Is SXSW really THAT expensive??

[uglybogus]

I was looking into going to SXSW next year, after perusing the site the only price i could find was soemthing like $600 for a music pass...Is it really that expensive or can you pay per show you go to, ya know, if there's only a few bands you want to see per day... $100+ a day seems a bit steep for a music festival...

Thoughts? Would it be cheaper to exhibit at flatstock at SXSW, and then just do a show or 2 a night?

[john seabury]

Not unless you sell a lot.I didn't.

[Carlos Artest]

texas sucks anyways.

[kpellet]

[ZELIG]

The one time I went to a SXSW showcase show without a wristband was about 5 or 6 years ago for the Frogs and I had to pay $30 which was nutty as hell.

Plenty of free music to see, but if you want to see a band of any note you probably won't get in, but if you do it will probably cost you a pretty penny compared to what you'd normally pay to see the same band at the same joint outside of SXSW. However, sometimes a free day show pops up with awesome crap (I saw the Gamblers at one once).

Flatstock exhibitors get a discount on wristbands, but I forget what it is as I haven't bought one or been to SXSW show in while as I'm usually too tired from FS.

[Andymac]

I hada wristband 2 years ago, didn't see one show.

Last year we saw a few shows, didn't have a wristband, never paid cover.

Pick up a copy of Whiteyhouston's 'See any show for free' guidebook.

[8ball]

Pay for my booze and food and I'll get you into yer shows. I also need a tip-out...

[JustinHelton]

This year I did Flatstock, and got one of the $125 wristbands...got into everyshow I wanted...I saw Van Morrison, REM, Dan Deacon, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Holy Fuck, Yacht, Darondo, Dead Confederate, The Cool Kids, A-Track, Clipse, Crystal Castles, Does it Offend you Yeah?, Flosstradomus, and some random DJs.....all in all well worth it...I blew all the money I made but had one hell of a time.

[Southtown Press]

I haven't been in a while -- so I don't know if this is how they do it every year...

I believe they have the $500-600 conference pass, which is what gets you into all the discussion panels and forums and entertainment industry think tank meetings, etc. -- and it also gives you front of the line priority at the festival shows...

they also offer the festival only wristband, which is around $150 -- it gets you into all the festival show venues with priority over the patrons purchasing individual show tickets.

Individual tickets for many of the bigger bands could range from $30-50 -- and you're at the end of the line.

If you want to see a bunch of shows -- but don't want to attend all the conference proceedings and keynote speakers, etc. -- the wristband option is a pretty good deal.


My two cents. Good luck.

~L

[macthulhu]

Just carry a cowbell or tambourine with you. When you get to a venue, rush through the door, muttering "OH MY GOD, I'M SOOO LATE!".