Attendee Health & Safety
The following is general health & safety information and not intended to be a comprehensive guide.
Please note: the contents of this page are subject to change, and to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergencies:
Dial 9-1-1 to contact Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Hospitals:
The closest downtown hospitals with emergency room services are:
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas
1500 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 324-7000
St. David's Medical Center
919 E 32nd St, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 544-7111
If you are outside the downtown area, other hospitals may be closer.
Non-Emergency Assistance
Dial 3-1-1, or contact the Austin Police Department directly by dialing 512-974-5000. The country code for the United States is 001.
The Austin Police Department App can be found at: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/311/smart-phone-app
HEALTH SAFETY
We ask that all attendees and participants follow the SXSW Health Pledge and exercise personal responsibility when attending SXSW events.
You are committed to:
- Practicing respiratory etiquette, such as masking (where applicable) and / or covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Exercising good hygiene, such as frequently washing or sanitizing your hands.
- Following the CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourself from, and reducing the spread of communicable illnesses, including staying up to date with recommended vaccinations.
- Not working or attending any SXSW affiliated event if you are feeling ill, have a fever, or other symptoms consistent with a communicable illness.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms improve and you no longer have a fever.
Note that during Covid-19 pandemic, SXSW’s protocols included a mask policy and proof of a negative test (or full vaccination instead of a negative test) in order to collect and maintain credentials.
SAFETY
Use good judgment and exercise personal responsibility when traveling and attending events in Austin. Please consider using the recommended guidance below.
General Advice
- If you see someone acting suspicious or see something suspicious, say something. Dial 9-1-1 immediately.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you.
- Know your location, including venue name and address, and cross streets when possible.
- Look out for others. Help others when safe to do so. If you become aware of someone who is ill or needs help, inform event or venue staff, or someone from Public Safety. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Wellness
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a reusable water bottle.
- Keep phones charged and carry any important numbers with you.
- Carry details of any medications and allergies with you.
- Be mindful of the weather each day and dress accordingly.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Get an appropriate amount of sleep.
Navigating the Event
- Walk with a companion or in a group, not alone.
- Designate a meeting point, or let others know where you plan to be should you become separated from your group.
- Take a photo or note where your vehicle is parked. Park in a well-lit area and do not park in tow away zones. If your vehicle is towed, you will need a copy of your auto insurance card or registration in your possession in order to retrieve your vehicle. Tow companies will not allow access to your vehicle once it's towed.
- Be aware of event street closures and lanes of travel that may have temporary directional changes.
- At peak times, traffic may be heavy and transportation services very busy. We recommend making a plan for how you will get home before heading out.
- Visit SXSW’s “Getting Around” page for more information on the SXSW Festival Shuttle, local transportation options, and street closures.
Visiting Any Venue
- Know the venue name, street address and cross street in case of an emergency.
- Take a moment to identify at least two exit routes from any building or event, and emergency exit signs.
- Identify a place to shelter in the event of an emergency, or inclement weather.
- If an alarm sounds, evacuate immediately. Follow directions from venue staff or First Responders, if present.
- Do not leave drinks unattended, or accept open drinks or food products from strangers.
- Know entry policies for individual venues by visiting their website.
Emergency Evacuations or Shelter in Place Orders
In the event of an emergency evacuation or shelter in place order, make your way quickly and calmly to an emergency exit or the designated sheltering area. Be aware of any hazards or dangers around you before proceeding.
Follow the direction of venue staff, security personnel and First Responders.
Do not put yourself in danger by stopping to collect belongings unless directed by First Responders.
Protecting Your Property
- Make a note of your hotel address and store it separately from other items.
- Never write your hotel room number on your room key.
- Make a note of the serial numbers of any electronic devices or valuables. Knowing your mobile’s IMEI can help secure your phone if lost or stolen. Support for finding your unique phone IMEI number: http://www.imei.info.
- If parking, lock your vehicle and never leave valuables or personal items on display.
- If you lose property such as a purse or wallet containing credit cards, driver's license, Social Security card or passport, file a police report immediately by dialing 3-1-1, or 512-974-2000. Remember to contact your credit card companies or bank immediately to inform them of your lost cards.
Suspicious Activity
SXSW supports the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. For more information, visit dhs.gov/see-something-say-something.
Never leave your bags or possessions unattended. Unattended bags may disrupt events and could be removed, damaged, or destroyed by police or other security personnel.
Weather Awareness
The weather in Austin during March can change rapidly. Make note of local weather forecasts and pay special attention to any weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service.
Details of any active alerts, along with a weather forecast for Austin can be found here.
If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone any SXSW events due to inclement weather (such as lightning, strong winds, or heavy rains) updates will be issued on SXSW social media channels and through the SXSW GO mobile app. We recommend downloading and following these information sources before leaving home.
EVENT POLICIES
Weapons Free
SXSW is a weapons free event. Please see the SXSW Weapons Free Policy for more information.
SXSW Bag Policies
We encourage all attendees to travel light by leaving large bags at home or in your hotel. Please be aware that bag checks may be implemented at Official SXSW Conference and Festival venues at any time, and additional security measures may be in place at individual locations.
Larger bags such as duffel bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks may be subject to inspection by venue staff before entry. Please note, luggage or large cases of any kind are not permitted.
For safety reasons, never leave a bag unattended. Unattended bags will be promptly reported to security and local authorities.
Film & TV Festival Venues The Paramount Theatre has a bag policy in place for their venue. Clear bags may not exceed 14” x 12” x 6.” Small clutches not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”, diaper bags, coats and jackets, medically necessary items, and SXSW Big Bags are permitted, but subject to search.
Music Festival Venues Stubbs Amphitheater allows clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags not to exceed 4.5”x 6.5.” Small clutch bags do NOT have to be clear.
Waterloo Amphitheater permits clear plastic or vinyl bags not to exceed 12”x16”x12.” Small clutch bags, clear or not, are permitted if they do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5.”
ACL does not have a clear bag policy, but does not allow backpacks and large bags exceeding 11”x17” into the venue for the safety and comfort of all attendees. Necessary diaper bags and medical bags are permitted. All bags and purses are subject to inspection.
Many music festival venues conduct bag checks and security screenings before entry. Be sure to check the specific policies of each venue ahead of time.
Radio Day Stage and Community Concerts at Brush Square Park limit larger bag sizes such as duffel bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks. All other bags are subject to inspections. See the prohibited items list on the Community Concerts page for more information.
Drone Policy
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (‘UAVs’) and drones by participants will be prohibited at all official events, subject to our Drone Policy found here: SXSW Drone Policy.
SXSW Code Of Conduct
helps creative people achieve their goals. One way we do this is by serving as a platform for engaging, thought-provoking conversations and experiences. However, SXSW is not a place for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. For more information see: sxsw.com/coc. If you have an issue, please report it to conduct@sxsw.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SXSW looks to support its participants by partnering with organizations that can provide a variety of peer to peer, in-person, and online emotional and professional services.
Sober Space
A place for sober and sober curious people to gather and attend an all-format meeting. This is for Friends of Bill, and all other SXSW attendees, production crew, artists, and volunteers who are looking for a meeting during the festival to sit and share on your experience, strength, and hope. These meetings are facilitated by staff and volunteers from The SIMS Foundation and Recovery ATX. Check the SXSW Online schedule for meeting times.
Integral Care
24/7 Helpline offers free, non-judgmental emotional support. Call 512-472-HELP (4357), press 1 for English, then 1. Services are available in multiple languages. Accredited by the American Association of Suicidology since 2008, it also handles 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls.
MusiCare’s Safe Harbor Room
The Safe Harbor Room is a place for people in recovery to meet during SXSW. The sessions are informal and supportive. Conferences and large gatherings can be a challenging atmosphere for those who choose sobriety. All are welcome to come to the Safe Harbor Room to meet with like-minded attendees. Safe Harbor sessions will be posted closer to the event.
The SAFE Alliance
If you’ve experienced an unwanted sexual encounter, dating or domestic violence, or sexual exploitation/trafficking, contact SAFE for free resources and specialized care through its confidential, 24-hour SAFEline. Call: 512–267–SAFE (7233), Text: 737–888–7233, or Chat: safeaustin.org/chat. You don’t have to go to a hospital or talk to the police. For victims of sexual violence, SAFE can provide free advocacy, forensic exams, and trauma-informed medical care through its own clinic in Austin, TX. Violence and abuse are never your fault. You are not alone. We are here to help and fulfill our mission to stop abuse for everyone. Se habla español.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For suicide or crisis support, dial or text 988, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Chat online at 988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/. Deaf and hard of hearing users can call 711, then 988.
Fireside Project
provides real-time support for when time doesn’t seem real. Fireside Project provides free, confidential emotional support during or after psychedelic or cannabis experiences. Open every day from 11am–11pm Pacific Time. Just call or text us at 62-FIRESIDE | 623–473–7433 or download our free mobile app, firesideproject.org/app.
Communities for Recovery
(CforR) is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. CforR offers peer-led, person-centered services focused on empowerment, connection, and wellness. Emphasizing inclusivity and lived experience, CforR creates a stigma-free environment for recovery. They also provide overdose awareness training and naloxone distribution across Travis County and Region 7. For recovery support, training, or naloxone, contact CforR at info@cforr.org or (512) 758-7686, or visit communitiesforrecovery.org.
