Get your swag from SXsocial! After you pick up your big bag, don't forget to claim your SXswag! Physical inserts have been replaced by eco-friendly digital versions, eliminating excess waste.

Available via SXsocial, anyone can access swag, although registrants can unlock extra items. Offers include:

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Kat CandlerWelcome to the first edition of Learn from a Local! Guest writer Joe Marshall talks to Austin film folks, on a mission to extract valuable intel on local tips and tricks, and how to get the best out of your SXSW experience.

Kat Candler (pictured) is a seasoned filmmaker and festival veteran whose work routinely wins showings at Sundance, Slamdance, the Los Angeles Film Festival and - of course - here. Writer and director of Black Metal (screening at SXSW 2013) , she teaches film at the University of Texas in between developing new features like the forthcoming Nikki is a Punk Rocker and Hellion (two films that make compelling cases for punk-rocking and hell-raising, respectively). Running around town shooting Black Metal seems to have taught her a thing or two about Austin cuisine. The key? Breakfast tacos.

Image Courtesy of National Geographic

In advance of its upcoming television series, the National Geographic Channel is hosting (what’s sure to be) an epic party celebrating the decade that made us who – and what – we are today: the 1980s. Featuring mash-up mastermind Girl Talk, the party fuses the ‘80s and today as it pays homage to some of the most influential moments in music, technology and political history.

On Sunday, March 10, head over to Antone’s at 9:00 pm . Need help finding it? Just keep an eye out for Doc’s DeLorean, the General Lee and the A-Team van. VJ Ian Edgar will kick things off with an insane ‘80s tribute, and then Girl Talk will bring it back to today with one of his signature pop collages. Don’t worry if you break a sweat busting out moves like Kevin Bacon – there will be plenty of Drakaar Noir and Love’s Baby Soft perfume to freshen up.

Be sure to RSVP and visit the site!

photo by Michael Brown

Welcome to SXSW good people! What's Happening! is a look at a handful of Conference and Festival events published twice daily. With so much going on out there, we offer this handy guide full of groovy suggestions but it's just a drop in an ocean of kick-ass programming.

Some helpful informationals:

Oh, it gets dark. This edition of Filmmakers in Focus takes on some of the filmmakers in our Midnighters section. Vincenzo "Cube" Natali is back with Haunter; Calvin Reeder brings us into the mind of The Rambler; and Simon Barrett does double duty as You're Next helmer, and one of the many directors on S/V/H/S.

Image courtesy Michael Buckner

An Austin institution, the Alamo Drafthouse is as much a part of local lore as breakfast tacos and Willie Nelson, and SXSW will once again be hosting a whole range of films in some of their unique theaters.

The Alamo Ritz is in the heart of 6th Street, with two great theaters that allow you to order food and drinks (including liquor!) from the comfort of your seat. There's a whole host of film options, including Midnighters, Visions, Documentary and Narrative Spotlight categories and more!

Image Courtesy of Mobile Charging Lockers Take a load off with SX Lockers to appreciate SXSW’s amazing programming, films, parties and shows without having to haul around your bags, coats and laptops.

With 24 hour security, you can feel safe storing your luggage in the adjacent bag + coat check area, or leaving your phone to charge in our powered locker system.

Located on 2nd & Trinity and open from 10:00am-3:00am, come and go as you please from daily panel sessions and late-night showcases. Click here to pre-register your locker now!