Can you hear that? That shrill, piercing cry of warning in the distance? Locals call it the sound of paradise lost - but to everyone not from Austin, Texas that's just the opening gong crash of the town's annual deal with the corporate devil, otherwise known as South By South West.
Somewhere beyond the Mason Dixon, through the swamps and past the prisons, behind the towering mountain peaks of Smirnoff and Scion ads, SXSW presides ominously over Austin every year like a perfect storm of terrifying hippie bacchanalia and 20-something existential crises soundtracked by the latest band to score a Jetta commercial. In short: It's the most "Austin" week in Austin all year long. But it's also so much more.
In the 25 years Austin has hosted SXSW, the festival has swelled into something few who originally experienced it would recognize today - and that's for the best. While the idea of a festival that requires you to pay - at the very least - $625 for admission to its officially sanctioned concerts might sound like a taunting gift from hell, it's actually brought out the best in the musicians, artists and promoters who make the experience. So, if you're turned off by the prospect of spending half your paycheck on a wristband, don't give up just yet. There's an easier and better way to SXSW. Free.
It's an all too common mistake to assume there's no way to enjoy SXSW without buying a music badge. But even if you have the money, it's still likely you've wasted your cash on nothing more than a plastic superiority complex. Badges might get you into "official shows" - and we're not discounting the opportunity to see the Beastie Boys, or Prince drop in for a surprise performance - but in our experience the most electrifying, truly unique moments of the fest happen outside of the official events. And those moments also happen to cost you nothing more than a simple RSVP to a party, or often even less.
Whether its taking a midnight "bruise cruise" with Jay Reatard (R.I.P.) on Lake Austin, seeing F***ed Up start a 2 a.m. 2,000-person riot on the Austin Pedestrian Bridge, or watching your new favorite band from inches away as they play Some Guy's Living Room, these are the beer-showered, lighting in a bottle moments that often make the rest of the fest sound quaint in comparison; arguably the true heart of SXSW that's been luckily forced into
existence because of the proliferation of badge-only concerts sponsored by Levi's and long drink lines.
So, how do you see SXSW for free?
Step 1: Day Shows
Links to free day show lists: Ohmyrockness, SXSW, MXDWN
Assuming you've found a floor to crash on, or the last available hotel room in town, you'll want to pay close attention to SXSW's list of day shows, which are by and large free. Day-time concerts are also one of the few instances during the fest when the all-ages crowd can enjoy at least some of the spoils of SXSW.
For the all-ages crowd, Ohmyrockness.com has a helpful filter to sift through the wealth of options for shows that won't require you to have been born in 1992.
Step 2: Twitter feeds/Facebook/FacePalm
Helpful Twitter/Facebook links: SXSWPartyList, Facebook Party List, Unofficial Concerts via Facebook
The Internet is a wily, capricious mistress; she giveth and taketh away at her own whimsy. We suggest you tackle SXSW the same way.
SXSW can change in an instant. One of the best ways to prepare for the unexpected - "Action Bronson is rapping in an ally"; "It's raining at Auditorium Shores"; "Bronson Pinchot is here", etc. - is to follow a few helpful SXSW-related Twitter, and Facebook-feeds for the best and most up-to-date information about everything free at the fest.
Step 3: Making a Schedule
If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of bands you don't know, you're not alone - everyone is. Still, it doesn't hurt to make an exhaustive list of shows you could potentially attend. Find even one band you really like at a record label or someone else's showcase, at the very least you're sure to catch something interesting.
Make a big schedule of artists you'd like to see, but leave it loose enough so that you can account for surprises. You'll enjoy yourself more when you aren't trying to run from downtown to the far east side in under 30 minutes. Plus, some of the best moments at SXSW crop up when you stumble into a random concert only to realize you're just where you belong, listening to the next big thing, or a once-in-a-lifetime performance by some unsigned band from New Zealand.
Austin Must Sees/Sure Bets for SXSW
One of the most unpretentious venues in a scene filled to the brim with them, cozy Trailer Space Records on Austin's East Side is not to be missed for its eclectic mix of garage, punk, surf, art rock, and more. The store has dependably featured some of the best concerts I've ever witnessed at SXSW: Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, and Kid Congo Powers to name a few.
In the heart of downtown Austin, right next to the river, resides Auditorium shores, possibly the most scenic venue left at this year's SXSW, now that the French Legation looks to have opted out of the festivities. Come for three nights of free concerts with bands like The Flaming Lips and Divine Fits, stay for the patchouli.
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Nestled amongst the filth and fury of Sixth Street resides arguably the finest slice of pie available west of I-35 in Austin. Grab some pizza and stick around for Hoeks' own schedule of SXSW shows.
Ask for the "Don Juan" and a handshake from owner Juan Meza, you'll thank me later. This is what many Austinites swear is the best breakfast taco in town, and we wouldn't be caught arguing. Just do yourself a favor and get there early.
Other SXSW Resources/ Free Night Time Concerts
Check below for a look at more of the free concerts and parties, including a full guide to everything going on after dark.
More links: Showlist Austin, Wild Honey Pie Guide to RSVP-ing for Parties
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