Here's What Austinites Really Think About SXSW

Around 45,000 official registrants, and many more unofficial, descend on Austin every year for the 10-day music, film, and interactive conference South By Southwest. We asked locals for their unvarnished opinion on the annual population (and taco, and beer, and brand) explosion.

1. Lara

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"Great opportunity to connect and meet new people! :)"

2. Steve

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"Utter madness — but fun, crazy madness — the kind you look forward to (probably because you forgot) and are relieved and exhausted when it ends."

3. Ramon

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"Under-appreciated."

"It's the world's greatest entertainment in our backyard for 10 days," he elaborates. "And if you're 15 or 16 walking around, it'll change your life."

4. Daly

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"Tech needs moar diversity."

5. Tyler

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"Lucrative!"

6. Karlena

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"Crazy."

7. Zoë

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"It's convenient fun for Austinites."

8. Amna, Ana, and Sara

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"Lively!"

9. Jacob

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"When do I get my city back?"

10. Richard

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"Let's do it again next year! :)"

11. Keisha and Annie

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Keisha: "Awesome! Great way to bring artists to our city."

Annie: "SXSW is great for the city but the traffic sucks."

12. Amber

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"Good atmosphere."

13. Lexi

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"Expensive!"

14. Katie

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"South By is death by serving!"

15. Michael

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"Stressed out!"

16. Gabby

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"Excited :)"

17. Anna

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"Thrilling."

18. Natalia

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"Fuckin Love SX."