Heading to South by Southwest does not have to mean spending a pretty penny on a badge. The annual festival offers free events ranging from day parties to captivating live performances, so The Daily Texan compiled a list of free SXSW events to fill your agenda without a badge.
March 8-10, 83 Rainey St.
In an interactive experience at Icenhauer’s, attendees channel their inner creativity with the newest Sharpie and Paper Mate products. The public can attend the general admission pop-up for free with opportunities to register for Studio events featuring professionals of their craft. The Studio events have limited space and require registration, but include a creativity workout, doodle analysis, game night and a Q&A with Mindy Kaling.
Rolling Stone’s Future of Music
March 12-15, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
The Future of Music explores the music of tomorrow in all genres with a showcase of concerts spanning four nights at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Open to the public, audiences can register to attend performances by Peso Pluma, Flo Milli, Faye Webster and more.
March 13-15, 500 E Cesar Chavez St.
The Austin Convention Center will be adorned with an array of concert poster art for this exhibition. Presented by the American Poster Institute, the three-day event showcases concert posters for sale across a variety of artistic styles, genres and techniques while featuring the artist who created them.
March 8-10, 918 Congress Ave.
The recovery lounge features opportunities for festival attendees to wind down from a full schedule. Open to the public through an RSVP, the lounge features stations to revive, recharge and refuel. Amenities include chair massages, phone charging, live music and mocktails provided by Sans Bar.
Paste Magazine: East Austin Block Party
March 13-15, 2000 E Cesar Chavez St, 1910 E Cesar Chavez St.
Sixty-three bands will be featured on four different stages at High Noon and Coral Snake during the magazine’s biggest day party. The Paste Sessions live stage will hold 15 three-song tapings with live audiences. The event’s partner, Ilegal Mezcal, will give out flash tattoos by artist Scott Barbier and free t-shirts.
SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
March 14-16, 800 W Riverside
The three-day family-friendly concert series is hosted on the festival’s largest stage. Concertgoers can expect a view of the Austin skyline while enjoying music showcases from artists including Ian Moore, Riders Against the Storm and Parker Woodland. On the first night of the community concerts, the San Antonio Spurs will partner with SXSW in an on-site raffle with proceeds supporting PlayATX and Austin Parks Foundation. Photo-ops, games and free merchandise are featured during the partnership.
