An R29-Approved SXSW Cheat Sheet
If you are anything like our Facebook friends, our co-workers, and half the staff of Refinery29, your eyes, ears, or actual self are heading down to Austin, Texas for the South By Southwest Music Festival. For nearly a week, rising stars and established standards share stages throughout the city, Twitter trends are established, and the bands we'll be jamming to this year (and next, too!) get their first taste of the limelight. Whether you are a South By newbie — that's what experienced vets call it, natch — or a wizened traveler of Red River, here are our SXSW musts...plus a Refinery29 SXSW first. (In case you haven't heard: Our foray "deep in the heart of Texas" will keep music fans busy with stylish DIYs and amazing R29 nail kits.) So take a peek at our editor-picked events to do, hear, and taste while you are in The Lonestar, and feel free to add your own options below.
Photo: Via Great Wave Tattoo; Image: Via Refinery29; Photo: Via Cream Vintage
DO
Hold Fast Pop-Up Shop
Embrace your rock-and-roll self with an old-school tattoo courtesy of Sailor Jerry (who practically pioneered the anchor tattoo). Set up inside the Great Wave Tattoo Shop, this outpost is offering free tattoos (by appointment, so drop by to add your name to the list) made by the master himself. (Oh, last time this happened, Ryan Gosling stopped by. #JustSayin'.)
Where: Great Wave Tattoo, 908 East 5th Street (at I-35), 512-485-3020.
When: Thursday, March 15 to Saturday, March 17, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SoCo
Not the freshman year drink, guys, but the South Congress area of Austin, which perfectly captures the best retail Austin's got to offer. Vintage lovers might want to swing by Cream Vintage for upcycled frocks (and in-store alterations), while those in the mood for some major fashion must stop by By George for some Rag & Bone oxfords or Current/Elliot jeans. Quick and bright festival fashion is ready to go at Maya Star, and since you are in Texas, Allen Boots will get you an authentic pair of Justins.
Refinery29 Chic Shack
Expect it: You'll touch down in Austin, and the art collectives, rocker babes, and Southwest vibes will suddenly ignite serious style inspiration. No fear, R29 is here with our Style X lounge, chocked full of cool activities and giveaways. We'll teach you how to DIY your own hot-weather-ready turban, provide a refreshing SXSW makeover, showcase our favorite emerging brands (and local faves), and invite you to our photobooth to capture the moment. Oh, and R29 editors will be on hand for advice, love, style snaps, and more!
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street (between Trinity and Red River Streets).
When: Friday, March 16 to Saturday, March 17, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo: Via Great Wave Tattoo; Image: Via Refinery29; Photo: Via Cream Vintage
DO
Hold Fast Pop-Up Shop
Embrace your rock-and-roll self with an old-school tattoo courtesy of Sailor Jerry (who practically pioneered the anchor tattoo). Set up inside the Great Wave Tattoo Shop, this outpost is offering free tattoos (by appointment, so drop by to add your name to the list) made by the master himself. (Oh, last time this happened, Ryan Gosling stopped by. #JustSayin'.)
Where: Great Wave Tattoo, 908 East 5th Street (at I-35), 512-485-3020.
When: Thursday, March 15 to Saturday, March 17, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SoCo
Not the freshman year drink, guys, but the South Congress area of Austin, which perfectly captures the best retail Austin's got to offer. Vintage lovers might want to swing by Cream Vintage for upcycled frocks (and in-store alterations), while those in the mood for some major fashion must stop by By George for some Rag & Bone oxfords or Current/Elliot jeans. Quick and bright festival fashion is ready to go at Maya Star, and since you are in Texas, Allen Boots will get you an authentic pair of Justins.
Refinery29 Chic Shack
Expect it: You'll touch down in Austin, and the art collectives, rocker babes, and Southwest vibes will suddenly ignite serious style inspiration. No fear, R29 is here with our Style X lounge, chocked full of cool activities and giveaways. We'll teach you how to DIY your own hot-weather-ready turban, provide a refreshing SXSW makeover, showcase our favorite emerging brands (and local faves), and invite you to our photobooth to capture the moment. Oh, and R29 editors will be on hand for advice, love, style snaps, and more!
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street (between Trinity and Red River Streets).
When: Friday, March 16 to Saturday, March 17, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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