Surviving SXSW: Your Ultimate Self-Care Guide in Austin

Every March in Austin, Texas, we anticipate the arrival of SXSW, a whirlwind of a week that brings together the best in music, technology, film & TV, and more. During this highly-anticipated week of shows and events, Austin serves as a hub for SXSW regulars and also sees an influx of new-to-town guests. (Welcome to Austin!) Between panel-hopping, networking happy hours, the late-night shows, and the sheer act of navigating downtown Austin with over extra 300,000 people, your body and mind are going to need a little TLC.

Good news: if you can find a moment to sneak away and wind down, there are plenty of places in Austin that have you covered for a little R&R. Here’s how to squeeze in some self-care between sets and sessions, so you can have a moment for yourself during a busy few days in Austin.

Embrace the Art of the Early Happy Hour

Seasoned SXSW veterans know one rule: don’t wait until midnight to unwind. Pull up a barstool at one of Austin’s incredible restaurants and bars early (like, 4:30 PM early) before the crowds come and the noise is decibels above talking-level.

Enjoy a bar bite, drink specials, and the rare SXSW luxury of a seat at a low-key spot like Cosmic Pickle in South Austin, Holiday on 7th in East Austin, or DrinkWell in North Loop to escape the hustle & bustle of Downtown Austin. Sip something local, decompress from the day, and pat yourself on the back for taking a moment for yourself.

Book a Relaxing Spa Treatment at Austin’s Favorite Spa, Viva Day Spa + Med Spa

Born in Austin, Texas in 2005 and proudly known as the Best Spa in Austin, Viva Day Spa + Med Spa is Austin’s premier, 5-star destination for relaxing spa treatments. Whether you need a deep tissue massage to undo the damage of three days of standing or a rejuvenating facial to counter the intense Texas sun, Viva has you covered for a session of pampering. Have time for a longer spa day before your plane ride home? We recommend the Vivafy Spa Package, a luxurious combination of our two most popular massage and facial treatments, to reset your body & mind before your plane ride home.

P.S. We recommend booking your spa treatments at our convenient Downtown Austin spa location on South Lamar before the festival starts; appointments go quickly during peak Austin events season (a.k.a. SXSW) Consider it the best investment you’ll make all week!

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Take a Morning Walk on the Trail

Before the chaos begins, do as the locals do and head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake. Austinites tout this trail as one of the city’s crown jewels, and we think it’s worth bringing a pair of sneakers to enjoy a beautiful and peaceful start to a packed day at SXSW.

This 10-mile trail winds along a dammed section of the Colorado River, and you can go as long or as short as you like with accessible starting points in Downtown Austin. Arguably the best people-watching in the city, you’ll see local walkers, runners, bikers, kayakers, and stand-up paddle boarders. If you take a moment to stop and gaze at the water below, you’ll also find herons, fish, turtles perched on logs, and the Austin skyline reflecting on the lake. Bring headphones, leave the networking brain at your hotel room, and just walk. You’ll return to your events with a refreshed mind and spirit.

Find Your Zen at Black Swan Yoga

If you’ve had enough time on your feet, hit the reset button for your nervous system and join a yoga class at local favorite yoga studio, Black Swan Yoga. With multiple Austin locations, a welcoming vibe, and donation-based pricing, it’s convenient for on-the-go festival attendees who need an hour of stillness without a lot of fuss.

Show up, breathe, and quiet the noise from a packed day at the conference. Classes run throughout the day, so you can easily pop into one before, during, or after your schedule.

Take the Plunge at Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool

When in doubt, do as Austinites do: jump in the water! Popular with the locals, Barton Springs Pool is a legendary three-acre natural swimming hole fed by underground springs and sits at a refreshing, bracing temperature of 68°F year-round. Jump in during “swim at your own risk” hours of 5-8 am and 6-10 pm for free admission, or enjoy lifeguarded swim at $5/entry.

Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas, is a slightly warmer option with old-school charm and space to sprawl. Enjoy a midday dip, then walk up to Pool Burger for a cheeseburger, crinkle fries, and soft serve or classic dive bar Deep Eddy Cabaret for an ice-cold tall boy and pool tables.

Just remember: avoid BYO food and drinks at the pools, and it’s legal to go au naturale (topless) in Austin!

Austin Serves Up Self-Care

SXSW can feel like a whirlwind of an event in our beloved city of Austin, Texas. When you treat yourself to self-care as part of your schedule and not an afterthought, we have a good feeling you’ll head home feeling more energized, enthusiastic, and excited to bring memorable takeaways back home. So go ahead: book the massage, walk the lake, or take the plunge. Austin will take care of you, if you let it. We look forward to seeing you in town!