Do you guys already have tickets to these shows? CoreyAnn and I were thinking about going down to see Ted Leo, and weren't sure, this late, if it would be possible to even get a hotel room, much less anything else.
 

This is just from last year's experience (and it resulted in disappointment due to last-minute rescheduling), but the show tickets aren't something pre-plan necessary (especially for the non-huge acts) since most are in clubs w/ cover charges and general admission.

We're staying in Round Rock, which is 20 or so miles north of Austin. Most hotels in Austin city limits (PBS, yay) are sold out, and if they're not, they're ritzy.
 

Standard Operating Procedures for SXSX revolves around the official SXSW wristbands/badge. Basically, if you buy the $500+ wristband/badge, you get priority over non-wristband/badge wearing patrons and almost guaranteed entry to any/every show. Without a wristband/badge, you can usually get in with a cover if there's room (they have to "make" room for anticipated badge-holders).

So, yeah, basically, we're going to try our luck with entry since the badges cost so much and cover the entire festival. Gomez, fortunately, is at Stubbs and if they're on the main stage (i think they are) we can catch them from the street if we don't go in.

Last year, we caught (unknowingly) the last few minutes of Diplo as the rescheduled at the last minute.