SXSW is more than an acronym that UT students associate with heavy traffic and pricey tickets — it’s the coming together of industry professionals, artists and everyday people focused on sharing ideas and learning from each other. Austin residents are just a bus ride away from events that promise to entertain — including those that don’t require a SXSW badge. 

Just Another Manic Monday (of Music) with The Onion and A.V Club

Just Another Manic Monday is known for featuring up-and-coming artists – in 2017, the event was headlined by Lizzo, Noname and Sylvan Esso. This year’s Manic Monday will feature bands including Deerhunter, Priests, The Beths and more. The event is free, takes place at Mohawk and is open to the public. RSVP required, and guests must be 21 or over.  Doors open at 3:30 p.m. on March 11.

SXSW Marketplace 

If you’ve never been to SXSW, this is a great starting point to experience the innovation and creativity it brings to Austin. The SXSW Marketplace features local, national and global brands — the website describes it as a “collection of pop-up shops from unique brands at the center of SXSW.” Even if you’re not buying anything, the SXSW Marketplace is an ideal place to window shop. Companies from all over the world come to showcase their best products, and it’s worth a visit. The marketplace is open from March 15 and 16 at the Austin Convention Center. A guest pass, which is free and available on SXSW’s website, is required. 

SXSW Community Screenings 

From March 9 to 10, AFS Cinema and the Rollins Theatre at The Long Center will be screening films from various organizations, free to the public. Plan a trip to watch “Films for the Forest,” a presentation of short films by Rainforest Partnership, or “Face of Austin 2019,” a short film program by local filmmakers. These screenings are free and do not require a guest pass. 

#WeDC House

If you’re interested in a career in the nation’s capital, bring your friends to Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden this weekend and learn about opportunities in Washington. #WeDC, which stands for We the People of Washington, D.C., is hosting a three-day event committed to showing attendees “Washington, D.C. is the Capital of Inclusive Innovation.” The event is from March 9 through 11, and starts at 3 p.m on the first day. 

Lafayette Live Crawfish Boil @ SXSW 2019: A True Cajun Experience

Free crawfish at a free SXSW event? The Lafayette Live Crawfish Boil is happening on March 13 at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. This event is free and offers attendees authentic cajun crawfish, hot jambalaya, a free drink and live music. Guests must register online through eventbrite in advance. 

SXSW Puppy Party 2019

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and your friends with paws by bringing them to Lustre Pearl on March 17 from 12 to 4 p.m, for a day of puppy cuddles, doggy photo booths, St. Patrick Day activities, drawings and Tito’s vodka. This event benefits “Austin Pets Alive!” and features adoptable puppies. Admission is free, and online registration is required. 

International Women’s Day Celebration

Presented by the European Union and UN Women, International Women’s Day will celebrate the art, music and films created by those who identify as women or non-binary. The programs are hosted by female leaders, like  CEOs and UN leaders, and feature topics like gender and race, women in art and entrepreneurship. The event is on March 8, from 2 to 10 p.m, at Palm Door on Sixth. A guest pass is required for this event.