Far from its humble beginnings, South by Southwest is one of the most attention-grabbing events in Austin; that means it has become a notorious "love it or hate it" event for many Austinities. Getting downtown is a bigger headache than usual, and maybe you've resigned yourself to stay far from the area for the next nine days (or more).

We’ve got several ideas on how to escape the crowds and craziness of SXSW. From visiting a local Renaissance faire to your very own shark week, here are nine non-SXSW events to look forward to for the next week.

If you happen to be downtown

Bob Bullock Museum
Now until March 24
For Austinites who end up going downtown but want to avoid the Convention Center, consider visiting the Bob Bullock Museum instead. Learn everything there is to know about the evolutionary history of sharks at the museum's special Sharks exhibition. Visitors can get a closer look at replica shark teeth, bones, fossils, and more. Guests can also participate in interactive media demonstrations to learn how hammerhead sharks hunt or to discover how scientists use a shark's "fingerprints" using the spots on its body to identify what type it is. Sharks is included with regular museum admission, which is $13 for adults, $9 for children ages 4-17, and $11 for students, military, and seniors.

The Harry Ransom Center
Starting March 9
Those familiar with any of the Ransom Center's previous archival exhibitions will be giddy about their newest showcase, Hill and Adamson: The Clarkson Stanfield Album. The exhibit is an extensive collection of early photographs by established painter David Octavius Hill and young photographer Robert Adamson, who founded the namesake Hill & Adamson studio in 1843. Their work is known as one of the earliest forays into using photography as a form of art. Admission to the Ransom Center is free. Check out more fine arts recommendations for the month of March here.

On the edge of town

Zilker Botanical Garden
Daily
For the utter antithesis to flashing lights and beer spilling on your shoes, head out to Zilker Botanical Garden. In addition to the regular pleasure of a carefully curated nature stroll, guests can also enjoy a variety of events. Those include a spring flower show on March 9 and 10; a "Three Sisters" gardening class suited to Central Texas Climate on March 11; and a free admission day on March 12. This is also a super affordable option at just $8 for adults, $4 for youth, and $7 for seniors.

Museum of Ice Cream
Thursdays through Mondays
This bubblegum pink museum located at The Domain is a whimsical getaway for anyone looking to stay north of downtown. Reconnect with your inner child by exploring more than 14 different magical playscapes, and enjoy as much ice cream as your heart desires while you traverse the museum. Weekday general admission tickets start at $21, and weekend tickets begin at $24.

Rodeo Austin
March 8-23
Great for subverting the celebrity influx, country entertainment awaits at Rodeo Austin. Livestock shows, the city's largest carnival, an array of food trucks and beverages; There's something for everyone to enjoy. The rodeo runs daily from Friday, March 8, through Saturday, March 23, with featured performances by Wynonna Jud, 38 Special, Aaron Watson, and more. Tickets can be found at rodeoaustin.com.

The Austin Flea
March 9 & 10
Austin's best local artisans are visiting two East Austin breweries during the first weekend of SXSW: Zilker Brewing on March 9, and Lazarus Brewing on March 10. Locals can pick up some goodies from a variety of crafters, from new stationery to jewelry, plus treats for yourself or for your four-legged friends. Don't forget to try some great craft beer from some of Austin's best breweries. Both markets will run from 12-5 pm and are open to the public.

Meanwhile Brewing Co.
March 12-17
There is a way to stave off the local music FOMO without experiencing the punishing logistics of downtown venue hopping: Head away from the action, toward Meanwhile Brewing. There visitors can enjoy the shade provided by the brewery's many oak trees, while listening to performances by more than 25 different local artists, including Deniz Love, West Texas Exiles, Grace Sorensen, Dead Leaf Echo, and many more. Plus, you really can't go wrong with any of Meanwhile's refreshing boozy offerings, or its impressive food truck lineup. If you start wanting to brave the busier venues but don't have festival credentials, try one of these unofficial live music events.

Explore the ‘burbs and beyond

Live music at The Ruby Hotel & Bar
March 9, 12, 13, 15 from 7-9 pm
Located in the center of downtown Round Rock, the Ruby Hotel offers a scenic escape with its panoramic Brushy Creek views for both visitors and locals alike to enjoy while they're getting away from the craze of SXSW. Live music performances are scheduled throughout the larger festival, featuring JJ Plasencio, Sarah Arenella, Guitarrista Kelly, Wm Barrett Sims, and Jordan Hasto. More hip hotel happenings can be found at therubyhotel.com.

Sherwood Forest Faire
Saturdays and Sundays through April 21, and Friday, March 15
This Renaissance faire in McDade, Texas, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, with all of its secluded little pockets of bites, shops, games, and shows. Like any faire, Sherwood Forest is packed with opportunities to buy costumes and accessories, whether that’s hand fans, corsets, kilts, or something more fantasy-inspired. One-day admission tickets range from $12-26 per person.