I am going to SXSW for the first time and the amount of activities happening in Austin that week is astounding. I have not purchased any badges yet because there is a possibility that I will be able to volunteer for a music production company and may be able to gain entrance to some events. This is also my first time in Austin, any ideas or tips ?
ShowlistAustin has a list of free, badge-less shows going on during SXSW. A lot of them have free beer/BBQ, some require RSVP. There should be enough free stuff going to justify not buying a badge. From my personal experience, stay away from Auditorium Shores, unless you like being a mile away from the stage and overpriced food/beer. Mess With Texas was pretty fun last year, which is another free show at Waterloo Park. They have not officially announced when/who will be playing, but it looks like it's going down. My friend sent me a nice list of events to RSVP to, if you or anyone else wants it, PM me.