SXSW Tip #1
Today as those infamous SXSW wristbands go on sale, please take a minute to read our Top 5 SXSW myths post from last year. Please refer to #4 and see our thoughts on those lil pieces of plastic. Also, check out SXSW pages from our friends do512, Donewaiting, The Peen Scene, Showlist Austin, Ultra8201, or We Shot Jr. for information on free/RSVP parties. In the coming weeks we’ll make a short list/seperate site of the parties we recommend to you. Also stay tuned next week for details on our very own international extravaganza of a Showcase during the festival. That is all.
2 years ago, I went wristband-less and had a great time because I could go to the day party stuff. I saw all the bands I wanted to see and that was perfect. Last year, I couldn’t get off work and really the only way I was going to get into anyone I wanted to see was via wristband. I got one and was more than happy, going in and out of venues right before pretty big shows. No, you usually can’t get into the big shows, but lesser shows aren’t a problem for wristband holders. This year, I’m off for the week, will go to the day shows, but I still got a wristband because my gf didn’t get off.
tl;dr Buy one if you can’t go to day stuff. It’s worth it.
I dunno man… I went to some pretty solid free things at night too with good music and free beevrages.
I suppose it depends on if you really want to see specific bands or if you just want to see music. Specific bands at night you may not get to see otherwise. Like this year: Seabear and Efterklang for example, only have night shows listed so far. Good luck seeing either without a badge or wristband. I like seeing bands that I’ll have no chance in the foreseeable future of seeing again. It’s highly doubtful many of the overseas acts will be back anytime soon. I’m happy with my purchase. To each their own. If I was completely broke ass, free is the way to go.
if you’re local skip the wristband there’s plenty of free shows to go see both durning the day and night. . To pay $130 to see that one bandis silly. If you’ve got out of town guests coming then get the wristband so you have options.
Side note for me the past two years the day shows have been much better. The bands and crews arnt drunk so the shows we’re tighter.
Car Insurance ads and snoring solution ads…gads! I’m at a loss for words right now.
The only money you should be spending during SXSW should be on a band’s merch, the cabbie/pedicab, and tipping the bar tender.