Every March, along with the first breath of spring, comes the chance to take what can only be called a "biz-cation" — a debauched combination of work and pleasure set in Austin, TX, at the annual South By Southwest festival, where indie-rock, beer and BBQ fuel four days of non-stop schmoozing and show-going. For years, SXSW has been my preferred music fest, easily beating out my fellow editors' favorite events (Austin Scaggs is partial to Bonnaroo; Brian Hiatt to Coachella), and here's why:

• Locations, locations, locations: Whereas your standard, U.K.-style festival requires one to spend three days traipsing around the same open field, SXSW satisfies those of us with short attention spans by holding events at dozens of different venues. Music pours from the door of every single bar, stages are erected in parking lots and late-night parties held in weird warehouses on the outskirts of downtown.

• No golden tickets: At SXSW, there’s no such thing as a VIP pass, and the standard laminate affords all registrants equal access to the best gigs. During the day, there are plenty of free events for locals and music fans outside the record business, who flock to Austin just to bask in the glow of rock. There is no cutting to the head of the line, no flashing your business card and no semi-exclusive hospitality area where everyone pretends to be someone.

• Holy frijoles!: Last, but certainly not least, SXSW doesn't leave you stranded with crappy festival food, but rather all the deliciously authentic Tex-Mex you can eat. Most mornings, it’s Las Manitas for me: a quick and cheap Mexican restaurant on Congress St. where you’re likely to encounter artists and label folk salving their hangovers with Migas Con Queso and banana smoothies.

[Photo: Noah Kalina]