Free music! Chocolate! Shrimp? Over 35 SXSW 2025 events you can experience without a badge

The South by Southwest Conference and Festival kicks off Friday, and Austin is about to turn into the ultimate party town! But if you’re feeling the pinch, don’t worry. There’s a whole scene of free events waiting to be discovered. It’s like a giant scavenger hunt for awesome music, cool art and free swag. This year’s freebies include everything from up-and-coming bands to big names, interactive art and brand experiences. So, whether you’re a local, or just visiting, you can totally experience the SXSW vibe without spending a dime.

Friday-Saturday: FX Alien: Earth ‘The Wreckage’

When: March 7-8, 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 318 E 5th St. Lot (between Copper Tank and The Westin)
What: FX’s “Alien: Earth” will feature an immersive pop-up offering fans a preview of the upcoming series. Visitors can explore a wreckage site, uncover series details and purchase merch. The experience includes interactive elements, alien specimen encounters and the thrill of a simulated containment breach. Attendees will be scanned for parasites and embark on an exploratory mission.
RSVP: Just show up.

Friday-Saturday: Hook’em House

When: March 7-8
Where: Antone’s, 305 E 5th St
What: Hook ’em House at SXSW, hosted by the University of Texas, offers live music, expert panels, robot demonstrations, UT-themed swag and a celebration of Longhorn spirit.
RSVP: Just show up.

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Friday-Sunday: Axios House

When: March 7-9
Where: Inn Cahoots, 1221 E 6th St.
What: Three days of engaging conversations with industry leaders. Axios reporters interview top innovators and disruptors in technology, media and culture.
RSVP:Sign up for updates online.

Friday-Sunday: Tennessee House

When: March 7-9
Where: Electric Shuffle (91 Red River St STE 102)
What: It’s basically a spot to show off tech, startups, and culture from across the state. Each of the big cities in Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga) will be highlighting their own stuff. Expect talks about quantum tech from Chattanooga, and how music and other creative industries are mixing in Nashville. They’ll also have Hip Hop Karaoke, photo booths, free swag, and a contest to name their raccoon mascot.
RSVP:See the full schedule of events and info on how to attend online.

Friday-Monday: Criterion Mobile Closet

When: March 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., March 8-9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: In front of Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
What: Criterion is bringing its iconic film closet to SXSW to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary. Guests can explore over 1,000 classic and contemporary films in a replica of the Criterion closet. Visitors can make their own “Closet Picks” video, shop the collection, and receive a free Polaroid and tote bag.
RSVP: Just show up early.

Friday-Tuesday: Museum of the Future House

When: March 7-11 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Congress Ave. & W 3rd St.
What: Dubai’s Museum of the Future at SXSW offers an immersive experience exploring possibilities for the future. Guests can explore themes like space travel, climate change, health, and how technologies like synthetic biology and AI can address global challenges. There will also be a chance to taste the TikTok famous chocolate bar from FIX Dessert Chocolatier Capacity is limited to 250 people at a time.
RSVP: SXSW badges get priority, followed by general admission, no RSVP.

Saturday: Mall Tour + Talent Search

When: March 8, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Barton Creek Square. 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy.
What: The Simon Malls “Scouting for Stars” tour offers live music performances by rising and local artists at 20 malls. Aspiring artists can audition to perform, participate in songwriting and content creation workshops led by music executives and receive retailer perks.
RSVP: Just show up.

Saturday: NASA House: CreateSpace

When: March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 9, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Austin Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St
What: NASA’s CreateSpace is turning Austin’s Central Library into a multi-sensory journey into the cosmos. This immersive experience, spread across multiple floors, features interactive exhibits and engaging sensory displays, all highlighting the breadth of NASA’s exploration and discovery.
RSVP: Just show up.

Saturday: Swift Fit’s SXSW Recovery Lounge

When: March 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 918 Congress Avenue #STE 100.
What: Swift Fit’s Recovery Lounge offers a wellness escape from the festival’s busy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy smoothies and coffee, relax to live DJ music, replenish with IV hydration, soothe muscles with massages and Hyperice tools, experience aromatherapy, and invigorate themselves with a cold plunge.
RSVP: Get free tickets online.

Saturday-Sunday: Gorton’s Shrimp & Cocktail Experience

When: March 8-9, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Parlor Room, 88 Rainey St.
What: Gorton’s Seafood is setting up a “Shrimp and Cocktail” spot, basically a shrimp shack with food from Peached Tortilla. Expect shrimp tacos, po’ boys, and other shrimp bites. They’ll have shrimp cooking demos with Shay Spence, the food influencer. They’re also doing cocktails to go with the shrimp. Plus, there’ll be live music, free merch, games, and photo ops, all with a seafood theme.
RSVP: Just show up.

Saturday-Sunday: Whataburger Museum of Art

Whata-painting? Whataburger brings fan art, Monterrey Melt samples to SXSW 202

Saturday-Monday: Fast Company Grill

When: March 8-10, 10 a.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Where: Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill, 201 Brazos St.
What: Fast Company’s throwing a weekend gig with food and drinks. They’ve got some speakers lined up, including Carey Mulligan, Paul Feig (the director of “Another Simple Favor”), and a bunch of business folks from companies like Aloha, GoDaddy, Peacock, Ghia, and Liquid Death. They’ll also be announcing a few more speakers later. So, it’s a mix of celebs and business talks with some food and drinks thrown in.
RSVP:Register online.

Saturday-Monday: Inc. Founders House

When: March 8-10, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Foxy’s Proper Pub, 201 Brazos St.
What: It’s basically a spot for business folks to hang out. They’re bringing in some well-known entrepreneurs like Chelsea Clinton, Seth Rogen, and a bunch of others to talk. They’ll also have free breakfast, lunch, and happy hour.
RSVP: You can request an invite online.

Saturday-Tuesday: UK House

When: March 8-11
Where: Palm Door on Sixth (508 E 6th St)
What: They’ve got a mix of events planned, including a hip-hop/beatbox performance featuring Soup from Jurassic 5 and the UK’s Beatbox Collective on March 9, and a music and tech panel with WIRED discussing the future of the music industry. They’ll also be showcasing FanPort, a mixed reality tech experience, and screening the Manchester United vs. Arsenal Premier League match with brunch on March 9. For a taste of something different, they’re offering tastings and afternoon tea featuring a special blend of US and UK grown tea.
RSVP:Find info on each event and how to attend online.

Saturday-March 16: Future Front House

When: March 8-16
Where: 1900 East 12th St.
What: Future Front’s East Austin spot is throwing a bunch of free and cheap creative events and pop-ups during SXSW. After that, they’ll keep it going with weekly art clubs, workshops, and guest stuff.
RSVP: Check their website for the schedule and how to RSVP.

Sunday: Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake

When: March 9, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr
What: A family-friendly musical experience featuring a diverse lineup including Sir Woman, Geto Gala, Pedal Steel Noah, and Lesly Reynaga. Attendees are invited to enjoy music while relaxing with a picnic or sampling offerings from local food trucks.
RSVP: Just show up!

Sunday: The Future Summit

When: March 9, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Assembly Hall. 1121 E 7th St
What: The Future Summit at SXSW offers a full day of programming focused on innovation and upskilling, including panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can hear from speakers like Iskra Lawrence, Camille Styles, Mamrie Hart, Tieghan Gerard, and Karena Dawn. Entry is first-come, first-served, and an RSVP is required.
RSVP: Save a spot online.

Sunday: Keep It Local, Yokels

When: March 9, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 1614 E 12th St.
What: Expect live music, some free drinks while they last, food, a small flea market with local vendors and flash tattoos. It’s supposed to be a low-key day to show off some Austin businesses. They’re aiming for a relaxed vibe with music and local goods.
RSVP: Save a spot online.

Monday-March 15: International Nights at Rivian Park

When: March 10-15, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 409 E 5th St
What: This event will feature a dynamic lineup, spanning continents and genres, with performances by French artist KAP BAMBINO, UK sensation Sam Ryder and more. Performances will further highlight the international spectrum with Czechia’s Eurovision representative Aiko, Chinese singer Tia Ray, Colombian band MAGNA, Japanese artist luv, and Flor, daughter of Brazilian music icon Seu Jorge.
RSVP: Just show up!

Monday-March 15: Radio Day Stage at Rivian Park

When: March 10-15, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 409 E 5th St
What: A showcase of musical talent, meticulously curated by globally recognized radio powerhouses. Attendees can expect to experience performances selected by stations such as KCRW from Los Angeles, KEXP from Seattle, and BBC Radio from the UK. Additionally, a collaborative effort from NPR Music stations, spearheaded by Austin’s KUTX, will contribute to the diverse and compelling lineup. Artists include JaRon Marshall, Honeyglaze, EL DUSTY, Amantes Del Futuro and more.
RSVP: Just show up!

Tuesday: BMI Howdy Texas

When: March 11, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Still Austin, 440 E St Elmo Rd Suite F.
What: They’re calling it the Howdy Texas party, and it features a bunch of Texas musicians playing. Expect a mix of genres, from R&B and pop with a country twist, to rap, indie-pop, and post-punk. They’ve got nine acts lined up including Smooth Nature, Sydney Wright, KAZIMI, Sunny Sauceda and more.
RSVP: Just show up.

Tuesday-Thursday: Flatstock

When: March 11-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5
What: A visually stunning art exhibition, showcasing the work of the world’s most influential gig poster artists. Attendees can explore and purchase handmade, limited-edition posters.
RSVP: Just show up!

Tuesday-Friday: Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase

When: March 11-14
Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater. 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
What: Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase will feature performances from up-and-coming artists predicted to be the next big thing in music. The event will include headliners like Benson Boone, Ivan Cornejo, Megan Moroney, Rema, and others
RSVP: RSVP online.

Rolling Stone back at SXSW 2025: RSVP for free shows by Benson Boone, Megan Moroney, more

Tuesday-Friday: Waterloo Records Last Day Parties

When: March 11-14
Where: 600A N Lamar
What: The indie record store is throwing one last hooray at their South Lamar location before moving its location. Lineup includes artists like Hope Tala, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Charley Crockett and more. The event is open to all ages with different set times each day.
RSVP: Just show up!

March 12: Do512, C3 Management showcase

When: March 12, 5 p.m.
Where: Stubb’s, 801 Red River St.
What: Stubb’s is set to host C3 Management’s annual SXSW showcase presented by Do512 and benefiting HAAM. They’ve lined up a roster of artists including Band of Horses, Jack’s Mannequin, Yoke Lore, Claire Rosinkranz, The Criticals, and The Droptines.
RSVP: You can reserve a spot online.

March 12: International House

When: March 12, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Austin Central Library. 710 W Cesar Chavez St.
What: International House at SXSW offers a hub for global entrepreneurship and innovation. Guests can expect international pitch competitions with cash prizes, expert panel discussions on global trends, a “Founders Feud” game show, and a showcase of International Accelerator’s portfolio startups.
RSVP: Reserve a spot online.

March 12: Marshall Day Party

When: March 12, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Mohawk. 912 Red River St.
What: Marshall is hosting a day party at SXSW. The lineup includes Maruja, Wishy, Urban Heat, JaRon Marshall and more. Guests can expect giveaways, prizes, and more from partners like Waterloo Records, Cold Ones, FSG, and Bad Larry’s.
RSVP: RSVP online.

March 12: Sonic Guild Love Your Music Fest

When: March 12, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: GSD&M Backyard, 828 W 6th St.
What: Featuring a stellar lineup including BLK ODYSSY, Foxtales, and more, the festival aims to raise support for local musicians, a mission Sonic Guild has championed since 2013. A suggested $20 donation will grant access to an open bar, and attendees can enjoy food trucks and bring camp chairs for comfortable seating. The event also features an exclusive Member Lounge for Sonic Guild members and grant recipients.
RSVP: Get a ticket online.

March 12: South by Soup Fest

When: March 12, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Güeros Taco Bar, 1412 S Congress Ave
What: ComboPlate Booking’s 21st annual South By Soup Fest benefit for Caritas of Austin will bring a day of music and community support. This event aims to raise funds for Caritas’s Food Services programs, including the Community Kitchen and Food Pantry. Volunteer musicians will provide the soundtrack, while raffles featuring artist CDs and gift certificates from local businesses will drive donations. Band tips will contribute directly to the cause.
RSVP: Just show up!

March 12: Texas Film Experience

When: March 12, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: South Lawn of the Texas Capitol
What: Media for Texas is bringing the magic of filmmaking directly to the Texas Capitol with the Texas Film Experience. This live demonstration provides an insider’s look into the entire film production process, from set design and lighting to costumes and cinematography. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the talented filmmakers and crew who contribute to the state’s film scene, offering an up-close experience for both film enthusiasts and those curious about the behind-the-scenes world of movie making.
RSVP: Just show up!

March 12: DAWA Unity Showcase

When: March 12, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Empire Garage, 606 E 7th St
What: SXSW is partnering with local non-profit DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action). This year’s showcase will feature a lineup of artists including BLK ODYSSY, Erick The Architect, Riders Against The Storm, Blakchyl, Midnight Navy, and LARA’, among others.
RSVP: Just show up!

March 12-14: YETI Music Showcase

When: March 12-14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: YETI Flagship (220 S Congress Ave)
What: It’s a three-day music showcase at SXSW with 18 up-and-coming artists playing a mix of bedroom pop, rock, singer-songwriter and country. Performers include Claire Ernst, Next of Kin, Brittney Spencer, arya, The Bends and more. They’ll have drink deals and food trucks. It’s sponsored by a bunch of drink companies, like Coca-Cola, White Claw, and a few others.
RSVP: Just show up.

March 12-15: EQ Austin Presents

When: March 12-15
Where: Lefty’s Brick Bar, 1813 E 6th St
What: Four nights dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Austin’s music scene. These events, featuring KUTX The Breaks, EQ Austin, LatinATX, and Global Primestage shows, will highlight local talent across various genres.
RSVP: Just show up!

March 12-15: KUTX Live at Scholz Garten

When: March 12-15, 8 a.m. to noon.
Where: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
What: Attendees can catch live performances and interviews with a diverse lineup of emerging artists. The series features a global mix of talent, including Edgar Alejandro, Cardinals, Chaparelle, Chinese American Bear, Delivery, Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Freak Slug (Xenya Genovese), Anastasia Hera, Honeyglaze, King Cruff, Los Eclipses, JaRon Marshall, Sophie Royer, and Grace Sorensen.
RSVP: The events are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $10 donation benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank.

March 14: Caveman Music Festival lineup unveiling party

When: March 14, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd
What: Attendees can enjoy a day filled with free live music from acts like The Band of Heathens, Red Shahan and Kolton Moore & The Clever Few, while also getting the first glimpse of the festival’s Labor Day weekend lineup. The event offers exclusive festival perks and a chance to shop from vendors. Family-friendly until 6 p.m., the event transitions to a 21+ experience for the evening.
RSVP:RSVP online.

March 14: FLOODfest

When: March 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
What: FLOOD Magazine is marking its 10th anniversary with a dynamic SXSW showcase featuring 12 artists across two stages. Headlining the outdoor stage is the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, joined by Confidence Man, jasmine 4.t, Baths, and Wishy. The indoor stage boasts a lineup including Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Cardinals and Gurriers, Delivery, OneDa, Sierra Spirit, and Sedona.
RSVP: You can RSVP online.

Looking for the full SXSW 2025 experience? Badges, wristbands and more

Badge rates are: Platinum badge $2,295.00; Interactive festival badge $1,695; Film and Television festival badge $1,395 and music festival badge $995.

Music and Film festival wristbands are also on sale Music wristbands are $189. This pass grants you secondary access to showcases on 50+ stages from March 10-15.

If you’re there for the screenings, opt for a Film & TV wristband for $150. These give you secondary access to over 300 screenings on 18 screens across seven venues from March 7-15, including 96 features and over 80 world premieres.

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