Published February 27, 2018
#LocalsOnly SXSW Guide
As Austinites, we are incredibly lucky to have one of the biggest festival experiences in our backyard. From major venues to your neighbor’s backyard, there will be parties and bands performing everywhere from the start of Interactive to the end of Music. If you don't have a badge or wristband, that's really not a problem. The number of unofficial events can be overwhelming so we’ll leave the comprehensive lists to the pros (like these guys), but here are our top picks and tips to survive the chaos.
Local Bands
Kick off the fest with Do512's Galactive Interactive party on Friday, March 9th. Three stages worth of live music, stand up comedy, and drinks all day/night long. Make sure to catch a few of our local faves, The Bishops & Näm.
RSVP: http://2018.do512.com/galacticinteractive
KUTX 98.9 and Austin Creative Alliance have joined forces to produce this year's All Our Friends Ball. With five stages of bands curated by the Chronicle's Kevin Curtain, you are bound to discover a new local band you will love.
RSVP: https://spiderhouse.com/event/friends-ball-2018/
For the Family
Don't forget about the kids! Take them to Do512’s 4th Annual Family Picnic. Hang out and watch the bands while your kids are entertained by art activities, magic, puppets, & face painting. Food trucks will be on site and as a plus, it's BYOB.
RSVP: http://2018.do512.com/familypicnic
The Little Yoga House is hosting their 6th Annual Kid's Fest! This special festival is two days, March 13th and 14th, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, with live music, interactive tech, art, and film activities for kids of all ages.
Early Risers
Start your Wednesday morning with yoga and a dance party at HEARTS OF GOLD, a transformative morning to make your body, heart and spirit — golden. DJ Mel will be spinning the tunes while you enjoy free healthy juices, breakfast treats by Manitoba Harvest, cold brew and more freebies. Oh and did we mention it’s goat yoga?
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daybreaker-atx-hearts-of-gold-tickets-42910070175
We love the early morning broadcasts from KUTX and KGSR! Both feature established local acts as well as popular acts (like Nathaniel Rateliff!) and are open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. These events are also family friendly and admission includes breakfast and coffee plus benefits a good cause.
KUTX - http://kutx.org/features/kutx-live-at-four-seasons-sxsw-2018
KGSR - http://www.kgsr.com/live-morning-broadcast-2018
Tickets are distributed on a rolling basis during “pop-up” sales so sign up for their emails and follow their social media channels to stay up to date. And if you get tickets, maybe bring us?
Tickets: http://luckreunion.com/#2018-1
(Survival) Tips
RSVP
The magic word for SXSW is...RSVP. During the day, there are plenty of events that don’t require credentials so you will have plenty of access to great shows.
Bring
Bag - to hold supplies and all of your free swag.
Phone Charger / Extended battery pack - your phone will die.
Sunscreen / Poncho - because the weather in Austin is unpredictable.
Ear Plugs - if you are planning on standing close to stage, you will thank us.
Comfy Shoes - you will be standing and walking A LOT so make sure your shoes will support you.
Links/Follow
Hashtags to Follow
#SXLines
#SXnoms
#SXDrinks
#SXSWTips
#SXSWRumors
Trying to avoid SXSW? If Rodeo Austin is more your style, tickets are still available. And if you send us a referral before March 9th, you will be entered into our referral giveaway for tickets to see Ludacris! Send us an email at schuyler@wgrouprealestate.com or complete the quick form.
