Where to stay
Hilton Austin
Distance to South by Southwest: You’ll be located just a 1-minute walk from all the action at South by Southwest. Hilton Austin is directly across from the Austin Convention Center.
What’s cool about this hotel: You’ll be right next door to SXSW 2020, and with a poolside bar and two other on-site bars, you’ll have a place to meet friends and keep the party going. Complimentary breakfast is also one of the perks of staying at the Hilton.
Transport tips: You’ll be able to walk to most SXSW events and attractions or hop on the festival shuttle at the Convention Center. The shuttle runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. every day of the festival and stops at most of the festival venues. It’s free, and you don’t need a pass (but check out the shuttle tracker when you’re there). The downtown tram stop is also right across the street — buy passes or day tickets via Capital Metro.
The LINE Austin
Distance to South by Southwest: Located just a 7-minute walk from Austin Convention Center to get to SXSW.
What’s cool about this hotel: Just a block from Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Bridge, views from The LINE’s lakeside rooms can’t be beat. Pull up a seat at one of the two on-site bars between shows or take a dip in the outdoor pool, open until 10 p.m.
Transport tips: Everything you need is at your doorstep, including the SXSW festival shuttle, which stops a 3-minute walk away at 2nd and Congress (don’t forget to track the shuttle once you’re there).
Hotel ZaZa Austin
Distance to South by Southwest: It’s a 10-minute walk, or a half mile, to the Austin Convention Center and downtown venues.
What’s cool about this hotel: Hotel ZaZa has a boutique feel with only 159 rooms and comes with luxury amenities like a full-service spa, rooms stocked with plush bathrobes and a chic sky bar that’s open past midnight Thursday-Saturday.
Transport tips: Walk to all the best South by Southwest music festival events in downtown Austin and the Market District. Hop on the shuttle at 2nd at Congress, an 8-minute walk east, or book a rideshare.
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
Distance to South by Southwest: It’s an 8-minute walk to Austin Convention Center and other SXSW downtown venues.
What’s cool about this hotel: Hotel Indigo is a great budget-friendly option. And with a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, an on-site restaurant and room service, it still has all the essentials.
Transport tips: You can walk to Austin Convention Center to catch the shuttle, but why not go on two wheels? Embrace the commuter culture of South by Southwest in Austin with a bikeshare: There’s a B-Cycle station right outside the hotel. Just make sure to purchase your membership via Austin B-Cycle before you ride.
Omni Austin Hotel
Distance to South by Southwest: Omni is located a quick 8-minute walk from the Austin Convention Center, the starting point for many SXSW festival-goers, and within one mile of other SXSW venues.
What’s cool about this hotel: Heated rooftop pool, anyone? Sipping cocktails at the on-site, luxe Atrium Lounge will be a highlight of your stay. The bar is open until 1 a.m. on weekend nights, so you can wind meet friends and compare stories after a day of festivities.
Transport tips: The number 4 bus also stops across the street and can take you west to the Market District or to East Austin (you’ll need to buy passes or day tickets via Capital Metro). The closest shuttle stop is 8th at Congress, a 2-minute walk away.
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What is South by Southwest all about?
Unfortunately, South by Southwest 2020 has been canceled due to safety concerns related to COVID-19.
Where is South by Southwest located?
South by Southwest is located in Austin, Texas. The Austin Convention Center is considered home base for the SXSW conference, film, music and comedy festivals. Individual festival events are scattered throughout town. Bands set up in designated parking lots and intimate venues around downtown. If you’re here for the South by Southwest film festival, definitely check out what’s happening at the Stephen F. Austin Building, where mentor sessions with industry names take place every day.
When was the first South by Southwest?
The first South by Southwest took place in 1987. It didn’t start small, either: The first SXSW had 177 artists on 15 stages and featured the legendary Texas music producer Huey Meaux. But it wasn’t until the 2000s that the festival really made its name. The 2019 festival featured 1,964 artists at 94 venues around the city. It’s safe to say that South by Southwest is the place to be (and be seen) for indie acts and music fans.
