The eleven days that comprise SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film, and SXSW Music — occur March 9-18 in Austin, Texas. The Austin Convention Center in the heart of downtown is central to the SXSW experience. That's the first place registrants go to pick up their badge and where they'll spend most of their time at conference panels/keynotes, the trade shows, and hundreds of other scheduled activities.

Specific SXSW disciplines (Music, Film, Interactive) also have events taking place outside the Convention Center but most will be easily accessible by foot, shuttle or bicycle.

NEW for 2012: SXSW announces SXcycles, a bike share program for Platinum, Gold, Interactive, and Film registrants. This service will be complimentary to registrants Friday, March 9th – Tuesday, March 13th from 9:00am until 2:00am. Tern will bring their "Link D8" bicycles for daily use. Registrants can pick up a bike with helmet, locks, and BioLogic lights and Commute Bag (so long as supplies last), and be on their way to satellite campuses, film venues, or night time happenings. Come to 513 East Cesar Chavez Street, directly across from the Austin Convention Center to pick up one of these sweet Tern Bicycles and enjoy this eco-friendly way to explore the city and all that SXSW has to offer!

R&R Hotel Shuttle: This inexpensive circulating shuttle will service 37 official SXSW hotels outside the easily walkable downtown area during Film, Interactive and Music. See details here.

Interactive: In addition to the Panels, Keynotes, Trade Show, etc. in the Austin Convention Center, SXSW Interactive will have full slates of conference events at several centrally located campuses. Each campus will focus on a different programming theme and will be easily accessible by foot or by the free circulating Interactive Campus Shuttles. Click here for information on the Interactive Campus and the IA Campus locations.

Film: In addition to the Panels, Keynotes, Trade Show, etc. in the Convention Center, the SXSW Film Festival has a number of venues-- all within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center except for the Alamo South Lamar. The SXSW Film Fest Flyer is free for all Platinum, Gold and Film badge holders and will run from Friday, March 9 through Saturday, March 17.

Music: In addition to the Panels, Keynotes, Trade Show, etc. in the Convention Center, the SXSW Music Festival has over 80 stages -- most are downtown and many within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center.

Expect to do lots of walking while you're here, so wear your comfy shoes. If walking isn't your style, check out the City of Austin's many modes of transportation.

Need info about getting around Austin? Check out our Public Transportation and Cars, Buses & Bikes pages.

Getting dropped off at the Austin Convention Center? The best place to do that is in the circle drive located on Cesar Chavez on the south side of the building.