The Cheekd Guide to SXSW

After three consecutive trips to Austin’s SXSW, I’ve gotten the overwhelming week of magic and mayhem down to a science. Knowing that the two biggest stress factors during the conference are knowing how to cure your daily hangover and FOMO, I’m here to share with you the answer to the only one I’ve nailed. I’m revealing my Cheekiest secrets to what you should be doing at SX this year, without the fear of missing out. Here you will find the first-ever, exclusive Cheekd Guide to SXSW.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MOST AWESOME GUIDE EVER PUT TOGETHER FOR SXSW

Thursday, March 12^th

The biggest party to kick off before SXSW is the ATX Startup Crawl where over 50 Austin based startups throw one huge bash at Capital Factory from 5:00- 10:00pm.

Find out more here.

Next stop, head over to the “beer connoisseur’s kingdom,”The Ginger Man, at 6:00 pm for the 7^th Annual Calm Before the SXSW Storm Drinkup with Scott Beale and Brian Solis. Get there early or you’ll find yourself waiting in line. No RSVP required.

If you’re still looking for more action, make your way over to the Big Bashh Big Ass Social Happy Hour, where the team behind bringing people together offline that have met online welcome all arriving geeks for a “no ego” happy hour at the Vulcan Gas Co from 6- 10:00 pm.

Find out more here.

Now, go get yourself a nightcap at my favorite SXSW people watching/mingling drinking mecca, The Driskill Hotel, but don’t stay out too late. All hell is about to break lose in Austin.

Friday, March 13^th

 Set your alarms for 8am! You’ve got to get to the TechBreakfast Spectacular presented by Luna Data Solutions where you’ll be treated to an “awesome” breakfast and watch some Startup “Show & Tell” at Crave from 9am- 1:30pm.

Find out more here.

I’ll be pitching my newly launched mobile dating app, Cheekd, at the Startup Dating Game:::Take three ambitious startups, let them pitch to one successful VC hidden behind a wall, and watch the magic happen! Come join me from 3:30- 4:30pm at the Hilton Austin Downtown at 500 East 4^th St.

Find out more here.

This says it all: “A gathering of cool people doing awesome things.”  Join Funsize, Adobe Photoshop and Invision as they join forces for their “High Five Hour,” which claims it’ll be packed with “badass people, free flowin’ libations and delicious Tex-Mex food” at 508 Tequila Bar from 5-8pm. You’ll need to score a wristband to get in, which you can get by finding or tweeting one of the ringleaders of the event.

Find out more here.

Join PayPal & Mondelez for the 8^th Annual TechSet Party from 6-10pm. The rooftop affaire is going to be held at Austin’s Contemporary Art Museum. Join hosts Stephanie Agresta and Brian Solis for some techset networking, nibbles and libations.

Find out more here.

Saturday, March 14^th

Attempt to cure your hangover at The NewsCred Lounge Brunch with Instagram Sensation, The Fat Jew at 106 E. 6^th Street from 11am- 2:30pm

Find out more here.

Text, Tech and Tequila! Penguin Random House UK are hopping over the pond for a gathering at The Iron Cactus at 606 Trinity Street from 2-5pm RSVP:

Find out more here.

The party I’m most looking forward to is an invite only “Night with Frog” at Malverde at 400-B West 2^nd St., from 7:30- 11:30pm. These people know how to throw a party and are serving up Mexican tapas and an open bar. Find someone with the secret code and get on the waitlist. This party is gonna’ be HOT!

Find out more here.

The Startup Oasis Startup Showcase Party (powered by UP Global and the Kauffman Foundation) at Old School Bar & Grill at 401 E. 6^th Street from 10pm- 2am

Find out more here.

Sunday, March 15^th

Get on the list #MobileRitas at SXSW and network with other mobile leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators from 11am- 1pm at Chupacabra Cantina at 400 East 6^th Street.

Find out more here.

For a little St. Patrick’s Day Pre-Party action, Get Lucky with Desk.com at Maggie Mae’s at 323 East 6^th Street from 3-5pm. They’ll be serving up tons of food, free drinks, music and some of the hottest tech startups in Austin will be in the house. One lucky attendee will even walk away with a $500 AmEx gift card.

Find out more here.

Tech Cocktail’s Startup Celebration at SXSWi with 20 showcasing startups, giveaways and cocktails at Maggie Mae’s at 323 East 6^th Street from 7- 11pm.

Find out more here.

Crowdtap throws one of the best invite only events of the week at V Nightclub at 409 Colorado Street from 8:30pm- 2am. This bash will be the first-ever People-Powered Party at SXSW where the people at the party power the lighting, the music, the décor and more. I went last year. To say that it was “off the hook” would be an understatement.

Find out more here.

Monday, March 16^th

If it’s nice out, you’ll need to find yourself poolside with the SX Fashion Set at the W Hotel’s BrainBar, located at 200 Lavaca Street from 4-8pm. No badge is required, but you’ll need a confirmation that you’re on the list before you bother showing up.

Find out more here.

Join the NY Tech Community’s best and brightest in Austin for an evening of fun and networking at WeWork– 600 Congress Ave., from 4:30-7:30pm. Show up early. Admittance is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Find out more here.

The 3^rd Annual Take Back Your Internet Party at Palm Door on Sixth, located at 508 Pecan Street from 8pm-midnight. The night kicks off with a panel and networking at 6, then followed by drinks and networking at 8.

Find out more here.

Tuesday, March 17^th

Five bucks will get you fueled with breakfast tacos and espresso at Austin’s “entrepreneurial center of gravity,” Capital Factory. Join the Austin Open Coffee Club from 9-11am at 701 Brazos Street.

Find out more here.

Why miss celebrating St. Patrick’s Day while at SXSW? Get your inner shamrock on with More Cowbell as they host an “epic rooftop day party” with dancing, green beer and a chance to get lucky at The Market, located at 319 Colorado Street, from 2- 7pm.

Find out more here.

I almost got trampled trying to get into the SXSW Media Temple Closing Night Party last year, but once you’re inside, it’s totes worth it. Yes. Totes.  Lady Gaga is rumored to be performing at this event this year. You’ll need a badge and a lot of patience. Stubb’s- 801 Red River. Get there early and make sure you have a way in (badge, on the list, etc.) or you will notget in.

***Cheeky #! Party Tip: When all else fails… go the bar at the Driskill hotel. There you will (at all hours) find some serious SX Shiner Bock Shenanigans taking place.

Daily Lounges (free food, drinks, charging stations, etc.)

Sales Force Marketing Cloud
The Brass House
115 San Jancinto
3/13-3/14
12-6pm
Find out more here.

Gigya Grill
El Sol y La Luna Restaurant
600 E. 6^th Street
3/13-3/15
10am-6pm
Find out more here.

The TripIt Lounge
Four Elements
314 Congress Avenue, #200
3/14-3/15
9am-5pm
Find out more here.

Marketo’s Engagement Lounge at SXSW
The Vulcan Gas Company
418 East 6^th Street
3/14-3/16
9am-2:30pm
Find out more here.

SoftLayer Speakeasy 
Catalyst Startup Lounge
601 E 6^th Street, 2^nd Fl.
3/15-3/17
12-10pm
Find out more here.

Fitness

Cyc Fitness joins Wellthily, Under Armour, VitaFusion& Blueprint for 45 minute pop up Cyc Rides and a Recovery Lounge with Breakfast and Cold Pressed Juices

South X Sanctuary Warehouse
1021 E. 7^th Street, Entrance from Alley
3/15- 9am, 10am, 12pm
3/16- 9am, 10am, 11am
3/17- 9am, 10am, 11am
Find out more here.

Cyc Fitness at SXSW – 2015
Spotify House & Soul Cycle
901 East 6^th Street
3/16- 3/20
9:30 am
The bikes reservations are already full, but everyone’s going to press their snooze buttons, so just show up or RSVP to get on the waitlist for calorie-banishing, soul-enriching workouts every morning, with live DJs. Tapping it back never sounded so good. Find out more here

Gold’s Gym
101 West 6^th Street
Find out more here
I usually get a week’s guest pass for $45, so if cycling’s not your thang, get your workout on here. Bring a towel and a lock—they don’t have them there.

Looking for love?

You’ll need to download my spanking brand new mobile Bluetooth dating app and you’ll get an immediate notification when someone compatible crosses your path in a 30 foot radius. Get the free app here and get CHEEKD!

You are welcome. Good luck with the hangover and see y’all there!