Getting permits for your SXSW day parties

Even though over 1400 bands get slots in official SXSW showcases, a lot of bands do not. So if they want to play there, they look for day shows and unofficial showcases.

And some bands are now going so far as to set up their own parties. Some are in conjunction with SXSW and are listed on the SXSW site. Many others are unofficial.

As it turns out, if you plan to throw your own party open to the public for more than 49 people, you better have the right permits or you might be reported.

News 8 Austin Story : Fire marshals shut down unauthorized SXSW parties - 3/21/2007 6:50:05 PM: "'South by Southwest does make complaints. We did receive some complaints saying this is going to happen from SXSW. We did receive complaints from nightclubs saying this other night club is going to do this or that. We don't necessarily care SXSW or non-SXSW. Doesn't matter,' [Assistant Fire Marshall Don Smith] said.

SXSW director Roland Swenson said lists of non-sanctioned SXSW parties are easy to come by - even the Austin American-Statesman prints one. And he doesn't deny sharing it with the fire department.

'We had a list of every event in Austin that we knew about - parties, clubs, everything. We said, 'if you're going to lean on our clubs then here's the rest of SXSW. You have to pay attention to this to.' And apparently they did,' he said....

'Whether they were vindictive or not, SXSW has to comply with all the requirements. They send us a list of every venue they have and have to comply with all the requirements, I think for the city of Austin to be safe everybody has to comply with all the requirements,' Smith said."

SXSW