Here’s the deal. There is so much to do while you’re interacting with SXSW that it’s likely you won’t get the opp to sightsee. But if you do get out, here are some top-level winners:
University of Texas – Be sure to walk the grounds, see some outstanding art and the clock tower. Also, Memorial Stadium is a shrine to the Longhorns – it holds over 94,000 ravenous fans during the football season and is a good place to pick up some Burnt Orange swag for your friends.
The World Famous Home of Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits Sound Stage – A city icon is the PBS Austin City Limits Sound Stage. On average there are at least two-three official shows at this location during SXSW. Worth the trek.
6th Street/Red River – The epi-centre of Austin’s nightlife is also home to official Music and Film events, as well as being a wonderful place to let loose. Lively. Fun. You’ll be there for sure (so will we).
4th Street/Warehouse District – Not in your 20s anymore? Can’t remember your 30s? Head to where the older sect hangs out on 4th Street. Plenty of nice restaurants and clubs and the occasional youngin’ in skinny jeans to rip on.
Town Lake – You see that thin river just south of downtown? Somebody dammed it and called it a lake. Then Ladybird Johnson saw to it that people could enjoy the nature with a walking/running/biking path all the way around. Turtles. HUGE Cranes and swans. Squirrels and lots of bats.
Don't worry they bats won't come at you. Unless you're a bug.
The Bats – 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats live under the Congress Ave bridge – it’s the largest population in the world. Each night from mid-March to November leave their home and head east along the river to find food on the farmlands. An amazing site not to be missed.
The State Capital – Head north up congress until it ends into this huge building made of pink limestone with a large statue of an ugly woman on top. Entrance is FREE, and it’s a good place to cool off if it gets too hot. You can even take your picture next to paintings of the Bush presidents (feel free to make faces).
Leslie the Tranny
Keepin’ Austin Weird with Leslie
You’ll see him all over SXSW – a man in a leopard-print thong and high-heeled shoes. He’s Leslie, the local transvestite vagrant who once ran for mayor.
Leslie is very outspoken for homeless rights, and no doubt you’ll endure panhandling on your trip. Give at your own discretion, if you feel inclined. Just know that they’re people too (and that you’ll encounter many).
