Credit: Ryan Loughlin
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I didn’t shell out money for a badge, so why should I care about SXSW?” Well, because there are tons of free things to do! Things like panels, film screenings, and parties–all of which are accessible to those with no badge. So, read on to join in on all the free SXSW festival fun!
1/ SXSW Startup Crawl
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Every year, startups all across town throw a party marking the start of SXSW. This year, everyone from Adobe to WeWork will let the general public explore their offices and enjoy a beverage or two. Only the first 5,000 signups are guaranteed and they’re already starting to sell out, so RSVP now!
2/ SXSW Outdoor Stage
Shakey Graves and Nathaniel Rateliff were two of the free acts at Auditorium Shores in 2018
Over the past six years, I’ve seen Foster The People, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Shakey Graves (my favorites) for FREE at the SXSW Outdoor Stage by taking advantage of the SXSW Guest Pass. The venue overlooking Lady Bird Lake will offer music for three days and can pack in 50,000 people. The lineup is finally live at the site below!
800 W. Riverside Dr. – Website
3/ Flatstock 69
Posters of all shapes, styles, and colors await at Flatstock 69
At Flatstock 69, The American Poster Institute (API) will display rows and rows of brightly colored gig posters, of varying styles and sizes, from the top artists in the world. Stop by the Austin Convention Center to gawk or buy. The free SXSW Guest Pass will get you in.
500 E. Cesar Chavez – Website
4/ Brooklyn Country Cantina at Licha’s
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Get ready. On Saturday, March 16, over a dozen bluegrass, folk, and Americana bands will take the stage at Licha’s Cantina to bring you one heck of an outdoor concert. The posted RSVP link is still for 2018, so be watching for an update. Space will be limited.
500 E. Cesar Chavez — Website
5/ SXSW Puppy Party 2019
Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street (Credit: Dunlap ATX)
Must love dogs to attend the ultimate puppy party, hosted by Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street. Bumble, PrideBites, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be in attendance to throw the ultimate dog-encouraged party benefiting Austin Pets Alive! There will be doggie snack samples, a photo booth, drawings, and dogs available for adoption.
94 Rainey St. — Register
6/ SXSW Wellness Expo
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On March 9 and 10, SXSW Wellness Expo will return to Palmer Events Center to fuel the minds, bodies, and souls of SXSW badge and Guest Pass holders. Attendees can interact with more than 150 companies in the health and wellness industry.
900 Barton Springs Road – Website
7/ General Assembly
The founder of Siete talks about brand and product development on a panel at General Assembly during SXSW 2018
From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 9 and 10, General Assembly will host several workshops such as Creating a Knockout LinkedIn & Resume, The Future of Learning & Work, How to Create Meaningful Relationships thru Networking, and others.
8/ SXSW Community Screening
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Austin Film Society will host several films throughout SXSW that are open to the general public with the SXSW Guest Pass. On the big screen, you can catch Faces of Austin 2019, AFS ShortCase, and more.
9/ SXSW Marketplace
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Shop local, national, and global brands at this pop-up on March 15 and 16, to get your hands on trendy clothes, art, and more! Located inside Austin Convention Center, adjacent to Flatstock.
500 E. Cesar Chavez — Website
10/ #SXSW Community Conversations
Head to George Washington Carver Museum on March 8 through 11 for educational panels, breakout sessions, and networking events hosted by some of the finest thought leaders from around the globe, including Austin’s own Max Rutherford of advertising agency GSD&M.
11/ Second Play Stages at SXSW Music
Bands like Said The Sky and every genre in between will soon fill venues across town (Credit: Ryan Loughlin)
On Second Play Stages, official SXSW artists will play “stripped-down” sets during happy hour at various hotels around town. Don’t miss these intimate performances in some of Austin’s best hotel lounges. Make sure you have your free Guest Pass.
12/ Innovation Mansion at SXSW
Ignite your curiosity about fashion, innovation, luxury, and sustainability by joining a select group of speakers and influencers to dive into “The Age of Transformation.” This all-day event features a wellness session, tech showcase, fireside chats, dinner, drinks, and more. It’s worth adding your name to the wait list!
13/ Muse Addict SXSW
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Head over to Austin Ale House from March 14 through 16, for free hip hop and R&B artist showcases.
14/ ACL Radio Live Morning Broadcast
Austin band Swimming With Bears performs at KGSR’s Live Morning Broadcast, now ACL Radio Live Morning Broadcast
See some of the hottest up-and-coming acts in music, live at the W Hotel! This is the only event on the list that isn’t free, but the small entrance fee of $5 benefits Make-A-Wish of Central & South Texas. Just make sure you have the heart and soul to get in line as early as 4 a.m. Once the music starts, you won’t regret it. Last year’s acts included Bob Schneider, Maggie Rogers, and Hanson. The 2019 lineup is here, and the event usually includes surprise guest appearances.
200 Lavaca St. – Website
@dollarsaenz86 wants to know:
What are your favorite free SXSW events?
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