Tips on enjoying SXSW on the cheap? (how much, buying)

[scongress1234]

I went last year for the first time, and got suckered into buying a lanyard for $550. I know wristbands get you in most places from experience now, and it seems that there were some free thingies going on. So, anyone have any recommendations on how to save money with any on the cheap ideas? Are there many free things going on? I just recall one bar called Friends, a blues club, that had open access. It seemed like you could get into most clubs on an ala carte access for about $15, which is great if you can handle hanging in the same club all night. Surely someone on here must have some ideas here per saving a few bucks at SXSW? Much appreciated!

[achtungpv]

I haven't been in a couple of years but for the previous 8 or so, I've never once purchased a wristband and still got in to the shows I wanted. If you don't have one, the key for the bigger acts is to get there early before there is a line and they start checking wristbands. Once you're in the club I've never heard of anybody getting kicked out to make way for wristbanders.

[twange]

All of the musicians that I've talked to told me NOT to buy any wristband what-so-ever. They said if you're just out and about, there's all kinds of free things going on. Now, if you've got your heart set on something specific, then you might have to pay.

[scongress1234]

Originally Posted by twange

All of the musicians that I've talked to told me NOT to buy any wristband what-so-ever. They said if you're just out and about, there's all kinds of free things going on. Now, if you've got your heart set on something specific, then you might have to pay.

Thanks twange and act.....sounds like only the out-of-towners get suckered into the lanyard thing. And the huge events like REM midnight at Stubbs Wed. night are so crowded you wouldn't want to be there anyway. It is nice to have a wrband if you want to pick-and-choose, and stroll in anywhere at whim, but it sounds like with a few smarts you can do it just for the price of beer money.

BTW, those parties you need lanyards and wrbands to get into usually run out of free beer and food quickly. If you get there an hour or later past the starting time, they are typically out of beer and grub. And you have to watch players from the "business" networking......I think I'll do the free stuff this time, thank you!

[twange]

Originally Posted by scongress1234

Thanks twange and act.....sounds like only the out-of-towners get suckered into the lanyard thing. And the huge events like REM midnight at Stubbs Wed. night are so crowded you wouldn't want to be there anyway. It is nice to have a wrband if you want to pick-and-choose, and stroll in anywhere at whim, but it sounds like with a few smarts you can do it just for the price of beer money.

BTW, those parties you need lanyards and wrbands to get into usually run out of free beer and food quickly. If you get there an hour or later past the starting time, they are typically out of beer and grub. And you have to watch players from the "business" networking......I think I'll do the free stuff this time, thank you!

I wouldn't mind getting into some of the Interactive things(lectures etc...)...but I ain't payin'. My friend is coming in for that stuff but his company is paying the tab.

He might be able to expense a mini-bender for us though

Actually, you can volunteer for a multitude of things. Depending on how much you sign up for, you can get a wristband for free. My wife is volunteering for a bunch of those parties...the sign-up was late January though. Something to think about for next year.