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It’s halftime for South by Southwest (SXSW) 2012 in Austin, Texas. By now, you have played with the latest technology and software on the market. You have wined and dined at the swankiest parties and after parties. The film segment of SXSW is rolling along and the music segment just began. So much to do. So many choices.
Three things remain constant no matter where the festival takes you:
You gotta eat, you gotta drink, and you gotta get around town. So do as the locals do – live like an Austinite.
You can’t expect to party hard on an empty stomach. Luckily for you, Austin is famous for it’s local food stands.
People sell gourmet-style cuisine from their trailers, trucks and even smart cars. And we’re not talking about grimy peddlers trying to make a buck. Vendors work hard to provide the best food possible. Food stands all over Austin will be open from early morning to past midnight as you enjoy Austin nightlife during SXSW.
Be sure to drink water. Lots of water. After you have hydrated, take the time to enjoy some of Austin’s famous craft beers. Many locally-owned brewing companies like Jester King, Live Oak and Real Ale sponsor shows throughout the week. A local blog named Beertown Austin has compiled a list of “Better Beer Shows” worth attending. Most of them are free. Click HERE for the list.
Austin brewers take their craft extremely seriously; SXSW is as an opportunity to show off their delectable recipes.
Have you noticed that driving a car through Downtown during SXSW is like paddling a canoe through molasses? If you want to experience South by Southwest like a true Austin festivalphile, consider renting a bike. Austin has won multiple awards for its bike friendliness, and many local companies rent bicycles to tourists. Prices range, so shop around.
When you finally pedal down to SXSW, companies like South By-Cycle on Sixth Street will provide you with Austin bicycle parking for as little as five bucks a day.
Don't leave your bike unprotected at SXSW. Austin is one of the top ten worst cities for bike theft.
Now you have Austinot Dusty’s three tips for enjoying South-by like a local. Listen to Austinots Eric and Brittany’s podcast HERE for a fun and quirky SXSW survival guide.
Austinot Dusty asks:
What food and drink should everyone experience before the end of the festival?
(Photos are property of Ed Castillo, Scott Kveton, and Chelsea Oakes, respectively.)
