Top products from r/SXSW

Here, I'll save you a click.

SXSW is a Music, Film, Interactive, and more conference from March 8 – 17 in Austin, TX, which provides a chance to party with some of the greatest people on Earth. (Official SXSW Site)

SXSWi – South by Southwest interactive is the conference where Twitter was launched and staring at your phone is expected. Understand SXSWi parties are more business with a side of music, booze, and food.

SXSW Film – The who’s who of Hollywood are all in town for the movies premiers, parties, and music.

SXSW Music – The variety in music is unmatched by any festival in the world.   Recent years have hosted over 2000 official and unofficial artists playing multiple shows daily to break to the next level!  These artists are putting in work!

SXSW has an Attendee Services Hub that has all the info for official attendees.

What to Bring

HARDCORE

• ID
  
• Cash/Credit card
  
  

  EVERYTHING ELSE
  

  
  

• Bag – to hold other supplies and free swag (Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag)
  
• Poncho – Weather is crazy in Austin
  
• Comfortable Shoes – e.g. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus
  
• Sunscreen – at least SPF30
  
• Lip balm
  
• Pain killer
  
• Breath mints or gum
  
• Wet-wipes
  
• Quality Ear Plugs – Keeps ears healthy and drowns out side conversations (Etymotic High-Fidelity Earplugs)
  
• Extended battery pack – Your phone will die (small or large)
  
• Phone Charger – You may forget to recharge your extended battery pack
  
• Print outs of the parties you want to go to –Your phone will be slow
  
  

  Getting Around
  

  
  

• Pedicabs – staple of SXSW travel $15 – $40 to get most places
  
• Taxis– Head to a hotel or I-35 access road to catch one
  
• Taxis Alternatives 
  
  • Ride Austin – Local, Non-Profit
    
  • Check Ride.Guru to compare the other non-local ride shares
    
• Capital Metro Buses
  
• Parking – Try to get downtown before noon
  
• Walking – Lots
  
• Bicycles – Helps cut down on the walking
  
• Scooters – Everywhere
  
  • Rules
    
    

    Parties
    

    
    Many SXSW attendees are here for business, so expect a lot of side conversation during performances. If you are there for the music, try to get to the front and remember earplugs.
    
    

• Follow these accounts on Twitter – they will provide the best unofficial SXSW updates
  
• RSVP for everything – create a separate email account (RSVPster is a lifesaver)
  
• Have a backup plan or four – print them out (phones die)
  
• Arrive early  – lining up an hour or two early is sometimes the only way to get into a “must see” party or shows
  
• If you are not having fun, leave
  
• Find new music
  
• Make friends
  
  • If you are networking remember business cards
    
• Tip the bartender – even if the drinks are free
  
  

  Food
  

  
  

• Some parties will have food – Check the RSVP (follow @thefreenoms on Twitter)
  
• Food Trucks are awesome
  
• Taco, Taco, Taco– (Torchy’s Secret Menu – try the Trailer Park Hillbilly Style)
  
• BBQ – Austin is becoming the BBQ capital of world but if you need a break and have a car head to Lockhart for authentic Central Texas BBQ
  
• Many more – Check Yelp or Urban Spoon
  
  

  Official Music Showcases
  

  
  

• Arrive early
  
• Priority
  
  • Primary access is Platinum and Music badges
    
  • Second – Film and Interactive badges
    
  • Third – Music festival wristbands
    
  • Forth – no credentials $0 – $20
    
    
    
    SXSW 2019 Playlists
    
    SXSW 2019 Twitter List
    
    SXSW 2019 Unofficial Guides, Party Lists, and Helpful Sites
    
    SXSW 2018 – Wrap Up and Photos

if you still need to get an iron, i suggest one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC you can buy them at Altex on I35. but like the other person said, if you just need to solder one thing, SXSW Create (where the maker booth is) is free, and full of soldering irons. Opens at 11 tomorrow morning.

Gee some people aren't huge fans of the more spontaneous among us.

This is most likely my plan http://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Adventure-Backpackers-Forest-43-Inch/dp/B003IUTHFI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425482281&sr=8-5&keywords=stansport+tent ; a place to stay found here for the couple unplanned days would just be one less night in the tent and a place to shower.

Oddly no Austin fb friends; I did check.