SXSW 2024: 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 8 to 16, 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 13 Year Anniversary
When: March 7
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: A Giant Dog, The Well, Pussy Gillette, Vixens of Volstead, Happy hour specials, Feels So Good T-shirts, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Rolling Stone’s Future of Music
When: March 12 – 15
Where: ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Why: Teezo Touchdown, Peso Pluma, Flo Milli, Faye Webster, Jackie Venson, etc.
More info: RSVP here
PORSCHE Full Service
When: March 8 – 12
Where: 204 E. 4th Street
Why: Reimagined Porsche designs, Comprehensive tune-ups, Incredible music lineup (TBA)
More info: RSVP here
SXSOCO
When: March 9
Where: Freddo ATX
Why: Four musicians, Vendors, Beautiful venue, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Far Out Lounge Showcases
When: March 6 – 17
Where: Far Out Lounge & Stage
Why: Sound Wine Fest, Stoner Jam, Far Out Family Fest, Two Stager Rager, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Tito’s Shows Up – A music series with spirit
When: March 11 & 14 – 16
Where: Love, Tito’s Retail Store
Why: Aubrey Haddard, Eddie Angel, Modern Sophia, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Penny Loafer PR
When: March 13
Where: Zilker Brewing
Why: TC Superstar, Carla Geneve, Bones and Jones, Skateland, and Alice Ivy
More info: RSVP here
Working Families Party: The Politics Stage
When: March 11 – 12
Where: Parish
Why: Tess Holliday, Luna Luna, Yaya Bey, Estevie, etc.
More info: RSVP here
C3 Management Official SXSW Showcase
When: March 13
Where: Antone’s Nightclub
Why: David Shaw (of The Revivalists), Michigander, Nico Vega, Tigercub and Worry Club
More info: RSVP here
Marshall Funhouse
When: March 13 – 15
Where: Parish
Why: Carnival-themed experiences, The Black Angels, Therapy?, Shannon and The Clams, etc.
More info: RSVP here
ACL Radio’s Live Morning Broadcast
When: March 14 – 16
Where: Hotel Van Zandt
Why: Exclusive live interviews, White Claw specials, Incredible music lineup (TBA)
More info: RSVP here
Hook ’Em House
When: March 8 – 9
Where: Antone’s Nightclub
Why: Expert panels, Fun swag, Ghostland Observatory, Dayglow, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW
When: March 14 – 16
Where: Moody Amphitheater
Why: PARTYNEXTDOOR, Christian Nodal, and Illenium
More info: RSVP here
KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
When: March 13 – 16
Where: Scholz Garten
Why: SXSW artists, Morning broadcasts, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SoCo Stomp!
When: March 13 – 17
Where: C-Boys Heart & Soul
Why: Ray Wylie Hubbard, THEBROSFRESH, Shinyribs, Tameca Jones, Theo Lawrence, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Funk Factory x ~Pourri
When: March 15 – 16
Where: Speakeasy
Why: DJ Johnny Jane (Janelle Monáe), DJ Questlove, Danelle Ponder, Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears, etc.
More info: RSVP here
South x San José
When: March 13 – 17
Where: Hotel San José
Why: Alejandro Escovedo, Gruff Rhys, Shannon and The Clams, Golden Dawn Arkestra, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Rainey Street Revival
When: March 14
Where: Lustre Pearl
Why: ho99o9, Los Cogelones,Faux Real, Bodega, Angelica Garcia and Kiss Bang
More info: RSVP here
FLOODfest 2023
When: March 14
Where: Mohawk
Why: Chromeo (DJ Set), Hinds, Kneecap, Estevie, etc.
More info: RSVP here
COLLiDE Dillon T. Pickle’s Big Texas Cockus
When: March 13
Where: Idle Hands
Why: Die Spitz, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Spoon Benders, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Bloody Mary Brunch
When: March 14
Where: GSD&M’s Backyard
Why: X Ambassadors with Madi Diaz, David Shaw, John Muq, Reyna Tropical, etc.
More info: RSVP here
R&B and Ribs
When: March 10
Where: Coconut Club
Why: Special guest DJs, Tasty ribs & Great views
More info: RSVP here
SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
When: March 14 – 16
Where: Lady Bird Lake
Why: Bob Schneider, Riders Against The Storm, ZAPP! with Bootsy Collins, Waco Brothers, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Austin Chronicle Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party
When: March 15
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: Grace Sorensen Nemegata, Breakfast tacos, Bloody Marys, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SXSBRUNCH
When: March 9 & 16
Where: Irene’s
Why: brunch specials, live music, vendors, etc.
More info: RSVP here
RANGE Magazine SXSW 2023 Showcase
When: March 14
Where: Chess Club
Why: NOBRO, Wake, Indian Giver, Hot Garbage, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Bushwig South
When: March 16
Where: Cheer Up Charlie’s
Why: Julie J, Kat Wilderness, La Zavaleta, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Rambler’s 3nd Annual Rhinestone Rodeo
When: March 16
Where: High Noon & Coral Snake
Why: Kevin Morby, Alex Maas, Eagle Claw, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Lafayette Sheauxkaze
When: March 16
Where: Antone’s Nightclub
Why: Free seafood boil, Amis Du Teche, Dwayne Dopsi & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Lost Bayou Ramblers, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Edgewater Music Group
When: March 14
Where: Radio/East
Why: The Statesboro Revue, The Mighty Orq, Bayou City Funk, Paige Lewis, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Space Flight Records
When: March 14 – 15
Where: Central Machine Works Brewery
Why: 6 Spaceflight performers each night, Art installations, Unveiling of Spaceflight/ Central Machine Works Lager
More info: RSVP here
Art
Sharpie X Paper Mate Studio
When: March 8 – 10
Where: Icenhauer’s
Why: Creative workshops, Test new products, Games, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Affordable Art Fair Showcase
When: March 9
Where: Vaughn Gallery
Why: Art, Wine, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Creative Industries Expo
When: March 13
Where: Austin Convention Center
Why: Hundreds of exhibitors, Discover the most innovative companies in the creative industries, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Art & Parks: Mural Bike Tour
When: March 9
Where: Republic Square
Why: Iconic murals, Local artists, Live mural demonstrations, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Flatstock 84
When: March 13 – 15
Where: Austin Convention Center
Why: Concert posters, Artwork, Flatstock Stage, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Shopping
Denim Atelier by Madewell
When: March 15 – 16
Where: Madewell South Congress
Why: Personal styling, Live customization, Complimentary exclusive totes with demin purchase, etc.
More info: RSVP here
esbyfest
When: March 10
Where: Location TBA to ticketholders
Why: Cocktails, Bites, Live music, Complimentary activations, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Future of Fashion x reFIND
When: March 14
Where: Wanderlust Wine Co. – Shady Lane
Why: Pop-up shops, A fashion show, Free drinks, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Austin Flea
When: March 10
Where: Lazarus Brewing
Why: Great beer and coffee, Handmade & vintage goods, Austin makers, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Unofficial SXSW Vintage Market
When: March 9
Where: Kinda Tropical
Why: Vintage goods, Artwork, Home goods, food and drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Experiences
Black Future House
When: March 8 – 10
Where: 1211 E Cesar Chavez St.
Why: Workshops, Black vendor market, Live entertainment, etc.
More info: RSVP here
All Things Food Summit
When: March 14
Where: Barr Mansion, Ballroom, and Farmstead
Why: 60+ speakers, Free food, Film viewings, Live performances, Tasting areas, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience
When: March 8 – 11
Where: Clive Bar
Why: Interactive experiences, Merchandise giveaways, Themed cocktails, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Prime Video’s “Fallout” Activation
When: March 8 – 9
Where: Hotel San Jose
Why: Interactive experiences, Themed snacks, Photo-opportunities, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Experience by DELL Technologies
When: March 8 – 9
Where: Barr Mansion, The Riley Buildinga
Why: Free food, Networking opportunites, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Audible Sound Experience
When: March 8 – 10
Where: 3rd and Congress
Why: Ferris wheel, Play carnival games, Win prizes, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Wellness House
When: March 9
Where: Other Racquet Social Club
Why: Panel conversations, Workout sessions, Product samples, Happy hours, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Reddit in Austin
When: March 9 – 10
Where: Two Hands
Why: Local live music, Free drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Wear House
When: March 9 – 10
Where: 800 Congress
Why: Fashion + beauty industry experts, Panels, Activations & Food
More info: RSVP here
Snap Sanctuary
When: March 8 – 10
Where: The Pershing
Why: Morning yoga, Sunset DJ sessions, Panels, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SXSW Recovery Lounge
When: March 8 – 10
Where: Swift Fit Events
Why: IV Drips, Gua Sha, Live music, Mocktails, etc.
More info: RSVP here
A Ridiculous Boat Party (waitlist)
When: March 11
Where: Lone Star Riverboat
Why: Sunset cruise, Special guest performance & Free bar
More info: RSVP here
RECHARGE with RE/MAX
When: March 14 & 15
Where: eleMINT Skin Health & Wellness Studio
Why: Complimentary mini facials, Chair massages, Cocktails, etc.
More info: RSVP here
#CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut ATX
When: March 17
Where: Palm Door On 6th Patio
Why: Beauty bars, Live music, Food, Vendors & Giveaways
More info: RSVP here
South Asian House
When: March 10 & 11
Where: fourth & co
Why: Live music, Comedy hour, Impressive speakers, Film premiere, Oscars watch party, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Third Annual Honky Tonk Hangover Brunch
When: March 16
Where: Hotel Vegas & The Volstead
Why: Delicious food and, Drink specials, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
LaunchPad at UT Austin
When: March 7
Where: Victory Lap
Why: Pitch competition, UT student vendor market, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
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