn, Hotel Vegas at Volstead, Waterloo Park, Low Down Lounge, Lucky’s Brick Bar and more.
And, after long action-packed days spent on your feet, you’ll want a quiet spot to recharge. Our boutique, seven-room hotel tucked conveniently located in East Austin is the perfect place to retreat to.
At the Heywood, you’ll find luxury beds, personalized, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere. While we’re perfectly situated to allow easy access to all SXSW venues, our small hotel is quiet and serene so you can make the most of your day, then get a good night’s sleep.
Hot tip: Check out this interactive map of SXSW 2024 venues that we developed for your navigational convenience!
Ditch the Car
Traffic can be a nightmare during any major event, and SXSW is no exception. With hundreds of thousands of visitors coming into town, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam when you’re trying to catch a show. Instead, consider alternate transportation to get to and from different venues around town.
Book ahead your trip from the airport to avoid long waits. Wingz is a local, pre-scheduled rideshare company offering flat rates for airport transfers.
You’ll also find the usual rideshare services in Austin, like Uber and Lyft.
Bikes and scooters are also a quick form of transportation during the festival. There are numerous services in town that offer bikes and dockless scooters for rent; you can usually find one on every corner. If you’re a guest at the Heywood Hotel, we offer complimentary bikes so you can get around town with ease.
Check the Weather
Austin weather is beautiful in March, however Texas is notorious for its somewhat unpredictable seasons. While SXSW typically sees many warm days, there have also been unseasonably cold days and even surprisingly hot days in previous years.
Check the weather prior to packing for your trip and bring a few layers for different types of weather.
For the most part, Austin is one of the most beautiful places to be during the spring so rest assured you’ll experience plenty of sunshine and 70 degree days while you’re here.
Seize the Day
To experience the full conference programming, which includes keynotes, curated panels, and informative sessions, it’s necessary to get a badge. But there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities sans badge.
Throughout the conference, there are countless day parties, brand activations, and live music shows that don’t require a badge or wristband. Many of the acts that play the official showcases also play free daytime gatherings, which are normally easy to get into, offer a closer look at your favorite bands, and are sponsored by brands who provide free goodies including food, drinks, and swag.
To find information for unofficial SXSW events, head to sites like Do512 or When Where What Austin, which has a great boots-on-the-ground Instagram account called @thedirtyteam.
There are also platforms like Unofficial SX Guide and RSVpster that will automatically RSVP you to the best parties and shows. All you have to do is purchase a pass that ranges from $30-$54, depending on the types of events you want to attend. These websites usually begin announcing events by mid-January, so don’t delay your planning if you want to experience the best unofficial SXSW happenings.
Make Room for Food
There is so much going on during SXSW, from panel sessions to interactive events to late night music shows–it can be hard to fit any downtime in between. However, fueling up with food and drink is crucial, not only because you’ll need the energy, but because Austin is brimming with some of the best restaurants in the country. You might as well take advantage of the city’s culinary offerings while you’re here!
While in Austin, tacos are a must, and the local specialty is the breakfast taco. Some of the best tacos in the city are handmade at Granny’s Tacos and Las Trancas, two unassuming taco trucks conveniently located on E. Cesar Chavez, just steps from the Heywood Hotel.
A visit to the Lone Star State would not be complete without indulging in barbecue, too. Luckily, Heywood Hotel is within walking distance to a handful of the best barbecue restaurants in Austin. Just a couple blocks away from Heywood is La Barbecue, which serves up perfect brisket along with excellent sides. The world-famous Franklin Barbecue is just a few blocks north of the Heywood Hotel. Micklethwait Craft Meats is another great East Austin barbecue option, easily reached by bike or on foot. In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of these mouth-watering barbecue spots.
Feature image of Lil Cherry x Goldbudda playing SXSW 2023. Photo by Kimmi Cranes. Courtesy of SXSW.com.