If you’re planning on doing SXSW, this is for you. I’ve been bombarded with questions, so I’m just answering some of the most popular ones. I’ve been covering SXSW for almost 20 years and that’s a lot, so let’s get started.
1 – How do I recognize a celebrity?
The most common question I get asked is how to recognize a celebrity. I have a full list of all the celebrities confirmed to be attending the festival. You can watch it here. If you’re looking for a photo, an autograph, or whatever, know that many celebrities come for the films shown at the festival. So, go to it SXSW.com and check out the schedule to see when their film will be shown. The red carpet usually starts an hour beforehand.
When you go out there, be respectful. Stay in the area. Security tells you to stay there. Please note: If you really want to get in front of the barrier to get a photo or autograph, you should get there early. Be prepared to stand – and probably very hot.
Again, I must insist that you be respectful. Sometimes celebrities get really behind schedule. Sometimes they don’t feel well. Sometimes they skip this area entirely. But they usually come over and try to get as many autographs and photos as possible.
2 – Do I need to have ID?
The second question I get asked is: Do you have to have ID? You don’t necessarily have to have an ID to visit everything. There are lots of free events and a great account to follow if you want to keep up with every event The dirty team on Instagram. The account is run by the When Where What Austin team and they keep up with everything event related.
As for watching the films, Most screenings and premieres are intended primarily for badge holders and access is limited. In recent years, SXSW has offered a limited number of public tickets (no ID required) to select screenings at theaters such as Paramount, Stateside, ZACH and Austin Film Society. Tickets will be sold at the box office shortly before the start of the performance, provided there are still seats available after entry with ID card holders. This usually works best for less crowded or daytime screenings, not big premieres – and you should arrive at least an hour before the screening.
3 – How should I prepare?
The third thing you need to know is how to prepare for the festival. SXSW is a beast. Events take place all over the city. And this year it’s going to be even crazier than usual because the convention center is no longer there, there’s a lot of construction going on downtown, and the location is even more spread out. In addition to Paramount and The State, other film premieres will take place at the Zach Theater this year.
Be prepared to be out and about and wear hiking shoes. Even if you try to take an Uber, the traffic is so bad that it might take you so long that you still have to get out and walk. Small taxis are your friend. But they can be expensive. Sometimes a studio or network will offer free rides, so be sure to take advantage of that. But remember to tip the little taxi driver well. You work hard!
The most important thing is that you have patience. If you don’t like queues or crowds, this festival is not for you.
So there you have it! I’m sure you have more questions. Call me Instagram or TikTok and I’m happy to help where I can.
