SXSW 2026: 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 (SXSW), everyone wants in on the action. The annual music, film, comedy and tech festival and conference returns March 12–18, bringing a packed schedule of events and celebrity appearances. But the fun doesn’t stop with badge holders.
Across the city, incredible opportunities and lively brand activations will pop up — many affordable and open to all. We’ve scoured the schedule to bring a curated list of the best unofficial and free events headed to Austin, from food and music to networking and more.
A few tips: RSVP to everything and join the waitlists. Many events are first come, first served, so arrive early to beat the inevitable lines. Most importantly, enjoy the unique pop-ups and make unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Check back as this roundup is updated with the latest announcements.
Music
Hotel Vegas & Volstead 15th Anniversary Party
When: March 12
Where: Hotel Vegas & Volstead
Why: OSEES, haha Laughing, Holy Wave and more.
More info: RSVP here
Rolling Stone’s Future of Music
When: March 12-14
Where: ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Why: Lola Young, Fuerza Regida and BigXThaPlug.
More info: RSVP here
SXSOCO
When: March 7
Where: Walter’s Tavern
Why: Four musicians, Vendors, Beautiful venue, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Far Out Lounge Showcases
When: March 14-15
Where: Stoner Jam and The Renowned Renaissance Faire.
More info: RSVP here
Marshall Day Party
When: March 16
Where: Mohawk
Why: Stacked music lineup, Pop ups from Waterloo Records and Feels So Good, etc.
More info: RSVP coming soon
Rambler’s Rhinestone Rodeo
When: March 15
Where: High Noon
Why: Nikki Lane, Tommy Stinson, Alex Maas, Anastasia Hera, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW
When: March 13-15
Where: Moody Amphitheater
Why: Don Toliver, Junior H and Mau P.
More info: RSVP here
KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
When: March 12-14
Where: Scholz Garten
Why: SXSW artists, Morning broadcasts, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SoCo Stomp!
When: March 18-22
Where: C-Boys Heart & Soul
Why: Shinyribs, Tomar & The FCs, Next of Kin, Uncle Lucius, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Radio East Showcases
When: March 7-15
Where: Radio/East
Why: SXSGrass, Pooneh’s Freaky Friday and TODO Records Showcase.
More info: RSVP here
South x San José
When: March 12-14
Where: Hotel San José
Why: Live music, Local vendors and more.
More info: RSVP here
Sips & Sounds Music Festival
When: March 13-14
Where: Auditorium Shores
Why: Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer and more.
More info: RSVP here
The Austin Chronicle Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party
When: March 13
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: Live music, Breakfast tacos, Bloody Marys, etc.
R&B and Ribs
When: March 9
Where: Coconut Club
Why: Special guest DJs, Tasty ribs & Great views
More info: RSVP here
Penny Loafer PR
When: March 17
Where: Zilker Brewing
Why: Grocery Bag, Otis Wilkins, The Bures Band and more.
More info: RSVP here
Austin Rhythm Revival Americana Music Showcase
When: March 12-19
Where: San Jac Saloon
Why: A lineup featuring 50+ artists.
More info: RSVP here
The Rendezvous In ATX
When: March 16
Where: Sahara Lounge
Why: All-star lineup of independent artists.
More info: RSVP here
Porchella
When: March 11
Where: E. 41st St. & Barrow Ave.
Why: 15+ artists performing from the The Reverent Few’s front porch.
More info: RSVP here
South By South Emo
When: March 14
Where: Fast Friends Beer Co.
Why: Jimmy Eat Brisket, Chancla Fight Club and Glass Mansions.
More info: RSVP here
Art
Flatstock
When: March 13-15
Where: Austin Marriott Downtown
Why: Concert posters, Live print demos, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
XR Experience
When: March 15-17
Where: Fairmont
Why: Virtual reality, Augmented reality, and Mixed reality technology showcase.
More info: RSVP here
Art & Parks: Mural Bike Tour
When: March 14
Where: Waterloo Park
Why: Iconic murals, Artist talks, Live performances, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Springdale Station 10 Year Anniversary Party
When: March 15
Where: Springdale Station
Why: Art open house, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Austin Color Festival
When: March 14
Where: Republic Square
Why: Colored powder toss, Live music, Food trucks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Shopping
Create & Cultivate’s Future Summit
When: March 15
Where: Assembly Hall
Why: Workshops, Shoppable marketplace, Food and drinks, Panels with Hayley Williams, Jonathan Van Ness and more.
More info: RSVP here
Austin Flea
When: March 14
Where: Triangle Park
Why: Handmade & vintage goods, Austin makers, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Austin Feel Good Market
When: March 14
Where: The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop
Why: Local vendors, Handmade goods, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Austin Witches Market
When: March 14
Where: Cosmic Saltillo
Why: 200+ witchcraft and magick vendors.
More info: RSVP here
Experiences
All Things Food Summit
When: March 12
Where: Barr Mansion, Ballroom, and Farmstead
Why: 50+ speakers, Free food, Film viewings, Live performances, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience
When: March 12-15
Where: Clive Bar
Why: Interactive experiences, Photo ops, Themed cocktails, etc.
More info: RSVP coming soon
Inc. Founders House
When: March 13-15
Where: Foxy’s Proper Pub
Why: Free breakfast, Panels with Mark Cuban, Allison Ellsworth and more.
More info: RSVP here
Axios House
When: March 13-15
Where: Inn Cahoots
Why: Panels, Food and drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SXSW EDU 2026 Expo Community Day
When: March 11
Where: Austin Marriott Downtown
Why: Educational programming, Interactive exhibits, Networking, and more.
More info: RSVP here
Swift Fit Recovery Lounge
When: March 14
Where: 916 Congress Ave.
Why: IV therapy, Massage, Live music, Smoothie and coffee bar, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Tennessee House
When: March 13-15
Where: Electric Shuffle
Why: Live music, Free food and drinks, Panels, etc.
More info: RSVP here
SHE Media Co-Lab
When: March 14-15
Where: LZR (La Zona Rosa)
Why: Panels with industry leaders.
More info: RSVP here
Fast Company Grill
When: March 13-16
Where: Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill
Why: Notable speakers, Free food and drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
The Rivian Roadhouse
When: March 12-18
Where: 208 S Congress Ave.
Why: Activations, Panels, Demo drives, Live music, etc.
More info: RSVP coming soon
FOCUS Wales
When: March 15
Where: Swan Dive
Why: Welsh bands, Free drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Space House
When: March 14
Where: 201 E 5th St.
Why: Panels, Activations, Mixers, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Startup Germany Night
When: March 12
Where: Speakeasy
Why: DJ sets, Networking opportunities, Free drinks, etc.
More info: RSVP here
TikTok Live House
When: March 13-14
Where: 300 Colorado St.
Why: Networking opportunities, Activations, etc.
More info: RSVP here
Looking for more? Explore our Austin City Guides for all of the best recommendations and local brands!