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
"Great opportunity to connect and meet new people! :)"
2. Steve
"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
"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
"Tech needs moar diversity."
5. Tyler
"Lucrative!"
6. Karlena
"Crazy."
7. Zoë
"It's convenient fun for Austinites."
8. Amna, Ana, and Sara
"Lively!"
9. Jacob
"When do I get my city back?"
10. Richard
"Let's do it again next year! :)"
11. Keisha and Annie
Keisha: "Awesome! Great way to bring artists to our city."
Annie: "SXSW is great for the city but the traffic sucks."
12. Amber
"Good atmosphere."
13. Lexi
"Expensive!"
14. Katie
"South By is death by serving!"
15. Michael
"Stressed out!"
16. Gabby
"Excited :)"
17. Anna
"Thrilling."
18. Natalia
"Fuckin Love SX."