Everything you need to know to make your ACL, SXSW, F1, Pride, or NASCAR trip a success.
Though it’s the capital of Texas, Austin is a relatively small city and not what you’d expect when you’re from US mega metropolises like LA, NYC, Chicago, or even Houston. That’s why when a festival takes place here, it’s extra visible and changes the landscape of the city in multiple ways.
For example, Austin City Limits (ACL) sees 70,000 visitors. That’s a big addition to a place with just 975,000 inhabitants, of which roads, housing, and amenities are built to accommodate. It’s no wonder prices jump, and locals learn to adopt ways to avoid or navigate the biggies. These include South by Southwest (SXSW), Formula 1, NASCAR at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and Pride. Whether you’ve got tickets to one of them or you just happen to be landing at the same time and want to join some of the fun, we’ve put together a guide to surviving festival season in ATX so you can handle it like a pro.
Avoid the Big Downtown Hotels
This is a no-brainer: downtown hotel prices are sky-high during big events and festivals. You’re looking at double, or perhaps even triple the standard nightly rates. It might be tempting to rent a downtown apartment, but that, too, will be expensive. Instead, veer just a little off the main drag. Clarksville and South Lamar, for example, are much more residential yet still within walking distance of Zilker Park, where ACL takes place. The tip of East Austin is close enough to reach the Austin Convention Center. Also, you’ll need to book accommodation as early as possible–literally the moment you know you’re going. On Booking.com, you can cancel for free a couple of days before check-in, so you might as well go ahead and secure a room early on.
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Check the Weather and Pack Accordingly
Central Texas experiences some extreme weather, so check ahead in order to maximize luggage space and be well-prepared for what’s thrown at you. In March for SXSW and October for ACL and F1, you’re lucky that the weather should be quite pleasant in the mid-70s. However, allergy sufferers will need medication during springtime’s cedar fever, and at all times, you’ll need sunscreen, a hat, and an insulated bottle. Pride takes place during the hottest time of the year, in August (thankfully, the bulk of it happens after dark). Speaking of which, remember that temperatures may suddenly dip at night, and Texans love to crank that AC up extra cold, so always have an extra layer in your backpack.
Dress the Part
Due to the weather, the dress code in Austin is relaxed. You can get away with shorts and flip-flops in most establishments, and even in professional settings, suits are seldom seen. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you are going to be doing a lot of walking for certain festivals, and at things like ACL, you need to check the backpack restrictions online. Usually, they need to be a certain size and made of a transparent material. Finally, this isn’t a rodeo. Unless it’s Halloween, there’s no need to wear cowboy hats and boots. Locals wear high-street gear like anyone else in the South, perhaps with a dash more denim.
Prep Your Schedule, But Allow for Flexibility
There are often many talks, parties, and meet-ups happening all at once. To save time, it’s best to study the schedule ahead of arriving and plot your priorities. Remember to check the event location. You don’t want to run from downtown to South Congress multiple times a day, and that area will be densely congested with traffic if you rideshare. Also, allow some flexibility in your plans. You might come across a cool activation and want to stay a while, or run into some acquaintances and be invited to a special event. If you expect not to stick to the complete schedule, you won’t feel the FOMO as bad.
Where Possible, Don’t Ride in a Car
Despite the gridlock traffic, people still drive during festival season, but that’s mainly because there aren’t many better alternatives in Austin. If you’re based close to downtown, the fastest way to get around is on foot. There are often free shuttles, but in the time you’ve lined up and waited for them, you’ll probably be halfway there. The city is so alive during the big events that walking is like a party. You may also consider renting an e-scooter, which can be picked up all over the core of the city and dropped off close to the action. Lime and Bird are both available. If there’s an event at the Domain or a Q2 football game, consider the CapMetro tram service, or if you have to go all the way out to COTA, check if there’s a shuttle or coach service. The racetrack is 15 miles from downtown, and during F1 it can take up to two hours to reach it. Better to spend it sharing a ride rather than sweat it in a taxi or deal with parking your rental.
Stay Safe and Avoid Loitering Around Sixth Street
Sixth Street is a major destination in Austin (mostly for bach parties), but in addition, is the host of a number of SXSW showcases and after-parties. Absolutely go down and enjoy them, but when you’re done, it’s best to head straight over to your next destination. Despite city efforts over the last few years, the area continues to experience crime, including shootings. Be vigilant, stick together, and avoid poorly lit areas.
Save Money: Find the Free and Off-Schedule Events
For those who don’t have a company footing the bill for the conference visit, a festival badge can be extortionate. The walk-up rate of a platinum SXSW badge is $2095. If you’ve opted for a lower-tier badge or no badge at all, it’s still possible to join in the festivities. Simply scope out the off-schedule events. Follow the artists attending on social media—if they’re going to do one show, they’re likely to do some more at one of the many live venues in town. Walking along downtown, you’ll also come across free exhibits and after-parties where all you need to do is purchase a drink. Finally, hotels like Fairmont Austin often have activations themed to festivals, so you can still get that logo selfie. Locals, who don’t want to pay to attend every year, often host their own little parties, so stalk nearby venues and see what’s going on. ATX is a friendly city, and you’ll network for free (and maybe even have more fun).
Keep an Eye on All Those Tacos
Long days of mingling and boozing may result in poor food choices, especially when restaurants are full to the brim. Plus, the go-to canapes in Texas are tacos. As delicious as they are, you probably wouldn’t have them seven days straight if you were back home. Try and factor in a healthy, nutritious meal where you can. Austin-based Snap Kitchen has them ready to grab and go at multiple locations, including Clarksville. Downtown also has Local Foods, Sweetgreen, and a Whole Foods Market. And you must remember to hydrate. There are water refill stations at most festivals, so do your part for the environment and bring a reusable bottle to take advantage of them. Hangovers aren’t so fun when you have back-to-back morning appointments.
Carry a Portable Charger and Plan a Meeting Point
Thousands of people and only so many outlets. You’ll need a portable phone charger to stay connected and help you navigate the city. Plus, so much of a festival is online these days, whether it’s the schedule or reservations system. Another thing to note is the possibility of losing cell service, such as when you’re out in Zilker Park or COTA. Arrange to meet people beforehand, with a designated location and time, or at least have a go-to point in case you accidentally lose a companion.
Explore Austin Beyond the Festival
You’re in a new city, so don’t waste it all inside the convention center or hotel. Get out there and explore what Austin has to offer. It’ll also make a nice excursion for new friends and colleagues. Stroll the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail, see the bats emerge from under Congress Avenue bridge (March to October), and visit the State Capitol (fact: it’s the largest in the US, 14 feet higher than the US Capitol). The city is also packed with culture, so take a look at what’s on at the music venues, museums, and galleries. Remember to have fun, and put the festivity in the festival.