Poor and pouty for SXSW, dry your eye’s sissy. There are plenty of ways to have a great time at SXSW without having a badge for any of the festivals. For the past 3 years I have never been so drunk for so little money at any other place free SX shows and even some official SX events when I was lucky enough to weasel in. Listen my pupils, you too can master the art of networking your way into shows with 4 my step program to SX low budget success.

1. Online Networking!

Though this may seem obvious to many, but every year I am baffled by always plentiful statement “You mean I only had to RSVP to these parties to get in?”.

Yes, that is exactly what I mean, and now I’m curious. What the hell did you think of the sun when you emerged from your cave? Any time there is a focused clash of money, brand recognition,  and impressionable stoners, there will be people trying to shove free shit in your face. You just need to know where to look.

Go forth to these websites, register yourself, RSVP, and enjoy my friends.
Do512, Free Noms, Eventbrite

From these parties, it is always easy to find out about other stuff going on that you can get into. So, go with a good attitude and the willingness to meet people. This experience is just like everything else in life, so if you are one of those people who are going to be in their own corner the whole time, don’t expect to get the most out of the experience.

2. The early bird gets the worm

Low budget SXSW goers will have a much easier time with getting into events if they arrive early. Many official SXSW parties will let badgeless guests into their venues because the sponsor companies want to look like their party is full. This trick seems to work especially well for the interactive parties. Nobody really seems to realize how cool they are until later on in the night.

3. Pick your party wisely!

If you are trying to get the most out of your cheap SX night, and can’t choose which party to attend, try and check online info before hand to see which one will have the most free stuff. Yes, by free stuff I mostly mean booze and we aren’t talking Keystone. You can follow my tweets which will be used mostly as a SXSW beacon of cheap alcohol at my twitter page.

4. Merch Booths! Merch Booths! Merch Booths!

If you don’t stop at merchandise booths, you will not only be missing out on free shirts, hats, cd’s, dvd’s, gadgets, food, and sometimes flat screen tv’s (seen that happen), but you will be missing out on important info as well. So, be sure to stop at every single merch booth in sight and strike up a conversation with the attendants. These folks are always in the know and if they deem you worthy, you can be as well.