I live in Austin -- can I buy a SouthbyWristbands Hotel/Wristband package?
You can take advantage of this Hotel/Wristband package if you want to stay in a hotel for at least three nights during SXSW (a surprising number of Austinites do). If you don't want or need a hotel room watch the Austin Chronicle for announcements about SXSW wristband sales for Austinites.
Is there a shuttle to the SouthByWristbands.com hotels?
Yes! Improved for 2010 -- SXSW and R&R Limousine & Bus are offering a pay-to-ride shuttle service from all SXSW hotels outside downtown to downtown Austin and back. We recommend you buy the five-day unlimited pass online at the R&R website for just $40 per person. The shuttles will stop at each hotel approximately every 30 minutes between Tuesday (March 16) and Saturday (March 20) -- 8:30 am 'til 3:00 am for late night returns. Buy your wristband in advance at www.RRLimoBus.com. Call 512-947-7433 for information.
Is there a minimum length of stay at these hotels?
Yes, there is a three-night minimum reservation required for guests using the hotel/wristband package.
Is SouthByWristbands.com the only place to buy SXSW Music Festival wristbands?
SouthByWristbands.com is the only authorized seller of SXSW Music Fest wristbands to music fans living outside Austin. (Here's what SXSW says: http://sxsw.com/music/southbywristbands_endorsement.)
What does a South by Southwest Music Festival wristband do?
A SXSW Music Fest wristband guarantees you will not pay a cover charge at official SXSW Music Fest shows at the 75+ SXSW Music Fest venues (http://sxsw.com/music/shows). Admission to all venues is subject to legal capacity and many shows will fill up. Admission to most venues will be subject to minimum age requirements.
How many wristbands can I buy from SouthByWristband.com?
You can purchase one or two wristbands for each hotel room booked. You must provide a guest name for each wristband you purchase.
Why do I have to reserve a hotel room to buy a wristband?
These hotel/wristband packages are a promotional effort of South by Southwest to permit out-of-town music fans to experience the South by Southwest Music Festival. Requiring a hotel reservation with a minimum stay of three nights ensures that the wristbands will be used by music fans and will not be hoarded by scalpers and resold.
Why is the hotel selection so limited?
During SXSW most of Austin's hotel rooms will be occupied by Music Conference badge-holders. SXSW has set aside rooms at specific hotels that represent good value within a reasonable driving distance from downtown Austin.
What if I cancel my hotel room or my wristband purchases?
Canceling your hotel room will automatically cancel your wristband purchase(s). And cancelling your wristband purchases will automatically cancel your hotel room. No hotel room = no wristband. And vice versa. If you shorten your stay to fewer than three nights the hotel will charge you for the minimum required stay.
When will I receive my wristbands?
Guests must pick up their wristbands at Wristband Pickup at the Austin Convention Center after they check into their hotel. You MUST show your hotel key card as proof that you have checked in BEFORE picking up your wristband. Each wristband must be attached to the wrist of the person whose name it is under at the time of pick up. One wristband = one wrist.
Wristband Pickup Times
Are my wristband purchase and hotel reservation refundable?
Yes -- to a degree. Up to 48 hours before your scheduled check-in cancelled wristband purchases receive a full refund less a $20 processing fee per wristband. Within 48 hours of scheduled check-in cancelled wristband purchases receive a refund less a $60 cancellation fee per wristband. Each hotel has a different cancellation policy -- check their requirements when booking and on your hotel confirmation. Penalties will be charged for hotel no-shows and late cancellations.
How many shows can I see with this wristband?
The schedule is designed to permit club-hopping to experience as many artists as possible. Most shows begin at the top of the hour (e.g., 8:00 PM) and last 40 minutes. You then have 20 minutes to hop to the next venue (many are within easy walking distance) in time for the next act to start at the top of the hour (e.g., 9:00 PM). More than 1,400 artists will play sets between Wednesday, March 12 and Sunday, March 16 (http://www.sxsw.com/music/shows/bands). With a little advance planning you can see a whole lot of music in 5 days.
I'm already registered for South by Southwest. Can I buy a wristband for my (wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend) from SouthByWristbands.com?
I'm sorry, you can't. But as a South by Southwest registrant you'll be permitted to buy a wristband when you arrive in Austin and pick up your badge.
What's the difference between a SXSW wristband and a SXSW badge?
SXSW Music wristband permits admission to the live music in the venues for music fans. A SXSW Music registration badge is a priority credential for those in the music industry (and those who want to see the industry at work). It admits the badge-holder to music industry events at SXSW such as panels, keynote speech, mentor sessions, trade show, receptions, private parties, Sunday barbecue and softball tournament. In addition, Music Fest badge-holders are given priority entry (over wristbands) to Music Fest shows when venues approach capacity
.I work in the music industry. Why can't I buy a wristband?
A SXSW Music badge is necessary for music industry personnel to fully participate in SXSW events. Wristband-holders are not admitted to music industry events at SXSW such as panels, keynote, trade show, receptions, private parties, barbecue and softball. See a concise schedule of SXSW Music events at http://sxsw.com/music. Register at http://sxsw.com/attend .
I still have a question...
Email: info@southbywristbands.com.