How I Found Love at SXSW 2016

By Brittany Robinson
SXSW Press Team

Hi, my name is Brittany and I’m a minor… at least in the terms of bars and the shows performed in those bars. This means that I am plagued by X’s on the back of both of my hands and the smell of sharpie lingers every time my fingers touch my face. It is a common problem with people around my age and chances are you, or someone you know, are related to someone who has it. If you didn’t know, South by Southwest was not created for the underage or the faint of heart. If you are below 21 years old, you are going to have to work hard to have a great time at this festival. Last year’s SXSW left me with negative memories, but I’m proud to say this time was different. This year, I made a friend that showed me a whole new world and without them, my time in Austin would have been a headache and unmemorable. This friend is beautiful inside and out and slowly has become the love of my life. Thank you Spider House Café. Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

Spider House Café was there for me when no one else could be. When Barracuda and Cheer Up Charlies told me I was too young, Spider House was there. When the panels told me I wasn’t good enough because I had a wristband and you needed a badge to get in, Spider House were there with open arms. And when I was a lonely girl wandering the tough streets of Austin, Spider House was the only one who would let me into their home. They not only gave me water, food and a shelter with free Wi-Fi, all the essentials a girl like me needs to survive a festival like this, but they also gave me emotional warmth. A thing I didn’t know I was missing until I felt it. Before SXSW, I never heard of Spider House Café or all the amazing things at it, I was ignorant and blind. Now that I know better, I am going to tell everyone about this venue.

Spider House is infinite. It has a ballroom (with a disco ball,) a bar, a café and a patio bar. Keep in mind: they were able to fit five stages in that one property. That is almost like a mini Fun Fun Fun Fest. Sadly, the first four hours I was there, I didn’t know there was a back patio element and when I fount out about it, I nearly cried. It was like Narnia: open, spacious and fresh. The semi-dark ballroom and bar contrasted well with the light and fun patio section. It made it the perfect place to hang between bands. Musically, Spider House had some amazing bands perform. YACHT, Beverly, Alex Napping, Mother Falcon, Adult Books and many more played here for free. It was truly a blessing.

I am grateful to have found someplace that is there for me unconditionally. No matter my credentials, age or income, they found me worthy. SXSW would have been so much harder to love without Spider House’s help. I’m not ashamed of the X’s on my hands, or my sharpie aroma, I’m ashamed of the fact that I can’t see music because I’m a minor. Spider House helped me embrace my disease and let me be free. The other day, someone told me when you turn 21, the marks go away. I think it’s a myth but even if it’s not, I don’t care. Even if I’m 18 or 51, as long as Spider House loves me, I’m happy.

Below, you can find some of my fondest memories there:

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