How to SXSW {2018}

Get the most out of SXSW while putting in the least amount of effort

Words by Grace Schrobilgen

SXSW is upon us once more!  Be a part of the experience without buying a wristband, while also attending shows at some of the best local venues. By opting for shows in some of Austin’s lesser-known spots, you’ll get a more Austin-ey experience than anyone else, and you’ll pay less for it.

Sober South By

The Sans Bar is new to Austin, and they are the first and only sober bar in the city.  They put on alcohol-free pop-up events all over town, one of which is happening during SXSW! On March 9 for only $10 you can enjoy food, non-alcoholic beverages, and live music. Their website also periodically hosts raffles to win free VIP tickets to the event. Sober South By will take place on Chicon Street in East Austin, and it’s great for anyone who knows it’s possible to have fun without being intoxicated.
do512.com | 301 Chicon Street

Hotel Vegas and The Volstead

These two “sister bars” are located next door to each other on East 6th Street and feature a total of five stages for SXSW events. They are hosting performances practically every day of the festival, starting with their 7th anniversary party on Thursday, March 8, where they are combining with their neighbor bar, Annex, for a total of seven stages of performances. This is technically the day before SXSW starts, but throughout the night you will have the chance to win VIP tags that will get you into every other Hotel Vegas show for the duration of SXSW 2018. This event has no cover charge and features 77 bands, DJs, and comedians, as well as specials on food and drinks. The venue shouldn’t be too crowded, and even if you don’t win the VIP tickets for the week, many of their events are still free if you RSVP beforehand.
texashotelvegas.com | 1502 East 6th Street

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HQ Trivia Meet Up

If you fancy yourself a trivia expert, this event is for you. HQ is a newly popular trivia game where you answer questions live on your phone for the chance to win a cash prize. From 2-2:15pm on March 9, there will be an HQ meet up at the Austin Convention Center, where thousands of people will come together, enjoy free wifi, and play HQ while all standing in the same general vicinity. You’ll get to see people’s frustration first-hand when they answer questions incorrectly, and if you don’t know an answer there will be thousands of people to ask for help. The event is free, short, and you might even win money to put towards your other SXSW excursions.
eventbrite.co.uk | 500 East Cesar Chavez Street

Bring a Bike

If you’ve done SXSW before, you know that parking is an absolute nightmare. If you play your cards wrong, you could end up spending more time in the car than at the actual events. Austin is very bike-accessible, so we recommend peddling your way between venues. It’s the only way to avoid sitting in traffic for hours at a time, and you can lock it to the nearest bike rack instead of paying for parking .

There’s also a bike renting service called Austin B-Cycle that has stations all over the city. Check out their map to see the available locations for picking up and returning their bikes. This would be great to use if you don’t have your own bike or are worried about leaving it alone while you attend shows.
austinbcycle.com

Did you know? Once The Sans Bar opens in a permanent location, they plan to host yoga, meditation, and fitness classes during the day!

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