AUSTIN, Texas — South by Southwest is upon us.
Austin officials said between a quarter and almost half a million people are expected to descend into the city during the nine days of the festival, and for the first time in the many years of the annual event, UT Austin will be in session, and not off for spring break.
Apart from resulting in lower volunteers for SXSW, there is also another concern for Austin locals and Longhorns alike: traffic.
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Beating the traffic
Want to beat the crowds? The trick is to plan ahead and stay safe.
“This is an event that we want people to come to, this is what Austin is known for," said Austin Police Chief Brian Manley. "This is one of the crown jewel events that bring so many to enjoy all of what Austin has to offer. We just want people to do it responsibly.”
Here are some ways to avoid the crazy traffic:
- Before you head out for the day, check for road closures. Keep up to date by checking the city’s official map for the spring festival season.
- Using a GPS app with real-time traffic updates such as Google Maps or Waze can help get you where you need to go with an alternative route, if necessary.
- Use bikes to get around. Note that scooters have been banned from certain areas during SXSW, such as Rainey and Sixth streets.
- Take public transportation. Download the new CapMetro App to buy passes and plan trips on the go.
- While SXSW will mean more congestion, peak commute hours will always be the worst times to drive. See if you can avoid the morning and evening rushes by coming into work earlier or leaving later.
APD wants to remind you if you park on private property, be aware of towing signs placed at entrances and exits. State law requires signs to be posted at those spots, but not necessarily in front of the parking area.
Immobilization personnel must remove a boot from your vehicle in exchange for the $100 vehicle immobilization fee not later than one hour after the time you request its removal. If the boot isn't removed in that time frame, personnel must waive the amount of the fee for the boot's removal, excluding any associated parking fees.
Restaurants without the crowds
While SXSW visitors and tourists will be hitting Home Slice Pizza, Franklin's BBQ, Hopdoddy's, and more of Austin's best restaurants, here are some places you can go to avoid all the hustle.
- While the line for the taco truck, Veracruz All Natural Food Truck, gets longer and longer, opt for the equally delicious but quieter option of Tacos Guerrero.
- For that burger fix, skip the line at Hopdoddy's and head to Arlo's, the plant-based burger food truck.
- With late night diners like 24 Diner and Kerby Lane Cafe will most likely be popping, a good alternative for 24 sustenance is La Mexicana Bakery.
- If you're craving Home Slice, head to Spartan Pizza in East Austin for delicious cheesy goodness that's open until midnight - without the crowds.
- With crowds likely heading to Austin's usual barbecue locals, try going to Black's BBQ on Guadalupe for beef ribs and craft beers.
Traveling for the weekend?
If you're trying to escape the crowds for the weekend, bus rates from companies such as Megabus and Greyhound have bumped their prices during SXSW. A one-way ticket from Austin to Houston on March 16, which is during the second weekend of the festival, is almost $50, but just two days later on March 18, once the conference is over, the same ticket is as low as $10.
UT Austin students can use websites like Unidays to get deals on bus fares just by using their school ID.
Exercise caution
Austin police have some safety reminders:
- If you see something suspicious, say something and call 911.
- Don't leave valuables, including keys, in plain sight in your car.
- Don't drive drunk and note that both weekends will have no refusal testing.