What is SXSW?
Despite its explosive growth and commercialization, SXSW, held every March, remains, at its heart, a place where creative people come to meet and share ideas – and hopefully start or boost their careers.
The music festival draws not only fans but labels, agents and media representatives to listen to music, network and make recording deals.
It’s not just music anymore, either. Those interested in independent film and new media innovators will also find lots of panel discussions and opportunities to discuss their crafts.
How it Works
During the day, conference participants can do business at the SXSW Trade Show or take in any of the hundreds of informative panel discussions put on by experts on a wide variety of topics.
At night, the music is in full force. Each venue has about six acts performing hourly, starting at 8 p.m. That means at any time, there are about 100 bands playing in bars, clubs, churches and other venues. The choices are dizzying.
And here’s a tip: Have a game plan. Map out whom you want to see and where. It’s tough to take full advantage without a schedule.
When in Austin, Eat Like a Local
When most people think of Austin, they think of live music. But, there is also a burgeoning restaurant scene in Texas’ capital city in the middle of the state.
And, all that music and film and interactive stuff is bound to make a person hungry. If you want to check out some places favored by locals (Austin Chronicle’s 2015 readers’ poll winners), check these out:
- Best Taco: Torchy’s. Known for its Jamaican jerk Brushfire taco, Torchy’s started out as a food court and now has franchises all over Texas, including a dozen in Austin.
- Best Seafood: Quality Seafood and Perla’s (tie). Quality Seafood, 5621 Airport, is the place to go if you are looking for a casual Cajun dish or oysters. Perla’s, 1400 S. Congress, is a more upscale with organic grits under your barbecue shrimp.
- Best Pizza: Home Slice and Via 313 (tie). Both these reader favorites have several locations around Austin. Check out Home Slice if you’re in the mood for authentic New York style pizza. Via 313 offers a trendier rectangular pizza with upscale, sometimes carmelized, toppings.
- Best Cure for the Munchies: P. Terry’s. The overwhelming reader favorite has more than a dozen outlets in Austin. The burgers and fries are not only delicious, they’re cheap.
- Best Late Night Dining: Kerbey Lane Café. There are about seven of these in Austin and they’re all open 24 hours a day. They use seasonal ingredients so the menu changes.
Also in Austin
There are some spots every visitor to the city should see, including:
The State Capitol: Built in 1888, the impressive marble and granite building has a huge rotunda and dome.
The LBJ Presidential Library: An exact replica of the Oval Office as it was when Lyndon Baines Johnson was in office is among the interesting exhibits here.
Austin City Limits Live: The most famous stage in the city.
Picture Source
