AUSTIN, Texas — Festival-goers are counting down the hours until South by Southwest (SXSW) starts on Friday!
As the festival continues to grow, so does the number of first-time attendees. RSVPATX, a popular Twitter account that helps people navigate SXSW, asked its followers the biggest mistake people make going to the festival for the first time.
Some folks said it's important to make a plan in advance, while others said being adaptable makes for the best experience.
"Overplanning/being too rigid," John Deely tweeted. "Some of my best SX moments have been serendipitous. #letgoandletSX."
Steven Horowitz recommended staying in one place to discover new artists, rather than rushing from venue to venue to see specific acts. Dave Bratberg had similar advice, saying it can be good to pick one specific area to stay in rather than rushing all over downtown.
But regardless if you're more into sticking to the plan or going with the flow, several people shared that it's important to schedule time to eat and rest. Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen are also both extremely important, and bringing a hat may also be a good idea.
Another good note: While you may want to be fashionable, comfortable shoes are key because you should anticipate a lot of walking.
Twitter user Sierra At SXSW also said you should make sure to RSVP to events and not just assume, "Oh, they probably won't check anyway." And Chris Schiemann recommended leaving a tip for bartenders, especially at open bars.
Other tips festival veterans shared: bring a portable charger, bring cash and don't miss out on smaller artists.