AUSTIN, Texas — As South by Southwest (SXSW) 2024 approaches, Austin prepares for the annual influx of festival attendees, promising both excitement and traffic challenges.

Downtown Street Closures

To manage the surge of pedestrians, the city of Austin will implement various street closures during the festival:

• East Ninth from Red River to Interstate 35 – March 6 to March 17
• Congress Avenue from East Seventh to East Eighth – March 8 to March 17
• San Jacinto Boulevard and several other streets from East Fifth to East Seventh – March 8 to March 17
• East Sixth from Congress Avenue to I-35 – March 8 to March 17
• East Third and East Second from San Jacinto Boulevard to Trinity Street – March 8 to March 17
• Rainey Street from Davis to River streets – March 8 to March 17
• Red River from East Eight to East Tenth – March 11 to March 17
• Onion Street from East Sixth to East Seventh – March 11 to March 17
• West Riverside Drive from Lee Barton Drive to South First Street – March 14 to March 16

Additional partial closures will also be in effect. Detailed information is available in the city’s SXSW Mobility Guide.

Parking Options

Parking downtown during SXSW can be challenging, but there are paid options available. The Austin Convention Center offers parking at two garages, though availability is limited. Rideshare services may be a more convenient alternative.

Getting Around During the Festival

The Austin Convention Center serves as a central hub for SXSW activities, with registration, conference sessions, and exhibitions taking place there. Festival-goers can utilize the following transportation options:

SXSW Shuttles

Official registrants and attendees can take advantage of free circulating shuttle routes between the convention center and most festival venues. Shuttle maps and schedules are available online.

CapMetro and MetroBike

CapMetro buses will operate on open streets downtown, and MetroBike stations are scattered throughout the area.

Pedicabs and Rideshares

Pedicabs are available in downtown areas, offering a convenient way to travel between venues. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also accessible, although congestion may impact travel times.

As SXSW 2024 approaches, planning ahead for transportation and navigating street closures will be key to enjoying the festival experience in downtown Austin.

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