The Daily Texan compiled a list of the best music events at SXSW that do not require a badge to get in.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
Pitchfork Day Party
When: 12 p.m.
Where: French Legation Museum
Who: DJ Rashad + DJ Spinn, Speedy Ortiz, The Range, Ex Hex, Perfect Pussy, Cashmere Cot, Coachwhips, Protomartyr
Age Restrictions: All Ages
The first Pitchfork Day Party is half ‘90s-inspired indie and punk rock and half electronic acts who never come through Austin.
Under the Radar SXSW Party
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Flamingo Cantina
Who: EMA, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Future Islands, Connan Mockasin
Age Restrictions: Not Listed
Under the Radar will be throwing parties Wednesday through Friday at Flamingo Cantina, but with appearances from indie pop act The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Future Islands, the first day boasts the strongest lineup.
Consequence of Sound Cosigns Day Party
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Hype Hotel
Who: Against Me!, Wye Oak, Albert Hammond Jr., Hospitality, Together Pangea
Age Restrictions: 21+
Here’s a chance to see Against Me!, who just released the excellent album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, for free alongside some of the better indie rock acts — including Strokes lead guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. — who are attending SXSW.
Red Bull Sound Select
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Belmont
Who: Earl Sweatshirt, Lil Herb, Thurz
Age Restrictions: 21+
This is the only opportunity to see Earl Sweatshirt, the young rapper from Odd Future, play a free show during SXSW. This is also the first time in Austin since Doris, his most recent album, came out. Make sure to RSVP to get in.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Pitchfork Day Party
When: 12 p.m.
Where: French Legation Museum
Who: Fucked Up, Lunice, Mutual Benefit, Isaiah Rashad, Kelela, Classixx, Future Island, Eagulls
Age Restrictions: All Ages
Day two of Pitchfork’s free parties focuses more on hip-hop and R&B with Lunice, Isaiah Rashad and Kelela. Expect dance parties with Cassixx and insane mosh pits with Fucked Up as well.
Stereogum Day Party
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Mohawk
Who: Cloud Nothings, Fucked Up, Speedy Ortiz, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Perfect Pussy, Ema, Mutual Benefit, Chloe Howl
Age Restrictions: All Ages
Here is where you can see most of the indie rock acts playing SXSW in one location. This might be the most impressive lineup of the day.
Jumpstart 2014
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Side Bar
Who: Diarrhea Planet with Melissa Etheridge, The Midgetmen, Big Ups, Upset, Potty Mouth, Solids, Connections
Age Restrictions: All Ages
The Midgetmen, a local rock band, harassed Melissa Etheridge enough that she agreed to play with them at their annual SXSW party.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Ground Control Touring Day Party
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Beerland
Who: Power Trip, Touche Amore, Trash Talk, Bl’ast!, Vulgar Display
Age Restrictions: 21+
The collections of hardcore bands include the classic California hardcore act Bl’ast! alongside contemporaries such as Power Trip and Trash Talk. This one could get violent.
A.V. Club Day Party
When: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Blackheart Bar
Who: Bob Mould, Wye Oak, Speedy Ortiz, Eagulls
Age Restrictions: 21+
Here’s a great chance to see legendary rocker Bob Mould of Husker Du & Sugar for free along with some great indie rock acts.
Spotify House
When: 12 p.m.
Where: 901 E. 6th St.
Who: Real Estate, Vance Joy, The Districts
Age Restrictions: 21+
Real Estate’s latest album, Atlas, is incredible, and this is your best bet at catching them for free.
Austin Party Weekend
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Empire Garage & Control Room
Who: Fucked Up, Power Trip, Destruction Unit, Classixx, Sophie, Cashmere Cat
Age Restrictions: 21+
One of the best events of Friday features a slew of punk and hardcore acts in one room complemented by breakthrough electronic producers in the other room. While the two genres might not mix perfectly, there’s plenty of great bands playing.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
KVRXplosion
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Farewell Books
Who: Speedy Ortiz, Grass is Green, Each Other, Psychic Teens, Pale Hound
Age Restrictions: All Ages
UT’s student-run radio station’s day party features a group of ‘90s-inspired indie rock acts. It is headlined by the always entertaining Speedy Ortiz, who sound like Pavement and Dinosaur Jr., and is amazing.
Thrasher X Converse Death Match
When: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Scoot Inn
Who: Lil B, Perfect Pussy, Destruction Unit
Age Restrictions: All Ages
The almighty Based God is coming to play this party in a rare and blessed appearance. Lil B shows are less rap concerts than spiritual revivals, and this is one you don’t want to miss.
Rayban x Boiler Room
When: 8 p.m.
Where: TBA
Who: Four Tet, Julio Basmore, Omar S, Tinashe, DJ Mustard and more
Age Restrictions: All Ages
Last year, this party featured rare appearances by Death Grips and Mount Kimbie, and was one of the most innovative SXSW experiences of the year. This year, they’ve already confirmed exclusive performances by great electronic producers like Four Tet, and this will surely be one of the best parties to attend.
Red Bull Sound Select 4 Days in Austin
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Belmont
Who: Danny Brown, Lucki Ecks, A.Dd+
Age Restrictions: 21+
