More police officers will be on hand this week as thousands of visitors embark on downtown Austin.

Austin is bustling with live music -- and it also has a bustling transient population which visitors seem to notice.

"Because we're a city that has such beautiful weather we can't help but have a lot of people who are transient that perhaps chose to live in Austin," said Suzanne Watson, Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

"I actually think it's pretty safe. He did get panhandled by a guy who wanted $20, not $1 last night," said Hanna Pantle, who is visiting from California.

Officers are always on permanent duty at the homeless shelter downtown.

Beginning Wednesday night once Sixth Street is closed, additional officers will be added to the Austin Police Department's force.

"I feel like you have half your force down here," said Pantle.

"I think you're so much safer here than any of those other cities where they have events," said Bob Woody.

Woody is a longtime downtown business owner and the president of the East Sixth Street Community Association.

He welcomes the additional police officers.

"They are ambassadors during this event and they give people a good feel that they are feel.. A stronger police presence is a good idea," said Woody.

But he insisted the South by Southwest crowd is relatively calm.

And visitors say they feel safe here.

"It's one of the few towns that I really don't worry about coming here for a business trip or coming here personally and walking down the street at night," said Pantle.

Beginning Wednesday night at 6:00 pm through Sunday morning, Sixth Street will be closed.

Red River from Fifth to Tenth Streets will also be closed.