SXSW 2014 Music Wristbands: Are they worth it?

SXSW Wristbands 2014
SXSW Music Wristbands go on sale January 16, 2014 at 10am!

http://wristband.sxsw.com/

It gets earlier and earlier every year.  At some point, I'm going to be buying my SXSW wristband for the next year as I walk out of the last show for the current year.  They should offer a lifetime pass option for locals so we don't have to go through the 1st day sale scramble, refreshing the wristband sale screen over and over in 4 different browsers, hoping your IE browser doesn't get it (I prefer Firefox!).

Wristbands will be on sale for $169, a $10 inflation from 2013.  Walkup price for the wristbands are said to be $225, purchasable at select venues by anyone (Austin resident or not) the week of SXSW Music.

Value of the Music Wristband
With such a high price tag, I often have people ask me if it's worth it.  A terrible question for me, because I'm ridiculously bias and drinking the SXSW kool-aid.  But in the spirit of trying to be objective, I will say the wristband is simply an investment in opportunity; it's what you do with that wristband that gives it value.  Be prepared to research and do some hustling in order to bring out the wristbands full value.

In the 5 years I have been purchasing SXSW wristbands, 4 of those years I have probably seen a return of $400-$500 in value (2013 I was sick for 2 of the music days and didn't go out!).  I base this value on the number of shows I saw and the caliber of artists.  Usually there is one $50 caliber artist I see each night, and about five (5) $10 shows through the evening/night, giving us $100/night. Multiply this by the 4 days SXSW Music traditionally occurs (Wed-Sat), and we have $400. Even better, since 2012, SXSW has started bringing solid caliber groups on Tuesdays, so that fluctuates the final value between $400-$500.  Yes, there are times when you'll not get into a spot with the $50 caliber artists, but there's also nights where you'll see $100 mega artists, so that washes out.

Value stated, you still have to put in work to have that value realized.  With wristbands, there's no guarantee you'll get into any venue, especially when high caliber artists are involved.  However, if you don't have a badge or wristband, then you have almost NO chance of getting in.  If you simply show up early, get in line, you'll usually see the shows you trying to see.

The Hustle Game
Nevertheless, there are many, many, many shows and events that are free (require no wristband or badge) or (and usually) just require an RSVP.  For folks on a budget, this can still lead to an amazing time at SXSW, but be warned, the level of effort it takes for you to see a show is an order of magnitude greater than those with wristbands/badges, who usually get priority access to these "Free w/RSVP" events.  Be prepared to show up atrociously early to shows and wait in line for equally atrocious amounts of time.  Meanwhile, your wristband/badges to walk up to your same show, and jump ahead of you through their own separate line. There's also a factor of convenience to account for.  With a wristband/badge, I can not only show up later to SXSW every day (more sleep, less stress rushing) and I can also hop to other venues, seeing a lineup of shows more tailored to my tastes, instead of just watching whatever is thrown at you while waiting at a venue for your main attraction.

SXSW Domination Team cuts
On a final note, I will give one piece of advice I learned from years past.  If you are going to buy a wristband or badge, you should partner up with other wristband/badge holders to experience SXSW. Locals can even buy a +1 wristband for a friend during early bird sales and that +1 does NOT have to live in Austin!

For those friends who heard all about SXSW and randomly show up in Austin for it, wanting to meet up and roll with you, check their necks and wrists.  If they don't have a badge or wristband and you do, you'll need to cut them from your SXSW Domination team.  Sure, you can meet up for lunch/dinner at the food truck lot on Colorado and 5th, but after you eat and exchange niceties, its time to split ways.

Those without wristbands/badges are going to put you in awkward situations when you are let right on in a venue while they are stuck outside for the next 3 hours moving only 10 feet in a 100 foot line.  Suggest some free venues for them to checkout (RedBull stages, Auditorium Shores) and remind them that next year they should totally buy a wristband so y'all can do more than just lunch next time.  I had to learn this lesson myself one year, after I missed out on Nas and a few other top notch artists because I had a group of friends with me, just arrived from outta town, with no SXSW bling on their necks or wrists.  Never again, I vowed... and so should you!


Whatever you do decide to buy (or not buy), do make sure you have friends in your same boat, riding along with you.  Experiences in life are best shared with others, even if it's just people-watching the crazies and aloof on 6th street while standing in line for a bratwurst!



1/13/2013 Addendum:
Badges vs. Wristbands
@wanderkeli made a good suggestion worth pointing out. Badges have priority over wristbands when waiting in longer lines.  This means, even with a wristband, you could be passed up in line by badgeholders if the venue has a line to get in.  Larger events expecting over capacity numbers may even have separate wristband vs. badgeholder lines. 95% of the time, you'll be fine with a wristband, able to get in just about any venue with a little waiting.  However, be wary of that 5%.  If a venue is at capacity and they aren't even letting all the badgeholders in, your odds of getting in with a wristband may be bleak, or at least require significant wait times.  This is where your "Hustle Game" comes in. Big name acts you want to see will require you to be early and in line to yield the best chance of entry; don't expect to be let in 5 minutes before the show starts to see Michael Jackson's resurrection show at a venue only holding 500 people. Be smart and plan ahead, whether you have a wristband or even badge (and especially if you have neither!). More to come on the planning in upcoming blog posts!