Update: South by Southwest Film and Music continue through the weekend.
Original Story (March 7, 4:10 p.m.): Austin鈥檚 just 24 hours away from 鈥檚 annual Film and Interactive conferences 鈥� meaning thousands of people are arriving this moment.
In preparation, has announced several street closures and traffic detours beginning Friday, March 8, and running through Sunday, March 17.
Street Closures:
- Rainey Street: Closed daily between 6 p.m. 鈥� 3 a.m., March 8鈥�17. Traffic must enter at River Street. There will be restricted access reserved for local businesses and residents.
- East Fifth Street, from I-35 to Waller Street: Closed from March 8, 7 a.m. to March 17, 3 a.m.
- Trinity Street from Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street: Closed from March 8, 7 a.m. to March 17, 3 a.m. East Second and Third Streets, from San Jacinto Boulevard to Trinity Street, will also be closed during that time, and open only to local traffic.
Aside from planned street closures, there are plenty of private parties and events anticipated around downtown and just east of IH-35, which may create additional traffic delays throughout the festival. Consult the City of Austin鈥檚 map of for updates.
Public Transportation:
is reinforcing its transportation throughout the 10-day festival.
Bus routes will have expanded weekend hours, more weekday frequency and several late night options. along Guadalupe or Lavaca streets (except the MetroAirport Route) and Cap Metro鈥檚 Night Owl and E-Bus will have service until 3 a.m.
MetroRail, Cap Metro鈥檚 commuter rail line serving the Austin Convention Center, is also expanding service, offering:
- Extra service on Saturday, March 9 and 16
- Additional midday trips March 11-15
- Offering service every 34 minutes March 9, 11-16
The city is highly encouraging use of public transportation to avoid festival congestion.
Biking and Other Options:
In addition to being an eco-friendly alternative, biking lets SXSW attendees breeze through traffic. SXSW has a free open to all badge types that only requires a deposit.
The above map from the city also pinpoints car-share options, pedicab depots and more.
