Locals can expect changes to traffic, especially in the downtown area, as spring festivals make their way into Austin.

What you need to know

On March 7, South by Southwest Conference & Festivals begins in addition to the Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores. SXSW ends March 15.

Road closures and detours will be in place around downtown Austin due to SXSW and will begin at noon and continue until early morning hours. To view all road closures, click here.

At a news conference March 3, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said all drivers must comply with street closures and pedestrians must comply with all pedestrian signals.

City officials encourage taking alternative transportation, including walking, biking or using public transportation to get around. Parking will be limited in and around downtown, and towing will be enforced.

Capital Metro rail services will be extended until midnight every night of the SXSW festival and to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday of both festival weekends.

Drivers may also leave their car overnight if opting for a safe ride home after drinking and may be eligible to have a parking ticket waived. More information can be found on the city’s website.

Another detail

For those traveling through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, officials recommend the following tips:

• Prepare for heavy traffic driving to ABIA. Real-time traffic updates are available at www.drivetexas.org.
• Arrive 2 1/2 hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before international flights.
• Allow extra time to check luggage or return rental cars.
• Pack properly for Transportation Security Administration security screening. TSA rules can be found at www.tsa.gov.
• If flying Allegiant or Frontier, arrive at The South Terminal, 10000 Logistics Lane, Austin.

In May—the airport's busiest month ever—ABIA officials announced changes to security checkpoints at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The following security checkpoints are available:

• Checkpoint 1 is open for general screening, ADA screening and priority passenger screening, as well as Known Crew Members.
• Checkpoint 2 East is open for general screening but intermittently used by TSA to screen PreCheck customers at the discretion of the TSA.
• Checkpoint 2 West is open for PreCheck screening and Clear screening.

What they’re saying

"Spring festival season is here, and Austin continues its happy tradition of hosting significant events, drawing thousands to our city who just want to be part of the one-of-kind experience,” Mayor Kirk Watson said March 3. “With SXSW around the corner, I want you to know that Austin is prepared. ... We ask for patience and partnership from our residents as we navigate the by-products festivals and events bring with them.”