ATXGuide
The Free SXSW Events That Might Be Worth The Traffic
photo credit: Holly Dirks
It takes a lot to justify leaving the house during SXSW, especially if you don’t have a badge. At the same time, the city becomes a giant playground for all things creative—some of them can be a lot of fun. What a dilemma. That’s why we made this guide. Unlike our usual protocol, we haven’t been to these events (because they haven’t happened yet), but we think they all sound pretty cool. And if you happen to be Downtown, check out our guide to our favorite restaurants and coffee shops while you’re there.
And if you’d rather just escape it all, we’ve got a guide to that, too.
THE SPOTS
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Meanwhile Brewing is a peaceful escape from Downtown most of the year—it’s home to a massive patio, some excellent food trucks, and refreshing beers—and from March 12-17, it’s also hosting something called “Out By South East.” There’s a full calendar on the website, but you can generally expect to find free live music from about 3-7pm (and a little longer on the weekends). While you’re there, grab some barbecue from Distant Relatives and a margherita pizza from Side Eye Pie.
When: March 12-17
photo credit: Raphael Brion
It feels like a party all the time at Hotel Vegas, but pretty much every day from March 6-16, there’s a different themed party involving live music hosted by rotating sponsors. Some of them require free RSVPs, and others are just free all the time (or before a certain hour) so be sure to check Instagram before heading over. But it’s a pretty safe bet that if you make your way over, you’re going to hear some live music.
When: Various dates and times from March 6-16
photo credit: Holly Dirks
South By San Jose is a big parking lot block party hosted by Jo’s and neighboring Hotel San Jose, and it’s one of our favorite places to be on South Congress from March 13-17. Expect to hear live music and find local vendors selling arts and crafts. The party starts at noon and is free to attend. And it’s also the perfect opportunity to take a selfie in front of the “I love you so much” sign with the other 100 people in line waiting to do the same thing.
When: March 13-17
photo credit: Julia Keim
LoLo always feels like it’s a bit removed from the madness going on outside on East 6th Street on the weekends, and it’s one of our favorite spots to grab a glass of wine in town. And from March 8-17, it'll be the perfect escape where you can drink wine, listen to music, and maybe even pick up a new (old) sweater from one of the vintage vendors that will be set up. There’s a different lineup of DJs and vendors each day, so follow along on Instagram for the latest lineup. Then grab yourself a glass of something orange and funky and find a table on the excellent patio.
When: March 8-17
Most of the time that we’re heading to C-Boys on South Congress, we’re there for a Sunday afternoon game of chicken sh*t bingo, or some Friday night blues and funk. During SXSW it’s home to the “SoCo Stomp,” featuring 50 bands over five days on two stages. Entry is free, and there will be a few food trucks on-site. The event runs from about 1-7pm each night—after that, the music switches back to the usual schedule of more lowkey blues, funk, and jazz.
When: March 13-17
Finding free alcohol during SXSW is not hard, but everybody needs a break at some point. Dear Dry Drinkery is a non-alcoholic bottle shop all year round, and during SXSW, it’s home to The AF Lounge—basically a bar without the alcohol. That means free NA cocktails, music, snacks, and samples of a bunch of NA spirits, in case you were curious what an alcohol-free negroni tastes like.
When: March 8-11
