Dinogo Austin’s Guide to Maximizing Your SXSW 2024 Experience

South by Southwest (SXSW) is taking place in Austin this month. Whether you're a seasoned attendee, a local reveling in the chaos, or a first-time visitor (and trust us, the city transforms dramatically during these ten days), SXSW is a monumental event.

Dinogo Austin is here with essential tips and insights to navigate the expansive festival from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 16, encompassing interactive, film, and music segments alongside abundant food and drinks.

SXSW Logistics

You don’t necessarily need an official badge or wristband to enjoy many of the countless panels, parties, dinners, concerts, and more during SXSW; just be prepared to wait in line. While most SXSW-related events do prioritize badges or wristbands, there are still plenty of happenings open to the general public.

Events and parties tend to fill up quickly, so you may not be able to attend your first, second, or even third choice of programs. Venue capacity is usually strict and likely even more so this year, so anticipate a large turnout. With this in mind, have a backup plan—or two, three, or four.

If there are specific official SXSW panels and films you wish to see, it's beneficial to download the festival app and request express passes for your preferred events via SXXpress Pass. Reservations open the day before the events at 9 a.m. (Tip: log into your account well before 8:50 a.m., as the site can become overloaded.)

A man dressed in a black chef's uniform appears in a video.

José Andrés recorded a message for the premiere of We Feed People at SXSW 2022. Rick Kern/Getty Images for Disney/National Geographic

Another key point to consider: As in previous years, SXSW’s music segment coincides with the University of Texas at Austin’s spring break and Saint Patrick’s Day (which means crowds of people dressed in green looking for green beer). This results in an even larger potential audience.

Attendees of film screenings at the Paramount and State theatres are prohibited from bringing food or drinks inside. Additionally, these venues enforce a strict bag policy: only clear bags are allowed.

This year, SXSW returns as a fully in-person event after experimenting with hybrid formats in the past.

Getting Around

Skip driving. Traffic will be heavier than usual during SXSW, and many streets in downtown and the Barton Creek area will be closed. Opt for ride services like Lyft to travel between neighborhoods. Electric scooters and dockless bikes are alternative options, but be aware that these may be restricted in certain busy SXSW zones, and please don’t leave scooters or bikes blocking sidewalks or roads. Other transportation choices include Capital Metro buses, commuter rails, festival shuttles, pedicabs, or simply walking (wear comfortable shoes!).

The primary hub of SXSW is located in downtown Austin. This area encompasses the Austin Convention Center, the Paramount Theatre, many local hotels, and most of Rainey Street. The region truly comes alive during the festival’s interactive and film segments. The festival's secondary hub, focused on film, is located across the river at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. As the week progresses into the music portion, SXSW's footprint extends into East Austin and Red River Street.

Dress for the weather: March in Austin brings unpredictable weather, especially during SXSW, and this year is no different. As of this guide's publication, thunderstorms are predicted for the first day and again later in the week. Expect high temperatures ranging from 75 to 82 degrees on some days, while others may only reach the 60s. Early mornings will see lows in the 40s. In short, layer up, prepare for rain, and don't forget the sunscreen.

Boygenius surprised fans with a performance at the Austin airport during SXSW 2023. Renee Dominguez/Getty Images for SXSW

Food & Drink & Fun

The old SX food trailer park SouthBites is no longer around. This year, it seems that the cheese-centric Cheeselandia, the upscale James Beard Foundation dinners, and Rachael Ray’s food-filled Feedback event are also absent. However, there are still plenty of exciting options to explore this year. Here are some highlights and important notes to consider.

Be courteous: Adhere to the rules set by each venue, bar, or restaurant, and remember to treat hospitality staff with kindness—this is a hectic time, so please don’t be difficult.

Generously tip: While many SXSW events offer free food and drinks, keep some cash handy to tip your servers and bartenders well; they are putting in a lot of effort.

Barbecue: First things first: is waiting in line at the acclaimed Franklin Barbecue really what you want to do during SXSW? If you didn’t place preorders, it’s probably best to skip it. There are many other fantastic barbecue spots nearby that are easier to access. However, if the weather is chilly or rainy, the line at Franklin might be shorter—so if you’re lucky, go for it! For barbecue outside of the main SXSW hub, check out Distant Relatives across the river in southeast Austin.

Keep in mind: in Texas, barbecue is generally considered more of a lunch option than a dinner choice, although there are restaurants that serve it in the evening.

Tacos: When it comes to tacos, everyone knows about Torchy’s and Tacodeli. No offense to these local chains, but Austin has much more to offer. Consider Veracruz All Natural, which has several locations throughout the city, including one right on Congress and East Cesar Chavez at the Line Hotel. If you prefer a laid-back vibe, visit their truck at Radio Coffee & Beer in South Austin. Additionally, head slightly north of East SXSW central to find Cuantos Tacos. And if you spot a taco truck while wandering, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Attendees hoping to get into the Dolly Parton event at SXSW 2022. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW

Alternative dining options: Many restaurants and bars are often reserved for private functions and brand events, sometimes even on short notice. Before heading out for dinner without a reservation, it's wise to call and check if your chosen spot is open, and be ready for a potential wait. Remember to be polite.

Additionally, food trucks frequently move into and around downtown Austin to cater to the large crowds, especially near the convention center. Explore Austin's popular food truck areas: Rainey Street, East Cesar Chavez, East Sixth, Barton Springs, and more.

Keep hydrated: During the festival, it's essential to drink plenty of water and ensure you’re eating regularly, especially since there’s an abundance of free alcohol available.

Schedule some relaxation. It’s impossible to experience everything, and overexerting yourself will leave you feeling drained. Make time for late mornings and take breaks from the crowds to discover Austin’s vibrant culinary scene. And speaking of which...

Eat locally. If you're traveling to Austin from elsewhere, make it a point to support local Mytouries and businesses. They truly need your support after recent challenges.

Keeping all this in mind, the key takeaway is to remain open to new experiences. The charm of SXSW lies in the adventure of exploration.