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SXSW 2022: An Unofficial Guide

SXSW 2022: An Unofficial Guide

The best RSVP-only parties, live music, brand activations and more coming to Austin — minus the price tag

By Holly Cowart

Now in its 35th year, South by Southwest has become one of Austin’s largest festivals both in popularity and scale. After its devastating cancellation in 2020, which became an early signifier of COVID-19’s impact on our everyday social lives, the event pivoted to a virtual-only platform for 2021.

Now, the city-wide celebration is back and in-person this March 11-20, ready to once again bring visitors together with incredible live music, film slates, dynamic food and drink collaborations, educational panels and more. And while the schedule is always unforgettable, it can come with a steep price tag. If fest badges aren’t in your budget, there are still plenty of other ways to participate in the fun.

RELATED: Willie Nelson’s Luck Presents Hosts Spring Concert Series in Spicewood

Talented local and touring musicians are filling up Austin’s best venues with free shows while national brands are utilizing the opportunity to host interesting activations with fun perks (picture: breakfast tacos galore). The best part? All you have to do is show up!

We’ve done the hard part and gathered together a mix of our favorite happenings that are open to the public, helping make plans easy and accessible. Just make sure to check the details, RSVP whenever it’s required and throw your name on the waitlist — you never know what surprises can pop up.

As new events are announced, check back in for updated info and links:
(Updated on March 15)

Music

SXSW Outdoor Stage photo by David Brendan Hall.

Galactic Interactive

When: March 11
Where: Hotel Vegas and The Volstead Lounge
Why: Lineup TBA, drinks and more

Central Machine Works Showcase

When: March 11–13, 18–20
Where: Central Machine Works Brewery
Why: Jackie Venson, Disko Cowboy, Texas Gentlemen, Jo James and more

Love, Tito’s Live Music Showcase

When: March 11–14, 17–19
Where: Love, Tito’s
Why: Tje Austin, Griffin Robillard, Miggy & Zack, Raw Paw screen printing and more

Lightstream: The Light House

When: March 12–14
Where: Scholz Garten
Why: Sweet Spirit, David Ramirez, Star Parks, Jonathan Terrell and more

Bang x Bang Bang

When: March 12–22
Where: Banger’s
Why: 10 days, 21 bands, Manmosas and more

Works in Progress: Powered by Patreon

When: March 13 and 14
Where: Cheer Up Charlies
Why: Durand Bernarr, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, KevOnStage and Professional Musicians React and more 

Days Up West – Original Music Weeklong Showcase

When: March 13–19
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Why: Local songwriters and composers, 20% off your cafe purchase, gorgeous views and more

SoundCloud Next Wav

When: March 14
Where: Mohawk
Why: Monaleo, art installations, stage discussions, tacos and more

Music Week at Gerladine’s

When: March 15 and 16
Where: Geraldine’s
Why: Alex Lambert, Midlake, Heartless Bastards and more

The Paste 20th Anniversary Showcase

When: March 15–18
Where: The Pershing
Why: Sir Woman, Sunflower Bean, BLACKSTARKIDS, Delta Spirit and more

Secret Society 2022

When: March 16
Where: TBA
Why: Exclusive performances, free drinks, special guests & more

South by Soup Fest

When: March 16
Where: Güero’s Oak Garden
Why: BettySoo, Matt the Electrician, Caritas of Austin and more

New Nashville Riverboat Roadshow

When: March 16
Where: Hyatt Regency Dock
Why: Joshua Hadley, India Ramey, Khrys Hatch, The HawThorns and more

Black Fret “Love Your Music”

When: March 16
Where: ​GSD&M Backyard
Why: Blackillac, The Tiarras, Mélat, free drinks, food trucks and more

Pearl Stable Music Showcase

When: March 16
Where: ​The Continental Club
Why: Santiago Jiménez Jr., Rosie Flores, The Peterson Brothers and Garrett T. Capps

FLOODfest

When: March 16 and 17
Where: Mohawk
Why: Perfume Genius, Petey, Girlpool, surprise guests and more

Collide on Rainey: Dr. Martens Presents Music Showcase

When: March 16–18
Where: Container Bar
Why: Dawn Richard, MUNA, The Black Angels, Tayla Parx, Free tattoos and more

ACL Radio Live Morning Broadcast

When: March 16–19
Where: Hotel Van Zandt
Why: Exclusive performances from SXSW artists, interviews, Make-A-Wish Foundation and more 

Wax Myrtle’s Music Showcase

When: March 16–19
Where: Wax Myrtle’s
Why: Sofar Sounds secret showcase, DJ Set from Jake Garcia and Cosmic Country tunes

Jam in the Van Experience

When: March 16–20
Where: Armadillo Den
Why: BLACKILLAC, Delta Spirit, The Peterson Brothers, Eric Tessmer, Susto and more

South by San José

When: March 16–20
Where: Hotel San José and Jo’s Coffee parking lot
Why: Black Lips, Surfbort, Midlake, Houndmouth, Sinner’s Brunch, local vendors and more

Lucy’s Fried Chicken Revival

When: March 16–20
Where: Lucy’s Fried Chicken – South
Why: Matthew Logan Vasquez, Scott Ballew with Evan Voyles, Shinyribs, Tomar and the FC’s, The Dream Syndicate and more

Collide on Rainey: Pickle Party

When: March 17
Where: Idle Hands
Why: Black Lips, The Aquadolls, Kosha Dillz and more

Poppin’ Lot ’22

When: March 17
Where: 430 San Jacinto Blvd.
Why: Sir Woman, Kydd Jones, live mural installation, merch giveaways and more

The Do512 Lounge Sessions

When: March 17 and 18
Where: Do512 Lounge
Why: Matthew Logan Vasquez, Scott Ballew with Evan Voyles, Shinyribs, Tomar and the FC’s, The Dream Syndicate and more

Lost Weekend 2022

When: March 17 and 18
Where: Cheer Up Charlies
Why: Resound, giveaways, lineup TBA

SXSW Outdoor Stage

When: March 17–19
Where: Lady Bird Lake
Why: Mt. Joy,  Golden Dawn Arkestra, Sammy Hagar and the Circle,  Houndmouth & more

Samsung Galaxy + Billboard Present THE STAGE at SXSW

When: March 17–19
Where: Moody Amphitheater
Why: Young Thug + Gunna, Kygo, Shawn Mendes and Sebastian Yatra

The Austin Chronicle’s Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party

When: March 18
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: TC Superstar, Yard Act, Eldorado Cafe, Austin Pets Alive! and more

Wasserman Music SXSW Day Party

When: March 18
Where: Mohawk
Why: Best Coast, Wet Leg, Luna Li, Joesef, Tom The Mail Man and more

Bandsintown Official Big Break Showcase

When: March 18
Where: The Creek and the Cave
Why: mehro, La Doña, CMAT, Annie DiRusso and more

Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion

When: March 18 and 19
Where: Empire Control Room
Why: White Denim, Midlake, Seratones, Ezra Furman and more 

YETI Music Showcase

When: March 18 and 19
Where: YETI Flagship
Why: The Texas Gentlemen, Magna Carda, Zach Person, Heartless Bastards, Briscoe and more

Bands To Watch 2022 

When: March 18 and 19
Where: Still Austin Whiskey C0.
Why: Western Youth, Mélat, Aaron McDonnell and more

Rolling Loud

When: March 18 and 19
Where: Stubb’s BBQ
Why: Lineup TBA

UTOPiA Sessions

When: March 19
Where: Zilker Brewing Co.
Why: Sir Woman, Sugaray Rayford, Billy King and more

The Big One

When: March 19
Where: The Far Out Lounge & Stage
Why: Houndmouth, Superbloom, Briscoe, drinks and more

 

Art

Meow Wolf Pop Up

When: March 11–14
Where: Spatial Holodeck next to The Sunset Room
Why: Immersive audio, colorful installations and more 

Art Island: All Day All Night Alright Fest

When: March 15 and 16
Where: The Pink Warehouse
Why:  Art, music, drinks and after parties

Flatstock 77

When: March 17–19
Where: Austin Convention Center
Why: Concert posters, artwork, Flatstock 77 Stage and more 

atxGALS + The Cathedral SpringFest 2022

When: March 19
Where: The Cathedral
Why: Diverse art exhibits, creative panel, live music and more

 

Shop

Atelier Beauté CHANEL Pop-Up photo courtesy of Chanel.

Kendra Scott SXSW 2022

When: March 10–13, 18–19
Where: Kendra Scott Flagship Store
Why: Exclusive gifts, live music, drink tastings, aura portrait sessions & more

Atelier Beauté CHANEL Pop-Up

When: March 11 – April 24
Where: South Congress – Music Lane
Why: Master classes, beauty studio access, expert advice, products and more

BXBS Maker’s Market

When: March 12
Where: Broad Studios
Why: 40+ vendors, free beer, live DJ set, Tarot card reading and more

Bad Larry x Henbit SXSW Burger Jam

When: March 12
Where: Fareground
Why: Tasty burgers, Hold Out Brewing, live music and more

The Future Front House: A Meet-Up, A Market, A Party

When: March 15
Where: Cheer Up Charlies
Why: Cool vendors, live music, LGBTQ+ artists, Creative Future of Texas Fund and more

Weird Sisters Day Party

When: March 16
Where: BLK Vinyl
Why: Live music, vintage pop up shop, hard Kombucha and more

KREWE Austin Sample Sale

When: March 17–19
Where: KREWE
Why: Up to 80% off gently-used frames

The Left Eye Collective Vintage Market

When: March 19
Where: Kinda Tropical
Why: Palomas, vintage clothes, home goods, food and more

Howler SXSW 2022 MIchelada Madness

When: March 19
Where: Howler Brothers South Congress
Why: Cold drinks, good fashion, local shopping and more

Green Botanicals Glow

When: March 19 and 20
Where: Green Botanicals
Why: Infused ice cream, free pre-rolls, store discounts and more

 

Experience

The Trip: An Atlanta Café image courtesy of FX.

The Ripple House

When: March 11–13
Where: TBA
Why: Crypto industry experts, networking, artwork and more

#TwitterHouse at SXSW

When: March 11–13
Where: Lustre Pearl Rainey
Why: Cocktails, conversation, live music and more

Food Tank: The Future of Food

When: March 11–18
Where: SXSW Center and Huston-Tillotson University
Why: Interactive experiences, sustainable food discussions and more

Porsche Unseen

When: March 11–20
Where: Installation in downtown Austin
Why: Curated design sketches, sports cars, prototypes and more

The Trip: An Atlanta Café

When: March 12
Where: Higher Ground
Why: FX’s Atlanta, coffee service, surreal full-sensory installations and more

Disney+ Outdoor Movie Screenings

When: March 12
Where: Long Center Terrace
Why: Free outdoor screenings, giveaways, larger-than-life characters and more

SXSW Wellness Expo

When: March 12 and 13
Where: Palmer Events Center
Why: Influential wellness panelists, Fitness Stage, interactive demos and more

Lumos in the Park

When: March 13
Where: Meanwhile Brewing
Why: Donation based outdoor training class, Meanwhile beer & more

Big ID Geraldine’s Brunch

When: March 14
Where: Geraldine’s
Why: Recharge brunch, data-based convos and more 

Dell Technologies: The Experience

When: March 11–14
Where: Brazos Hall
Why: Industry innovations, interactive games, surprises and more 

Capital Factory House

When: March 11–14
Where: Capital Factory
Why: Networking, engaging programming, tech entrepreneurs and more

EU@SXSW

When: March 12–14
Where: Native Hostel
Why: Climate-focused programming, Euro Pop Night, tech and more

Cheetos Hands-Free House

When: March 12–15
Where: 1209 E. 6th Street
Why: Movie night, meal prep, hands-free tech and more

Create & Cultivate Austin Pop-Up

When: March 13
Where: Fair Market
Why: Female-forward networking, live podcasts, keynotes, drinks and more

eMLS Cup by Coca-Cola

When: March 13
Where: ACL Live
Why: Live FIFA esports, Austin FC, free drinks, giveaways and more

Icon’s House Zero

When: March 13 and 14
Where: 1700 Riverview Street
Why: 3D-printed modern home tour

Localeur’s 9th Birthday Party

When: March 14
Where: Whisler’s
Why: DJ MICK, Whisler’s cocktails and more

Origin Studio House: Come Up

When: March 14
Where: The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria
Why: Coffee and drinks, artwork, music, food talent and more

The Phocas House

When: March 15
Where: Phocas House
Why: Viben + the Submersibles, free beer, free tacos and more

Collide on Rainey: Global Street Farm

When: March 15 and 16
Where: Idle Hands
Why: Cocktails, flower crowns, fresh produce and live music

The Escape at Canopy – SXSW Pop-Up

When: March 16
Where: Canopy by Hilton
Why: Verbena cocktails, express IVs, superfood lattes, compressions and more

Sustainable Fashion & Tech SXSW

When: March 16
Where: Fotohouse
Why: Pop up market, networking, Happy Hour, expert panels, interactive activities and more

TBA Presents: Fried Chicken & Champagne

When: March 16
Where: The Parish
Why: Fried Chicken, open bar, jams and more

House of Minor Figures

When: March 17–19
Where: Try Hard Coffee Roasters
Why: Vegan burgers, good drinks, live music and more

UO Live Music Showcase

When: March 19
Where: Space 24Twenty
Why: Japanese Breakfast, Niko Rubio, all ages and more

Sans Bar Austin Experience

When: March 19
Where: Sans Bar
Why: Zero proof cocktails, live music, inspirational talks and more

Honky Tonk Hangover Brunch

When: March 19
Where: Hotel Vegas
Why: Breakfast burritos, French toast, drink specials, live music and more

The Pets & Planet Party

When: March 19
Where: LoLo
Why: Sustainable pet brands, product sampling, DJ Giancarlo, giveaways and more

Come and Smoke It

When: March 19
Where: Indian Springs Ranch
Why: Specialty BBQ dishes, acclaimed pitmasters, free drinks, live music and more

Out Bands & Out Brands – Wine Down Sunday

When: March 20
Where: Aviary Kitchen & Bar
Why: LGBTQIA+ community, free product samples, curated wine tastings, drag shows and more

2022 Unofficial SXSW Puppy Party

When: March 20
Where: Lustre Pearl East
Why: A doggy spa, photo booths, giveaways, Save An Angel, cocktails and more 

South by South Basque

When: March 20
Where: Kalimotxo
Why: Basque wines, tasty snacks, live music and more

Read More From the Music & Film Issue | March 2022