If you want to get into any of the official SXSW free events open to the public like the Gaming Expo or the outside shows at Butler Park (formerly at Auditorium Shores), you’ll need to pick up a free “Guest Pass.” This is a new feature for SXSW, and it allows you to register your guest pass online to be entered to win prizes. Bring a small brush, some hair ties or bobby pins, a small stick of deodorant or maybe some body spray, lip balm, just anything that will make you feel more comfortable and clean throughout the day. If you want to keep up appearances throughout the day, do not panic. You’ll be sweating a weird amount and your hair will get all mussed up and someone will probably, most definitely end up spilling their drink down your leg. The weather will be hot, then rainy, and then hot again. If you’re going to be out all day, be prepared. Wear shoes that you’ve broken in, that you won’t mind getting a little dirty. Don’t plan on event-hunting downtown in a pair of constricting, 8-inch heels either. Yes, you want to look good, but don’t risk feeling uncomfortable when you’re battling fast winds and heavy rain in a long tank and board shorts. ![]() Piggybacking off of weather preparation, dress practically. when it starts getting dark, it’s likely to get pretty chilly out, so bring a light jacket or sweater that you can carry around with you to avoid going home to change and missing the action. Bring what you know you’ll need for the sun, sunscreen and sunglasses included. The current 10-day forecast from predicts sunny skies starting Tuesday, and while the high barely reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the sun could have you burning in minutes. So check the forecast before you leave for downtown. You will be waiting outside in long lines for hours. And as a reminder, don’t leave your phone or any other belongings unattended. If you don’t have the cash for an extended battery pack, bring a phone charger that’s easy to plug in on the fly. Recently, select venues have added cell phone recharge stations to their setup, but don’t bet on there being a short wait for a recharge locker. Sure, it’s common sense to bring your phone, but visitors flooding downtown Austin by the thousands will put extra stress on the cell towers, causing your phone to search for signal longer and subsequently drain the battery faster. Short-length phone charger/extended battery pack You can’t be too demanding or too careless with your South by experience. Follow a few SXSW-related Twitter accounts for the latest news on pop-up shows and free giveaways. Do not go with the expectation that you will get into everything you want that day, and always have backups. If you don’t have an idea of what’s going on that night, you’ll become frustrated that you can’t find anything free or available to do. Have a good idea of a few shows or events to hit up that day, and make sure that you’ll be able to have access if you do end up going. Yes, we all want to take a ride in that LED-lit boom-box-infused pedicab, but why don’t you just walk instead. At the same time, limiting yourself to cash keeps you from overspending. Sure, there are a lot of freebies to be discovered during the week, but if you care to catch a real meal, be prepared for vendors who don’t take credit or debit. Unless you’re a fan of paying $3.25 each time you withdraw cash from an ATM downtown, bring cash with you. If you’re looking to carry your stuff hands-free but avoid all the junk, the fanny pack is a great alternative. Tote bags are cute and convenient for access, but the uneven distribution of weight will become a strain on your shoulders. ![]() For all of this treasure/junk, and for all your other SXSW essentials, bring a backpack with you. Other things you’ll wish they hadn’t handed to you. Some of this stuff you’ll love (like a pair of breakfast-themed socks, free cans of Red Bull or graphic tees). You don’t have to have a SXSW badge or wristband to be graced with tons of free promotional items. If you want to avoid utter chaos, make sure to bring these things with you in your slouchy vegan leather SXSW tote bag. On the other hand, underpreparing for long lines, unpredictable weather and last minute secret shows will leave you susceptible to experience the dreaded south-by-shit-show. South by Southwest can be the magical, start-up, tech-dude schmooz fest you always dreamed it could be.
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