I’m not an expert, but I’ve been down to SXSW about 4 times now and I’d like to share what advice I have that might make your first trip a little more enjoyable.  SXSW can be overwhelming if you have never been. My experience is with doing this on a minimal budget. If you have the money to fork over for a badge or wristband, good for you, and enjoy all the benefits that affords you. For those that don’t know how things work down at SXSW, there is somewhat of a class system at the official showcases. Badges get in first, then wristbands and then if there is any room left over some venues sell tickets you can buy at the door that will range from a few bucks up to $40 or more I’ve seen for Old 97s. It depends on show and venue. But, for any real big name, don’t expect to get in, or get there super early and wait in line and hope they will sell you a ticket at the door.

So, here’s my advice if you can’t afford a badge or wristband. Just go down to Austin, hit all the free day parties you can, that often have free beer. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) will be down there as well as over 30 diverse and amazing Kansas City bands at the most awesome free party you could ever imagine .. The Midwasteland Takeover. I’ll be there a lot of my time. I do plan to sneak away for another of my favorites, the Bloodshot Records BBQ, noon to 5 on Friday, at the Yard Dog art gallery (which is worth a see if you’ve never been), free beer and bands. If you aren’t into insurgent country, get online and find a day party of a genre you prefer. There are tons of them, if you do a little research. There is a facebook group right now letting you know about tons of “Unofficial” SXSW parties. These are the ones where you don’t need to worry about badges or wristbands.

The official showcases are awesome and you should try to hit those up as well, just don’t necessarily expect to get in. Expect long times and if you can’t get in, know that you can stumble down the street, get into another venue and maybe discover a new band you love that you had never heard of. The town lake stage also offers some big names at a free, public show with a chance to enjoy some nature.

Don’t expect to get much sleep, expect long lines, to walk a lot and parking to be a bitch. You’ll have tons of great food to choose from and often free food during the day. Just wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be prepared to get a little exercise while you are down there. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get to see your favorite band, maybe you can find a new favorite band. Do a little research and have a general plan of who you want to see, when and where they are playing and figure out the logistics a bit. Otherwise, you might be running in circles and missing everything you want to see. Realize this plan all goes out the door when you get there, but at least have an idea of what you want to do. Or, just go to Austin and wander around and discover something new if you really don’t care about that.

The point is you can have a blast at SXSW with very little money. I’ve never spent more in door covers than I would have on a wristband. I’ve usually had my fill of amazing music, free beer, food and had the time of my life. See ya down in Austin! Come say “hi” to me at the KC showcase and just have fun. It’s Austin, it will be warm and there will live music everywhere!