It’s that time of year again, Austin! Spring is in the air and South by Southwest Conference & Festivals will be here before you know it. Each year, the annual celebration of music, film, and technology transforms the city into a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-time explorer, our blog below is your essential guide, providing meticulous details on what to know before, during, and after your exhilarating experience at SXSW.
This year’s 9-day event will be held from March 8 – 16. The first few days of the festival kicks off with a lucrative schedule of Conferences and Comedy, Film & TV Festivals all weekend long — to be followed by Exhibitions starting Sunday, March 10 and Musical events in full swing by Monday, March 11. Find the official SXSW timeline below or visit here for more a more detailed schedule overview.
If you’re planning on attending any or all what SXSW has to offer, securing access to the events you want should be first and foremost on your to-do list. Make sure to register in advance and keep an eye on South by’s Registration timeline to know where and when to pick up your badge. Badge pickup will be held at Exhibit Hall 1 at the Austin Convention and opens March 3 prior to the event start. Remember, discounted badges are available for eligible parties. Visit here to purchase your badge and find SXSW’s official Badge Quiz to determine the best choice for an unforgettable experience.
If you’re coming from out of town, step two is finding a place to stay for the duration of the event. Make sure to plan ahead for this one as well, because the city will be hustling and bustling weeks before the festival in prep for nine days of screenings, showcases, sessions, and more. To book through SXSW’s official Housing & Travel affiliates, see here.
So, you’ve done your prep work and the week of SXSW is finally here. If this is your first rodeo, it can be a little overwhelming with so many things happening all around the great city of Austin. Here are a few ways to help keep you up to speed to make sure you don’t miss a beat! Direct links to SXSW Categories:
When planning your personal SXSW event calendar, make sure to take advantage of the official tools on South by’s website here. Find a breakdown of everything happening with a daily timeline and programming schedule in addition to recommendations by the SXSW team. Your busy SXSW schedule and badge accessibility can be at the tips of your fingertips with South by’s mobile app — SXSW GO — available for iOS and Android. Be sure to follow South by’s official social media accounts to stay up to date on event news, before during, and after. For additional planning services and resources, visit the online Attendee Services Hub here.
Once you’ve immersed yourself in all things SXSW culture in Austin, you might find yourself longing for more innovation, creativity, and unforgettable moments in the Texas Capital. If the spirit of SXSW has left you captivated by the undeniable charm of Austin, consider turning your temporary stay into a permanent address. At Moreland Properties, we specialize in transforming experiences into enduring chapters of life. Contact me today to embark on the journey of making Austin your forever home. From Moreland to you, welcome home.
