Share Your Funny Music Festival Stories

Send us your funny or horrifying MUSIC FESTIVAL STORIES and we'll post them here for a good read.

What you don't want to leave home without when attending a music festival

Festivals are great fun. Not only do you get a choice between a large variety of musical styles and acts, but the atmosphere of loads of people enjoying the outing just enhances the journey. Losing your mobile phone or wallet can turn what would have been a great day into a nightmare, so here are a few things you should bear in mind when planning you next music festival outing. The following tips will help you survive the festivals and get the most out of your musical experience:

Travel Clothes- The clothes you wear on the plane are travel clothes. You don't use them for anything else. This makes sure that what ever happens you don't have to travel back, soaking wet, covered in mud/stinking of booze/covered in vomit/covered in the blood of your ex best friend

Two Pair of shoes - Bring a pair you really don't mind leaving behind, because they will be wankered by the time they have had what seems like 10,000 miles rode into them.

Business Cards in a case - I know i am stating the obvious here but bring plenty of them and bring those suckers protected.

Pen and Paper - Just in case modern technology runs out. Plus its tough remembering everything.

Backpacks – Bags and purses are just a hassle. If you put them down, you will lose them and everything inside them, so pack the essentials in a more dance-friendly back pack. If you haven’t got one, your next door neighbor’s daughter’s My Little Pony one will do fine.

Water – A water bottle is always a good idea. Some venues won’t allow you to bring one in, but if you can, most will supply free water taps for refills. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are drinking alcohol, as a long day dancing in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration.

Money – No matter what, you’ll always wish you’d brought more. There’s drinks to buy, and food, and if you want to get yourself a souvenir T-shirt or something else from the dazzling array of merchandise on offer, allow for at least $100. Bear in mind that at least $20 of that will undoubtedly vanish, seemingly unaccounted for, at some stage. Keep your money in your pocket, not your bag and leave your wallet at home. Losing all your cards should your wallet disappear is never fun.

Camera – If you cant afford such pleasures as an IPHONE you will want to record the great day you had for future reference, so pack the cam and make sure the batteries are fully charged and you have plenty of space on your memory card. Of course, as the day wears on, the photos will get fuzzier along with your memory and most will need to be deleted, but you can deal with that tomorrow.

I.D. – You’ll probably need it to get in to the venue and it’s always a good idea to have it on you in the unlikely case that something bad happens and you become that random stranger passed out on the ground and the medics need to find out who you are.

Mobile phone – The most commonly heard conversation at the festivals is always a shouted; “Where are you? I’m at the hot-dog stand, you know, the one with the giant monkey on the front, near the back fence?” (Or something along those lines) You will definitely be using this little sucker as you desperately try to relocate your lost friends throughout the event. It’s also quite likely that you’ll bump into long lost friends wandering around and will want to get their numbers too, so have that phone charged up to full before you head out.

Sunscreen – As the Baz Luhrmann song goes: “Trust me on the sunscreen!” You will burn, no matter how much you apply or how often you reapply it, so bring it with you to avoid adding to the severe pain you will already be in for from dancing when you wake up tomorrow.

Sunglasses – These serve a dual purpose of protecting your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun while shielding the outside world from the harsh reds of your eyes. And should you happen to party on all night, you’ll be really glad you have them the next morning when you finally head home.

Chewing Gum - For general refreshment.

Austin Hotels Still open and Hotels that are booked

Please add or copy information if you are able to make a reservation at one of the CALL hotels. Please make an annotation if you are unable to secure a reservation at one of the AVAILABLE hotels. I would suggest calling (the hotel, not the 800 number) if you can't make a reservation online. I doubt it will work for any of the downtown hotels but could might with the ones listed here. If you have had any bad experiences or good experiences with any of these hotels that are based in Austin during SXSW feel free to post below.

If you've stayed at one of these before, please add comments.

Google Map

Direct Links AVAILABLE (Feb. 4) Hotels.com AVAILABLE (Feb. 4)

Clarion Inn & Suites Conference Center - 2.2 mi
2200 South IH 35
512-444-0561
Hotel Website

1. Days Inn Austin/University/Downtown - 2.6 mi
3105 N I-35
512-478-1631
Hotel Website

3.Wyndham Garden Hotel - 3.9 mi
3401 I-35 S
512-448-2444
Hotel Website

4. Suburban Extended Stay Of Austin South - 4.4 mi
2501 I-35 South
(512) 712-9920
Hotel Website

5. Americas Best Value Inn - 4.4 mi
2525 Interstate Hwy 35 South
(512) 441-0143
Hotel Website hotels.com

6. La Quinta Inn Austin Highland Mall - 4.4
5812 I-35 North
(512) 459-4381
Hotel Website hotels.com

7. La Quinta Inn Austin - 4.5 mi
4200 I-35 South
(512) 443-1774
Hotel Website

8. Days Inn - Austin South - 4.5 mi
4220 South IH-35
512-441-9242
Hotel Website

9. Candlewood Suites Austin South - 4.6 mi
4320 I-35 S
512-444-8882
Hotel Website

11. Rodeway Inn North - 5.1 mi
5656 N I-35
(512) 452-1177
Hotel Website hotels.com

12. Courtyard Marriott Austin Central - 5.1 mi.
5660 I-35 North
hotels.com

13. Quality Inn & Suites - 5.2 mi
2751 Ben White E
hotels.com

14. Hawthorn Suites Austin Central - 5.2 mi
935 La Posada Dr.
hotels.com

15. Super 8 Motel - Austin University - 5.2 mi
5526 N I-35
(512)451-7001
Hotel Website hotels.com

16. Americas Best Value Inn North - 5.3 mi
909 E Koenig Lane
512-452-4200
Hotel Website hotels.com

17. Residence Inn Austin Northwest/Arboretum - 5.3 mi
3713 Tudor Boulevard
512-502-8200
Hotel Website hotels.com

18. Ramada - Austin Central - 5.3 mi
919 East Koenig Lane
512-454-1144
Hotel Website hotels.com

19. Travelodge Highland Mall - 5.3 mi
6200 Middle Fiskville Rd
hotels.com

20. Doubletree Hotel Austin - 5.4 mi
6505 I-35 N
hotels.com

21. North Austin Plaza Hotel and Suites - 5.4 mi
6911 I-35 N
hotels.com

22. Baymont Inn - Austin North - 5.7 mi
7100 I-35 N
hotels.com

24. Comfort Inn - Austin - 6.4 mi
700 Delmar Ave.
hotels.com

25. Best Western Atrium North - 6.5 mi.
7928 Gessner Dr
hotels.com

26. Red Roof Inn Austin South - 6.6 mi
4701 I-35 South
(512) 448-0091
Hotel Website hotels.com

27. Super 8 Motel Austin Airport Area - 6.6 mi
3120 Montopolis Dr
(512) 334-4130
Hotel Website hotels.com

28. SpringHill Suites Austin South - 6.7 mi
4501 I-35 South
512-441-8270
Hotel Website hotels.com

29. Residence Inn Austin South - 6.7 mi
4537 South IH-35
512-912-1100
Hotel Website

30. Austin Airport Marriott South - 6.8 mi
4415 I-35 S
512-441-7900
Hotel Website} hotels.com

31. Comfort Suites Downtown South - 7.1 mi
1701 E St Elmo Rd.
(512)444-6630
Hotel Website

32. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Conference Center - 7.2 mi
7800 I-35 N
hotels.com

33. Comfort Suites Austin Airport - 7.8 mi
7501 E. Ben White Blvd.
(512) 386-6000
Hotel Website

34. La Quinta Inn & Suites Austin Airport - 7.9 mi
7625 E. Ben White Blvd.
(512) 386-6800
Hotel Website

CALL - MAYBE

Super 8 Austin/Dtwn/Capital
1201 North I-35
512-472-8331
Hotel Website

NOT AVAILABLE

Sheraton Austin Hotel - 0.8 mi
(512) 478-1111
701 East 11th St

2. Rodeway Inn University/Downtown - 2.7 mi
2900 I-35 North
(512) 477-6395
Hotel Website

10. Embassy Suites Austin - 4.7 mi
5901 North IH-35
512-454-8004
Hotel Website

23. La Quinta Inn and Suites Austin Southwest at Mopac - 5.8
4424 S Mopac Expy
hotels.com

People looking and Rooms and places for last mintute at SXSW

Ok folks if you need a place to stay or you have a place where you can let someone crash this is the place to post it. Thanks alot folks. O please respond directly to the person directly. I have taken these from all over the web, Craigslist, SXSW Baby, Local Austin

PLACES FOR RENT

$65 / 1br - Great 1br for SXSW week, 3 miles from downtown, $65/night
Reply to: hous-579373385@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 12:01PM CST


Nice, comfy 1-bedroom on Manor Rd. available for the week of SXSW, $65/night, 5-night minimum. This place is less than 3 miles from downtown (a quick cab or bike ride from most of the action) and 7 miles from the airport.

Everything in the photos will be in the apartment for that week, with the exception of my guitar and cat (yes, the place will be cat-hair free). There's a queen-size bed, cable TV w/ DVD player, good water pressure, all the usual appliances and necessities (stove, fridge, microwave, dishware, cookware, etc.) Perfect for two people.

Besides being close to downtown, it's only 2-4 blocks from some great eastside hangouts: Clementine coffee shop, Chilito taco stand, Eastside Cafe, Hoover's Cooking, Red House bar, lots of others. I also have very friendly, cool, slightly eccentric yet courteous neighbors.

E-mail with any questions.

$350 / 1br - Downtown Condo for SXSW
Reply to: hous-579408121@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 12:28PM CST


best location in town! downtown on the lake, right across from the Four Seasons!

beautiful, bright, cheerful condo. easily sleeps three: 1 queen bed and 1 twin futon.

$350 per night.

please email with any questions.

see other posting for more photos and full description:
http://austin.craigslist.org/sub/579397170.html

Rooms for rent for SxSW
Reply to: hous-579395402@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 12:36PM CST


I have 2 bedrooms in a 2 bed/1bath ready furnished for rent. Rates are $120/night. Contact me today!! 512 444-4450

$100 / 1br - Apartment for SxSW - 1 bedroom just for you & friends !
Reply to: hous-579476375@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 1:20PM CST


I'm looking to rent out my apartment during the weeks of 3/8 - 3/22 for SxSW. Apartment is a large 1 bedroom & you'd have the apartment to yourself. Has washer dryer, internet, cable, patio, kitchen, etc. 6 minute drive from downtown & bus stop right outside that will take you straight downtown. Have a bike also if interested. I'd be willing to give you a ride here and there when available. Email me any questions you have.

$750 / 1br - Austin Texas for SXSW Bungalo
Reply to: hous-573889853@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-14, 9:02AM PST


Wake up to to gorgeous Lake Travis. I am on the shore line. One bed room bungalo has full bath, kitchen and washer dryer. 20 minutes from downtown and all of the SXSW action. Will rent out for 7 to 1o days depending on what you need. Comes with wifi access and cable TV and a new full size bed. I can get roll away if needed. Whole Foods is 10 minutes away and I can even do your grocery shopping for you! Hot tub and fire pit. 5 Minutes from Carlos n Charlies and watercraft rentals. 5 Minutes from the Oasis and Hippy Hollow!

Feel free to call me.

Zade West
512.350.1083

South by Southwest Events Space

Downtown Congress Space For Rent-SXSW
Reply to: events@47party.com
Date: 2008-02-19, 11:21AM CST


Austin, Texas: Beautiful historic Congress Ave. space for rent.
-Located in the heart of downtown Austin
-Available March 1st, 2008-March 17th, 2008.

Please Call 512-47PARTY or Email events@47party.com for details.

SXSW Festival: March 10-16th, 2008


Reply to: hous-576956391@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-17, 8:23AM PST


3,000 ft. free standing building with great aesthetic and look and feel, attached parking, full commercial kitchen and outdoor seating area located blocks away from downtown Ausitn and all SXSW film and music venues available for short term rental during the week of March 7th to 17th.

Email for full details, pics of building and rates.


$250 / 2br - SXSW March 13-18, cozy house with perfect location
Reply to: hous-579721245@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 4:50PM CST


Two bedrooms in house right off the main shopping area of South Congress-- Monroe St. between South Congress and S. 1st. Large kitchen and living room with a big, secluded backyard with hammock.

Near many restaurants, coffee shops, and stores on South Congress and South 1st and is a 10 minute bike ride or 1.5 miles to all the SXSW events. Close to many buses and the 'Dillo (free bus).


$250 per night (or $125 per bedroom) with a small, fully refundable deposit. 2 night minimum.

Has 2 full size beds, so could accommodate up to four people (Extra deposit for extra folks). One tenant will be present for some of the time in the evening working in private studio.

Available March 13-16.

Email us with a little information about yourself and when you would like to reserve the house.


Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Guesthouse available for the fest

I live on E. 7th Street just two blocks east of 35. Perfect location to walk downtown and to eastside parties. The place is brand new, very nice. I’d like to rent it out for $175 per night during the fest. Let me know if there are any takers.
Posted by hseagren on 02/19 at 01:23 AM

$225 / 2br - SXSW-FILM! Downtown Austin Condo Available March 5-10
Reply to: hous-579244177@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 8:19AM PST


If you're looking for a place to stay during the first part of SXSW, for the Film fest and Interactive part, I have a great condo right in the heart of downtown Austin available for any night between March 4-10. SXSW starts March 7.

My places features:

*2 comfy bedrooms with Queen beds and private patios looking out to pool and garden.
*Gorgeous living and dining rooms with hardwood floors, lots of sleeping space.
*Full kitchen with all amenities, red tile floors, beautiful counters and nearly new, high efficiency Washer/Dryer.
*2 parking spaces
*ground floor apartment
*less than a minute walk to water's edge, Ladybird Lake.
*BEST OF ALL--5-minute walk to Congress Avenue and 10-15-min. walk or 5-min. drive to Austin Convention Center.
*$225/night plus deposit.

Email now.

$350 / 3br - SXSW March 12-18 Close to downtown, historical home
Reply to: hous-579692256@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 4:24PM CST


You could stay in a gorgeous historical home built in 1912. $350/night.

I have rented my house and rooms for 2 years ongoing. It is comfortable, clean, close to everything, safe, artsy neighborhood and fully furnished with washer/dryer. House is comfortable for 6-7 people, 3 queen size beds and one full size futon. Dates available March 12-17, though could be longer. Details below:

Very close to downtown and Austin Convention Center and 6th street. 20 minute walk or $5 cab ride to downtown. Free Bus shuttles close by.

Nice, large (1800sf), older (1912) renovated home with vaulted ceilings, wood floors, big front porch just east of downtown, near hike and bike trail and Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake. Furnished comfortably.

Community areas: living room, front and back porches, backyard, kitchen and washer/dryer use, very close to downtown, 6th street, etc. Bus stops are close.

Non-smoking inside please.

Wireless internet
Central AC/Heat
Full Kitchen use with plates, utensils, cookware, microwave, toaster oven
and large gas oven with 4 burners.
Laundry - Washer and Dryer
Iron and Ironing Board and Drying Rack if you prefer instead of dryer
Clean, home-like, quiet atmosphere.


ROOM INFO

Middle bedroom, queen size bed, ceiling fan, wood floors, cable TV, closet and shelf space.

Front, larger bedroom with Queen size bed, empty antique dresser, closet space,
ceiling fan, cable TV, wood floors, antique rugs.

Master bedroom (large room) with Queen size bed, private bath/shower, cable TV, ceiling fan, wood floors, antique rugs, empty closet and dresser, large comfortable easy chair, very private.

Additional bedding:
Office - Has additional full size comfy futon and living area could handle an extra bed. I have a foam mattress and possibly an air bed if needed.

A nice alternative to a B&B or hotel/motel.
Very unique and comfortable set-up for renters.

People have loved staying here and write wonderful things in my guestbook.

Please tell me a bit about yourself.

References required.
Call or email.
512.469.7669


Thanks, Connie

250 / 2br - SXSW: By the lake and essentially downtown
Reply to: hous-579615751@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-19, 3:11PM CST


This two bedroom apartment is available for the entire duration of South by Southwest.

The apartment is just outside downtown and it has direct access to the hike and bike trail around the lake.

The price is $250 per night and includes a completely refundable $250 deposit.



PEOPLE LOOKING FOR PLACES TO STAY.................

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Female looking for bed/sofa/floor in hotel

Hey - I’m a female, 28 yrs old, from LA, looking for a room to stay in and contribute to cost. Will be at SXSW Mar 12-16 (leaving on 17th). Sofas and carpets ok too! Email me at sam@samshaber.com. Thanks!
Posted by samshaber on 02/13 at 04:33 PM

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Condo share?

I’m considering renting a condo for $200 a night; it’s about 2.5 miles northwest of downtown on 13th Street (Enfield Road). Looking for someone to split the cost from March 12-16.
Posted by timpfinn on 02/12 at 02:34 PM

Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bed available at downtown hotel

We have a double bed going spare in our room at the Sheraton Austin on 11th Street, due to friends pulling out.

Checking in Monday 10th March, checking out Monday 17th March (although this is negotiable)

Price for the bed is $115 a night incl. taxes (same price we were charged for it).

We are two male friends, 27 and 28, from Scotland. We will be sharing the other double bed to keep costs down. We want to see a lot of bands, party and enjoy the banter, but also hopefully get a little bit of sleep where possible. This is our second SXSW.

We are not serial killers.

Looking for one or two people to have the other bed.

Sheraton Austin is a 4 star hotel on 11th Street, just off Red River, so only a few blocks from the heart of the venues and the convention centre.

The nearest hotel still available on the SXSW website is 4.1 miles from the convention centre!

If interested, please email Andy at hello@nonimage.com for more info.


Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Panelist needs a room to SXSW

Hi,

I’m a panelist for SXSW. I’m willing to share a room with someone. I’m male, 29 and always looking to network.

I will need a room/share from 3/6 to 3/12.

Thanks.

N.S.

My blog http://nubiancheetah.blogspot.com/
Posted by nubiancheetah on 02/05 at 01:50 PM

Thursday, January 31, 2008
three lovely ladies need somewhere to crash

i work for an L.A.-based music magazine and we’re putting on a bunch of shows over the weekend so my girlfriends and i are flying out there and just need somewhere to drop our bags and (hopefully) take a shower.

we’re flying in on wednesday night i believe and it would be awesome if someone could show some love. we have american dollars and free entry (if you need it) to the shows i am booking.

myspacelurk: myspace.com/xnormandiex

Sunday, January 27, 2008
Looking for a Bed/Couch…anything with a pillow

I am going to be in Austin for the Interactive festival (for work) and the Music week (for vacation). I need a place to crash/split from the 11th to the 16th.

PM me or check my site out (I am not crazy) and email me if you need a roomie.

Ryan
http://www.ryanmcminn.com
Posted by RyanMcMinn on 01/27 at 01:21 PM

MySpace's music plan likely to be streaming service

Beware, SpiralFrog and Imeem. A powerful new player is eyeing your ad-supported music turf.

MySpace.com is in talks with the four major record labels about starting a free-to-consumer music service, a source with knowledge of the talks told CNET News.com on Monday night. So far MySpace and the labels are just talking, the source said, but PaidContent, the blog that broke the news, reported that the music companies are being offered an equity stake in the News Corp.-backed start-up.

A MySpace spokeswoman declined to comment Monday evening.

There are conflicting reports about whether the new music service would offer downloads or stream music to PCs. PaidContent reported that it's downloads, but Silicon Alley Insider reported that its sources said the site would stream songs.

My source couldn't confirm either way, but I have a hunch that it's streams. Here's why:

The labels have shown almost no interest in giving away downloads via an ad-supported site. SpiralFrog has struck a partnership with only one top record company (Universal Music Group) in two years of trying. Qtrax, another ad-support download service, can't boast a single major label yet, but the start-up is still negotiating.

Ruckus is an ad-supported download service that has partnered with all the big labels but caters only to college students.

Meanwhile, social networks Imeem and Last.fm stream music to users' PCs and each has signed deals with all four majors.

The labels like streaming because it locks up their music on PCs and protects it from piracy. Streaming also encourages sales, or so the music companies hope. The thinking is that Imeem and Last.fm users will eventually purchase music they discover on the social-networking sites.

What could sink my theory is if MySpace is willing to pay so much for downloads that the labels have to say yes. With Facebook breathing down its neck, MySpace could bet that offering free music to users--in exchange for looking at some ads--would be a whopping advantage over competitors.

News Corp. has the kind of deep pockets that it could afford to keep a loss leader like this going for a couple of years.

Regardless, the big winners in either scenario are consumers. Free and legal music is getting easier to find all the time.

Research Has that it kids prefer Itunes to P2P?

NPD Group claims that purchasing musicTweens_2 from Apple’s iTunes Store is more popular with tweens (kids 9-to 14) than "illegally" downloading music. The report says 70% of tweens now use legal services with iTunes grabbing 49%, Limewire still commands 26% and MySpace is used by 16%.

Showcases at SXSW are getting out of Hand

SXSW By The Numbers. Is Bigger Better?

Sxsw_2008_3 Paste Magazine's Caren Kelleher has taken a look at emerging trends at SXSW and found that just as the conference is receiving increasing criticism for getting too big, 20% more bands than ever before have already been accepted to official showcases. Kelleher counts 1594 bands in 2008 vs. 1331 in 2007.

SXSW officials have been complaining loudly that unofficial showcases are hurting the conference and perhaps their solution is to bring more acts under the official umbrella. But in an era of info and musical overload, the less is more approach might have yielded better results despite the inevitable howls of exclusivity.

The unspoken reality, however, is that many conferences make much of their income from submission, showcase and attendance fees . Even when sponsorships provide the the bulk of the financial support, more shows by more bands mean more sponsorship sales opportunities.

The independent music industry needs a gathering place for its tribe and Austin provides that as well as serving as a new band and product launching pad. But SXSW officials have increasingly difficult choices ahead and if they don't make them soon; the conference's very relevance could be threatened.