South By Southwest Festival Draws Thousands Annually To Austin

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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The South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas is one of the most popular music festivals held in the United States every year. Since 1987, SXSW has attracted hundreds of thousands attendees each March for four days of music, film, food and art.

In the early years, the festival only drew about 700 registered industry professionals to Austin, but now over 11,000 professionals register every year. Professionals include musicians, artists, journalists, and executives. Bands and artists perform for the audience, showcasing their latest work. Journalists and executives come to the festival to scope out the latest unsigned talent, in the hopes of finding the next big act. As the popularity of the show increases, those wishing to travel to SXSW have many Austin hotel packages to choose from, but booking as early as possible to take advantage of these deals is recommended.

SXSW Also Features Independent Films

Though the festival originally featured only music, over the years it has expanded into a film, music and interactive festival. Festival creators felt it was an appropriate move as technology improved ...
... thanks to the advent of the internet. Filmmakers can register to showcase their work and enter competitions supported by the South By Southwest administrators.

The movie festival attracts a variety of work ranging from independent art house films to indie films that hit it big, like the critically acclaimed movie The Hurt Locker. Actors, directors and fans attend the SXSW Festival to celebrate the art of film and performance.

Music is Still What Draws the Crowds to SXSW

Despite the festival's expansion into film, music is still the biggest part of South by Southwest, with over 2,000 acts performing around the city throughout the four day festival. The bands range from well-known, world famous acts to unsigned local acts. Every year the festival is planned in coordination with the Austin Music Awards. Here many of the festival's acts receive awards for performance, production and writing as well as a variety of other awards. At the festival, you can pick up free samples of all artists' albums. In the past, CD samplers were distributed, but today samples are available through a downloadable file from iTunes.

Fan can purchase day pass or a weekend-long pass to partake in the festivities. It's important to plan ahead to assure travel and accommodations at the festival. Unlike some other festivals, there is no camping on-site at SXSW but there are many choices Austin, TX lodging. Prepare for long, warm days by drinking plenty of water and wearing comfortable clothes.

Do you ever want to just get away from the house? Austin, TX lodging has a great Austin hotel packages for you and your family!