Don't take any thing you wouldn't want to get dirty.
If you are a true fest head, you want to get down and dirty and truly into the experience. And that means outside shows, mud, rain, ridiculous ass music fanatics all in your bubble, all that. You don't want to be thinking about you brand new J's getting ruined in a mosh pit. Just have fun. Last year I walked out of the S.O. Terik TDE show looking like a straight up homeless person and literally had to throw away my shoes. Do you think I cared? No. Why? Because that shit, was epic. Oh, and don't wear heels. That would just be stupid.
Be prepared to walk a country mile
If you have a car, find a spot downtown, and park it. You will walk til you drop, and that's real. 6th Street is the place to be, so if you find yourself on 6th, you're can't really go wrong. Also, Austin has tons of adorable bike cabs that you'll want to utilize. They're pretty inexpensive, and a great way to see the city.
RSVP to everything
I learned last year that it's all about finding tons of showcases, and getting on the list. It's free to RSVP, so just do it to everything you may be interested in. I'm not going to lie, I did not show a single RSVP last year, and got into everything. Not sure what to expect this year, but just be prepared. The great thing about SXSW is that most shows are free AND a lot offer free food and drinks. That'll save you some doe.
Now that you've RSVP'd to the world, be prepared not to even go to 75% of that.
Your plans will change once you get down there. Why? Because there's a million doper low key things going on that you haven't even heard of yet. Keep your ear to the streets because secret shows spread like wild fire and people love sharing what they know. Oh, and try to get to the Illmore. It will rock your socks.
There will be lines
There will be over 2,500 official artists performing at over 100 venues, and Lord knows how many unofficial artists. I suggest if there's somebody you really want to see, get there early. Last year there were about 50,000 attendees, and trust me, you won't be the only one trying to see Snoop, Kendrick, Justin Timberlake or anybody else of musical worth. So hop in line, and ride it out. Chances are, it'll be worth it.
A great SXSW experience is like survival of the fittest. How bad do you want to be in the exclusive joints? We heard about so many things last year just by word of mouth. In the bathrooms exchanging info with other girls, meeting folks in the crowds while passing the green, and meeting up with buddies from back home. Keep it social. Use Twitter and Instagram to figure out where the hidden shows are. Don't be afraid of getting creative and meeting new people. A stranger may be your way into the best show of the festival.
Don't forget to eat
I feel the need to throw this in here because last year I feel like I ate once a day. Maybe twice. I felt like a malnourished child. We were just go, go, go the whole time. It's like once you stop, you miss something. But still don't forget to eat, you want to be ready for mad festivities.
I repeat, don't be a groupie. I urge you not to run up to anybody screaming, unless you see Prince or JT, I WILL give you a pass there, lol. But really, celebs are normal people (that happen to be famous) that enjoy SXSW just as much as you do. There will be tons of artists down there cruising the streets and performing. Don't spoil there experience by doing the damn most. Talk to them like a normal human being and life will be enjoyable for everyone. (And Erykah Badu was cool as hell. Really liked her.)
PS: Grumpy Cat is at SXSW. If you get a picture with her. PLEASE let me know, so I can cry with joy. Sidenote: the cat's real name is Tardar Sauce, which is hilarious if you ask me.
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