South by Southwest is here! What began in 1987 as a music festival that drew 700 attendees has evolved into a music, film and interactive conference that boasted a whopping 41,700 registrants and 155,000 participants—people who attended at least one SXSW activity—in 2013. SXSW has helped connect Internet start-ups with more than $500 million in funding and launched the careers of filmmakers and musicians, not to mention the $200 million a year that it pours into the local economy.
SXSW 2014 promises to be bigger than ever. Over the next 10 days, Austinites and visitors from all over the world alike will descend upon the city’s live music venues, bars, theaters, the Convention Center—and just about any other place that can hold a crowd—to enjoy world film premieres, music from every genre, and the top names in cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity. This year brings:
- Music from more than 2,200 regional, national and international acts
- Highly anticipated films from a lineup that features emerging talent, provocative documentaries, comedies, genre standouts and more
- Can’t-miss presentations and panels featuring the brightest minds in emerging technology
- Comedy programming from some of the industry’s most creative names
- The debut of the iTunes Festival, a five-day concert featuring Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar and Willie Nelson, among others
- SXSW Gaming Expo, a free-and-open-to-the-public event
- New sports programming—three days of programming related to sports, athletes and popular culture
- The always-popular and free, open-to-the-public Flatstock, featuring the works of the world’s top gig poster artists
If you’re a badge or wristband holder, chances are you’ve made your schedule and checked it twice. But what if you want to enjoy SXSW on the cheap? That’s easy, too! Blairfield Realty has put together a list of just of few of the many resources available to help you make the most of the week ahead:
Top 5 free SXSW 2014 music parties
Free Butler Park Concert Series
Our picks for the best unofficial free SXSW events
Now that you’re in the know, you need to be prepared. Be sure to RSVP for parties when you are given the option to do so. Also, ride your bike or walk where you can; parking will be limited, and if past years are any indication, traffic will be a big challenge. Don’t have a bike? Consider renting one. If you must drive, be aware of street closures around the city. And if you want to enjoy the festivities but not the crowds (or you want to stay away from both altogether!), you can download an app that helps you avoid them.
From everyone here at Blairfield Realty, happy South-by! Be safe and enjoy.
Photo source: Do512 (http://s3.amazonaws.com/dostuff-production/property_assets/11108/sxsw-2013.jpg)
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