SXSW 2013: What You Need To Know & Where Ya Need To Go

South By Southwest 2013 is finally upon us and not a moment too soon. In my mind, we are in the midst of the best two weeks of the year here in Austin, hands down.

While SXSW can be completely overwhelming to even the most grizzled “fest veteran,” having now experienced the previous five years of “South By” mayhem, I felt compelled to offer up my various recommendations for where to go, what to see and who to hear over the coming days.

So, while you’re out and about in our great city during SXSW 2013, hopefully rockin’ THE SWEET LIFE and enjoyin’ some Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, here’s the best of the best from yours truly.

Cheers, y’all, and HAPPY SOUTH BY!

WHERE TO HEAR:

– KDRP‘s “Blue Monday” LIVE with Larry Monroe – Monday, March 11 (6pm). More info HERE.

– KGSR 93.3FM Radio Austin SXSW 2013 Live Broadcasts at the W Austin. Full schedule HERE.

– Waterloo Records SXSW 2013 Day Parties. Full schedule HERE.

– South By San Jose at Hotel San Jose. Full schedule HERE.

– Erin Ivey & The Tosca String Quartet at The Parish Underground – Tuesday, March 12 (9pm)

– Crooks at The White Horse – Tuesday, March 12 (9pm)

– Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ at The Continental Club – Tuesday, March 12 (11pm)

– Ryan Bingham at Central Presbyterian Church – Tuesday, March 12 (1am)

– 31st Annual Austin Music Awards at Austin Music Hall – Wednesday, March 13th (7pm)

– The Wild Feathers at Red Eyed Fly – Wednesday, March 13 (8:45pm)

– Sons of Fathers at The Saxon Pub – Wednesday, March 13 (10pm)

– Alt-J at Stubb’s BBQ – Wednesday, March 13 (12:30am)

– Quaker City Night Hawks at The White Horse – Thursday, March 14 (8pm)

– The Mavericks at Antone’s – Thursday, March 14 (1am)

– Butch Walker at Central Presbyterian Church – Thursday, March 14 (1am)

– Robin Wiley at Strange Brew Austin – Friday, March 15 (Noon)

– Flaming Lips at Auditorium Shores Stage (Lady Bird Lake) – Friday, March 15 (8pm)

– Lord Huron at Antone’s – Friday, March 15 (11pm)

– Rachael Ray’s SXSW “FEEDBACK” Party 2013 at Stubb’s BBQ – Saturday, March 16 (10am). More info HERE.

– Levon Helm Tribute and Benefit at Auditorium Shores – Saturday, March 16. More info HERE.

– St. Patrick’s Day at The Chicago House – Sunday, March 17. More info HERE.

WHERE TO EAT:

– Franklin Barbecue

– Vince Young Steakhouse

– Ms. P’s Electric Cock

– Max’s Wine Dive

– Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

– Zax Restaurant & Bar

– Pelons

– The Peached Tortilla

– Dock & Roll Diner

– Guac N’ Roll

WHERE TO DRINK:

– Bungalow

– Icenhauer’s

– The Belmont

– The Rattle Inn

– Peche

– Red Room Lounge

– Freedmen’s

– The Chicago House

WHERE TO STAY:

– Heywood Hotel

– The Driskill Hotel

– Hotel San Jose

– Hotel Saint Cecilia

– Four Seasons Austin

– W Austin