SXSW 2023: A Free & Unofficial Guide
Untangle the list of endless RSVPs and tune out the noise with this curated list of top-tier events
This South by Southwest, everyone wants in on the action. The annual music, film, comedy and tech festival and conference is back and seemingly bigger than ever. Taking place from March 10 to 19, badge holders will have their hands full with ultra-exclusive events and celebrity appearances, but the fun doesn’t stop there.
In no time, the city will be bursting with incredible opportunities and lively brand activations that are affordable and open to all. We’ve taken time to scour through tons of happenings to bring you a finely curated list of only the best unofficial and free events headed to Austin, from food to music to networking and more.
MORE: 13 Cant-Miss Film and TV Screenings for SXSW Badgeholders
Some advice: RSVP to everything and jump on the waitlists! You never know what can happen. Also, many of these entries are first come, first serve, so try to get there early to beat the inevitable lines. Finally — and most importantly — have a blast attending unique pop-ups and making unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Check back in as this round-up is updated with the latest announcements.
Music
Hotel Vegas & Volstead 12 Year Anniversary
When: March 9
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: A Giant Dog, Urban Heat, The Stacks, Vixens of Volstead, Happy hour specials, Feels So Good T-shirts, etc.
The Do512 Smoke Out
When: March 10
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: Octopus Project, Me nd Adam, KG BBQ pop up, Live comedy, Drag shows, etc.
Resound Weekender
When: March 10 & 11
Where: Multiple Locations
Why: Comedy Night, Vendor market, Live music, Burger Boogie Bonanza, etc.
New Bloom 2023
When: March 10 – 12
Where: Planet K – South Lamar
Why: Sir Woman, Jonny Jukebox, Pelvis Wrestley, Daniel Fears, Open bar, Food vendors, Art exhibit, etc.
PORSCHE X FADER
When: March 10 – 13
Where: 400 Congress Ave.
Why: Reimagined Porsche designs, Incredible music lineup (TBA)
Days Up West: Original Singer-Songwriter Showcase
When: March 10 – 19
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Why: 30+ performers, Amazing views, 20% cafe discount, etc.
SX Soundtrack Saturday
When: March 11
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: Golden Dawn Arkestra, Deezie Brown, Annabelle Chairlegs, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, etc.
SXSOCO
When: March 11
Where: Freddo ATX
Why: Five musicians, Vendors, Beautiful venue, etc.
Really Far Southwest
When: March 12
Where: Beerburg Brewing
Why: Delicious beer & food, Family-friendly vibes, Three bands, etc.
SideOneTrackOne X Austin Town Hall
When: March 12
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: Night Cap, Darkbird, The Stacks, Caleb de Casper, Chief Cleopatra, Animals on TV, etc.
Far Out Lounge Showcases
When: March 12 – 19
Where: Far Out Lounge & Stage
Why: Sound Wine Fest, Stoner Jam, ACIDFEST, Gar Hole Records, Two Stager Rager, etc.
Music Tech Mashup & 10th Anniversary Party
When: March 13
Where: Empire Control Room & Garrage
Why: The Black Angels, Sir Woman, Jarobi, Jason Marshall, etc.
So Satisfying House
When: March 13 – 15
Where: Mala Vida
Why: PinkPantheress, Tiago PZK, Sueco, Pheelz, ASMR spa, etc.
Love, Tito’s Spring Music Series
When: March 13 – 18
Where: Love, Tito’s Retail Store
Why: Tje Austin, Devon Gilfillian, Modern Sophia, Tsi Tsi, etc.
Penny Loafer PR
When: March 14
Where: Augustine
Why: Pleasure Venom, Annie Hamilton, Chief Cleopatra, Hope D, etc.
Working Families Party: The Politics Stage
When: March 14
Where: Austin Motel
Why: Madison McFerrin, Bartees Strange & Emmy Meli
&Pool Party
When: March 14
Where: Canopy Hotel Rooftop
Why: Augmented Reality, Live music, Art Island, Secret Disco Society, etc.
Waterloo Records Day Parties
When: March 14 – 17
Where: Waterloo Records parking lot
Why: Ben Kweller, Good Looks, The Zombies, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Ron Gallo, etc.
101X Day Parties
When: March 14 – 18
Where: Inn Cahoots
Why: Andrew McMahon, Circa Wave, PigsX7, Flora & Fawna, etc.
C3 Management Official SXSW Showcase
When: March 15
Where: Antone’s Nightclub
Why: Andrew McMahon, Brian Sella (The Front Bottoms), Rome, etc.
SoundOn @ SXSW
When: March 15
Where: 3TEN at ACL Live
Why: bbno$, Justine Skye, Nicky Youre, venbee & Open house activities
Brooklyn Vegan & Resound Present: LOST WEEKEND
When: March 15 & 16
Where: Mohawk & Empire Garage
Why: M for Montreal, Great venues, etc.
Austin Riverboat Roadshow
When: March 15 & 17
Where: Hyatt Regency Dock
Why: DJ cruises, Mom Rock, The Accidentals, etc.
High Noon at High Noon with Paste Magazine
When: March 15 — 17
Where: High Noon
Why: 33 bands, Ilegal Mezcal, Indoor & outdoor stages, etc.
ACL Radio’s Live Morning Broadcast
When: March 15 — 18
Where: Hotel Van Zandt
Why: Exclusive live interviews, Valerie June, Andrew McMahon, Wild Child, Briscoe, etc.
Second Play Stage
When: March 15 — 18
Where: Geraldine’s
Why: DJ FLWRSHRK, Shiela, Shadow Show, etc.
KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
When: March 15 — 18
Where: Scholz Garten
Why: SXSW artists, Morning broadcasts, Free taco & Central Texas Food Bank
SoCo Stomp!
When: March 15 — 19
Where: C-Boys Heart & Soul
Why: Kalu & the Electric Joint, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shinyribs, Tameca Jones, Tomar & the FC’s, Matthew Logan Vasquez, etc.
South x San José
When: March 15 — 19
Where: Hotel San José
Why: Thee Sacred Souls, The Heavy Heavy, Sir Woman, CIVIC, The Lemon Twigs, etc.
COLLiDE on Rainey: Dillon T. Pickles Austin Throwdown
When: March 16
Where: Idle Hands
Why: Death Valley Girls, Stolen Nova, THICK, etc.
FLOODfest 2023
When: March 16
Where: Mohawk
Why: Sudan Archives, Sunflower Bean, EKKSTACY, Indigo De Souza, The Lemon Twigs, etc.
Bloody Mary Brunch
When: March 16
Where: GSD&M’s Backyard
Why: The Zombies, Danielle Ponder, Como Las Movies, Tacodeli, Bloody Marys, etc.
R&B and Ribs
When: March 16
Where: Coconut Club
Why: Special guest DJs, Tasty ribs & Great views
TAKE A SHOT
When: March 16 & 17
Where: Precision Camera & Video
Why: Eight bands, Concert photography class, Canon & Tamron loaner gear, Snacks, etc.
COLLiDE on Rainey: Dr. Martens Presents
When: March 16 & 17
Where: Clive Bar
Why: Danny Brown, Armani White, Balming Tiger, Free tattoos, etc.
SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
When: March 16 – 18
Where: Lady Bird Lake
Why: The Zombies, AJ Smith, Thao, SaulPaul, Honk!Texas, etc.
BANG X BANG BANG 2023
When: March 16 – 19
Where: Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Why: Live music, House-made sausages & 200+ beers
Feels So Good Fest Volume 4
When: March 16 – 19
Where: Feels So Good
Why: A Giant Dog, Jonathan Terrell, Divino Niño, Complimentary drinks, etc.
COLLiDE on Rainey: Coca Cola Move
When: March 17
Where: Lustre Pearl
Why: Sudan Archives, Isabella Lovestory, DJ Mel, Coca-Cola flavor launch, Custom cocktails, etc.
The Austin Chronicle Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party
When: March 17
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: Kydd Jones, Urban Heat, Breakfast tacos, Bloody Marys, etc.
RANGE Magazine SXSW 2023 Showcase
When: March 17
Where: The Drafting Room
Why: Chiiild, Charmaine, Sylo, etc.
Winspear, Luminelle & POND Creative Day Party
When: March 17
Where: Cheer Up Charlie’s
Why: Alaska Reid, Enumclaw, Barrie, etc.
Q-Hut Nights
When: March 17
Where: Carpenter Hotel
Why: Devon Cole, The Heavy Heavy & Brooke Combe
Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion
When: March 17 & 18
Where: Empire Control Room & Garage
Why: 20+ performers, Lineup coming soon
Sun Radio Sessions
When: March 17 & 18
Where: Colton House & Suds Monkey Brewing Co.
Why: Matthew Logan Vasquez, Girli, Devon Gilfillian, Me nd Adam, Jaws of Brooklyn, etc.
Show Ya Grillz Showcase
When: March 18
Where: Mala Vida
Why: Trinidad James, Bun-B, Gold grills by Scotty ATL, Giveaways, etc.
Rambler’s 2nd Annual Rhinestone Rodeo
When: March 18
Where: High Noon
Why: White Denim, Alex Maas, Eagle Claw, etc.
Lafayette Live Sheauxkaze & Crawfish Boil
When: March 18
Where: Antone’s Nightclub
Why: Free crawfish, Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Cha’s, JaRon Marshall, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, etc.
Oh Boy Records X Hattie B’s Hot Chicken X Like You Mean It Records
When: March 18
Where: Parish
Why: Free hot chicken & drinks, Exclusive vinyl, Live music, Special Guests, etc.
Art
Landmarks Paws for Public Art
When: March 8
Where: Multiple Locations
Why: Petting zoos, Miniature animals, Public art installations, Sound bath meditation, etc.
Dr. Seuss Secret Art Unveiling
When: March 10
Where: Ao5 Gallery
Why: Largest Dr. Seuss art collection, Rare piece reveal, Discussions, Cake & Champagne
The Blockchain Gallery Opening
When: March 10
Where: SoCo Modern Gallery
Why: Digital artwork, Blockchain brands, etc.
Museum of Graffiti: The Art of Hip Hop
When: March 10 — 28
Where: 809 E 6th St.
Why: Concerts, Live graffiti demonstrations, Champion apparel customization lab, Panel discussions, etc.
Art & Parks: Mural Bike Tour
When: March 11
Where: Trail of Tejano Legends
Why: Iconic murals, Local artists, Live mural demonstrations, etc.
Museum of Illusions
When: March 11 — Onward
Where: 11010 Domain Dr. #100
Why: Over 70 exhibits, Optical illusions, 3-D holograms, Amy Cook collaboration, etc.
Flatstock 84
When: March 15 – 17
Where: Austin Convention Center
Why: Concert posters, Artwork, Flatstock Stage, etc.
BUAverse Art Lounge
When: March 16 & 17
Where: Native Hostel
Why: Art lounge with BUA work and NFTs, etc.
Shopping
Rolla’s Jeans X Addie Rose Festival Kick-Off Party
When: March 10
Where: Addie Rose Boutique
Why: ROLLA’s Jeans, Ranch Rider Spirits Co. & LIFESIZE magazine activation
Austin Flea
When: March 11
Where: Zilker Brewing
Why: Great beer, Handmade & vintage goods, Austin makers, etc.
Unofficial SXSW Vintage Market
When: March 11
Where: Kinda Tropical
Why: Vintage goods, Artwork, Home goods, Tasty brunch, etc.
Trovador Customs Anniversary Party
When: March 15, 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Where: Trovador Customs
Why: Local vendors, Hat making tutorials, Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers & Free drinks
GOOD group ATX Spring Clothing Swap
When: March 16
Where: Meanwhile Brewing Co.
Why: Curated & interactive, Spring styles, Slow fashion, Great drinks, etc.
Renegade Craft Fair Austin
When: March 16 – 18
Where: Austin Marriott Downtown
Why: Over 120 brands, Skilled artisans & Creative community
Broads by Broad Studios
When: March 17
Where: Springdale Station
Why: Local vendors, Battle of the Bands, Austin Eastciders, etc.
Unoffical SXSW Black Makers Market
When: March 18
Where: Republic Square
Why: 20+ Black-owned businesses, DJs, Kids activities, etc.
Give Up the Goods: A Hip-Hop Swap Meet
When: March 18
Where: Kinda Tropical
Why: Trackstar the DJ, Hip-Hop vendors, Vinyl albums, Apparel, etc.
Experiences
A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story
When: March 9
Where: Central Machine Works
Why: Film screening, Panel discussion, Austin music history, etc.
The East Side Clean Up Bar Crawl
When: March 9
Where: Low Down Lounge
Why: Free cocktails, Drink specials, Sweet giveaways, etc.
Black Future House
When: March 10 & 11
Where: Riches Art Gallery
Why: Panels, Workshops, Black vendor market, Live entertainment, Comedy, etc.
The Future of Food 2023
When: March 10 & 11
Where: SXSW Center Building
Why: Expert conversations, Art installations, Food tastings, etc.
Swarm Mini Mart at SXSW
When: March 10 – 12
Where: Austin Motel
Why: Donald Glover project, Themed activations, Snacks, Lotto prizes, etc.
The Audible Sound Studio
When: March 10 – 12
Where: The Sunset Room
Why: Origins x Ephemeral Tattoo Studio, “Words + Music” recording booth, Jeff Tweedy, etc.
Lush House
When: March 10 – 13
Where: Parlor Room
Why: World exclusives, Panels, Live music, Demos, etc.
Studio Vimeo
When: March 10 – 14
Where: JW Marriott Austin
Why: Vimeo experts, Creators mixer, etc.
Turnkey Pickleball Social
When: March 11
Where: Bouldin Acres
Why: All-levels pickleball competition, Appetizers, Cocktails, etc.
Discover Texas: UT at SXSW
When: March 11
Where: Banger’s Sausage House
Why: Special guest, Expert panel sessions, Burnt orange bash, etc.
Mutual Love Fest: The Unofficial LGBTQ+ SXSW
When: March 11
Where: The Little Gay Shop
Why: Live painting, Ceramic stations, House of Lepore, On-site haircuts, Local vendors, etc.
MLS Season Pass Experience
When: March 11
Where: ACL Live at the Moody Center
Why: Austin FC watch party, Giveaways, Live music, Drinks, etc.
Create & Cultivate Future Summit
When: March 11
Where: South Congress Hotel
Why: Future-forward panels, Small business networking, Tech workshops, Happy hour, etc.
Talk with Thomas Pesquet, Commander International Space Station
When: March 11
Where: Parker Jazz Club
Why: Behind-the-scenes video, Space travel Q+A, etc.
Channel Factory House
When: March 11
Where: Lucille Patio Lounge
Why: Brand activations, Ranch waters, Live music, Snacks, etc.
Camp Yellowjackets
When: March 11 & 12
Where: Fair Market
Why: 1990s-era summer camp, Ax throwing, BBQ, Cocktails, Easter eggs, etc.
South Asian House
When: March 11 & 12
Where: fourth & co
Why: Live music, Comedy hour, Impressive speakers, Film premiere, Oscars watch party, etc.
HBO Max’s Coffeehouse
When: March 11 & 12
Where: 73 Rainey St.
Why: Filmmaker roundtable, Ambar Lucid performance, Themed drinks & Multicultural representation
The Wear House
When: March 11 & 12
Where: 800 Congress
Why: Fashion + beauty industry experts, Panels, Activations & Food
Republic Park Yoga
When: March 11 & 18
Where: Republic Square Park
Why: Free yoga class & SFC Farmer’s Market
eMLS Cup pres. by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar & TikTok
When: March 12
Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Why: Professional FIFA 23 competition, Post-party concert, Free drinks, eMLS giveaways, etc.
Hyperreal Film Club’s Dazed & Confused Screening
When: March 12
Where: French Legation State Historic Site
Why: Free outdoor film, Complimentary drinks, etc.
Cadent at SXSW
When: March 12
Where: Dumont’s Down Low
Why: Local spirit tasting, Hat making bar & Brand executives
All Things Food at SXSW 2023
When: March 12
Where: Huston-Tillotson University
Why: 50+ speakers, Food film screenings, Expert discussions, Breakfast, etc.
A Ridiculous Boat Party (waitlist)
When: March 13
Where: Lone Star Riverboat
Why: Sunset cruise, Special guest performance & Free bar
Swift Fit Events: Texas Wellness Ecosystem & Zero Proof Bar
When: March 13
Where: The Fox Den
Why: Tarot, Yoga, DIY essential oils, Swag & Giveaways
RECHARGE with RE/MAX
When: March 13 & 14
Where: eleMINT Skin Health & Wellness Studio
Why: Complimentary mini facials, Chair massages, Cocktails, etc.
House of Goodness by Avocados From Mexico
When: March 13 & 14
Where: Lustre Pearl
Why: Immersive avocado experiences, Live music, Patio games, Guacamole & Tacos
A Day in the Future of Fashion
When: March 15
Where: Vuka – Bouldin Creek
Why: Fashion show, Panels, Pop-up market, reFIND, Free drinks, etc.
Creative Industries Expo: Austin Industry Day
When: March 15
Where: Austin Convention Center
Why: Industry professionals, Cutting-edge technology, Wellness, Design, etc.
Migas Meetup
When: March 16
Where: Tacodeli
Why: Vital Farms, Tacodeli, Migas breakfast tacos, Egg-themed merch, etc.
The Billboard House
When: March 17
Where: 800 Congress
Why: Interactive activations, Official speakers, Photo ops, Cocktails & Small bites
#CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut ATX
When: March 17
Where: Revival Coffee
Why: Maiya The Don, BBYMUTHA, Beauty bars, Food, Vendors & Giveaways
South Dry Southwest
When: March 18
Where: Sans Bar
Why: N/A drinks, Local vendors, Special guest speakers, etc.
SLAM PORTAL IV: “WHODUNIT?!”
When: March 18
Where: Central Machine Works
Why: Free comedy wrestling show
Honkey Tonk Hangover Brunch
When: March 18
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: Brunch menu, Live music, Lone Star drink specials, Hangover kits, etc.
Unofficial SXSW Puppy Party
When: March 19
Where: Lustre Pearl
Why: Puppy Photo Booth, Adoptable puppies, Tito’s Vodka, Pet vendors, Drink specials, etc.
Crawfish Boil
When: March 19
Where: Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room
Why: Crimson Creek Smokehouse, Live music, Cold drinks, etc.
Looking for more? Explore our Austin City Guides for all of the best recommendations and local brands!