SXSW partygoers brave long lines, heat

AUSTIN (KXAN) - From heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal to singer Patty Griffin, South by Southwest is drawing celebrities out to panels and local watering holes.

Star sightings also have rumors swirling that rap mogul P. Diddy will surprise crowds at Fader Fort and perform.  Word is also spreading that Kanye West will take to the stage a Seaholm later tonight.

These stars are not just performing, they are rolling out, throwing parties around town.

"I screamed," said Sarah Akunebu who won tickets to celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton's party One Night in Austin.  "Then, I went on my Facebook page and messaged her [my friend] and I was like, 'I got Perez Hilton tickets,' and she was like, 'I got Perez Hilton tickets too.'"

Akunebu is one of 10,000 people who were notified online they received a ticket to Hilton's party. They had to bear long lines outside of the W Hotel earlier in the day to get their hands on a coveted pink wristband.  There is a catch, getting a wristband doesn't mean you will get in the door to the party. Only 1,000 people will actually get to party with the blogger who promises to bring in talent like Liz Phair and other yet to be named stars.

"I have been waiting out here two hours," Akunebu told KXAN at 4 p.m.  The party does not start until 6 p.m.

Across town at Fader Fort in East Austin, hundreds braved the heat to drink and shake it to live music.

P. Diddy  is rumored to take the stage adding to the chaos and people are flooding the venue from every direction.

"Fader is great party," said Davy Tolson who partied at the venue over the past few days.

Those who did get in were met with cushy couches to lounge on, ping pong table to get their game on and a plethora of treats like cotton candy to Amy's ice cream.