<\/p>\n
Fans dance as Sherwyn performs at All American Freak Show, a South by Southwest showcase, at Parish in Austin, March 15, 2025.<\/p>\n
Sara Diggins\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n
If you’re not ready to shell out hundreds of dollars for a South by Southwest Conference and Festival<\/a> badge, don’t worry. In mid-March, Austin will be overflowing with live music, film screenings, art events and family-friendly activities that are either free or available with individual tickets.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a list of free and ticketed events you can start penciling into your spring break schedule now \u2014 no badge required.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Free SXSW events that are open to the public<\/p>\n Austin school Superintendent Matias Segura, right, speaks with South by Southwest EDU founder Ron Reed at a SXSW panel in 2025.<\/p>\n Keri Heath\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 11: SXSW EDU Expo<\/p>\n Gurriers performs at Mohawk in downtown Austin at SXSW Friday, March 14, 2025.<\/p>\n Ricardo B. Brazziell\/American-Statesman Country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer performs at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase at ACL Live during South by Southwest, March 12, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n The SXSW EDU Expo is a gathering point for education-focused programming during SXSW week at the Austin Marriott Downtown. The event features interactive exhibits, panel discussions and networking opportunities with organizations and professionals working across the education sector. Early arrival is recommended due to capacity. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 304 E. Cesar Chavez St.\u00a0sxswedu.com\/expo<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 11: BMI Presents \u2018Howdy Texas\u2019<\/p>\n BMI, a music publisher with an Austin office, is hosting its annual \u201cHowdy Texas\u201d party at Still Austin Whiskey Co. with nine Texas-based artists. Performers include Smooth Nature<\/a>, Sydney Wright, MoscatoJ, Rodell Duff, KAZIMI, Sunny Sauceda, Anastasia Hera, Travis Roberts and Mikky & the Doom. Doors open at noon.<\/p>\n Info: 440 E. St Elmo Road. bmi.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 11: Porchella 2026<\/p>\n The fifth annual Porchella returns to Hyde Park, hosted on the front porch of Austin band the Reverent Few’s home. Free and open to the public, this picnic-style concert will feature more than 15 artists. Attendees are encouraged to bring drinks, food, lawn chairs and blankets. A $25 donation is suggested.<\/p>\n Info: E. 41st St. and Barrow Ave. eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 12-18: Congress Avenue Block Party<\/p>\n Formerly the Registrant Lounge, the Congress Avenue Block Party is now a free, public experience. SXSW badge-holders can enjoy complementary drinks, food and sponsor swag. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., it serves as a central hub where festgoers can relax between events.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 12-18: Radio Day Stage and Global Stage<\/p>\n Each year, SXSW partners with radio stations nationwide to program live music on the \u00a0\u201cRadio Day Stage,\u201d<\/a> which will be located inside the Music Clubhouse at the Downright Austin this year. As evening approaches, programming shifts to the\u00a0\u201cGlobal Stage,\u201d<\/a> showcasing international artists across multiple genres. This is a great opportunity to catch some of the best up-and-coming artists at the festival.\u00a0<\/p>\n Info: 701 E. 11th St. sxsw.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Seenachan of the Japanese band Tokyo Syoki Syodo performs the Mohawk at SXSW Tuesday March 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 12-14: South By San Jos\u00e9<\/p>\n Since 2000, Hotel San Jos\u00e9 has hosted its annual SXSW showcase in the parking lot it shares with Jo\u2019s Coffee on South Congress Avenue. The free, public event returns this year with live music, local vendors and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 1316 S. Congress Ave. bunkhousehotels.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 12-13: YETI Music Showcase<\/p>\n Presented by BMI, the YETI Music Showcase is a free, two-day event at YETI\u2019s South Congress flagship store. Performers include Datura, the Tullamarines, Avery Cochran, Easy Honey, the Sophs, Timmy Skelly and Meek on day one. Raynes, Grocery Bag, the Pink Stones, Joshua Ray Walker and more perform on day two. Music runs from 1\u00a0p.m. to 6:40 p.m. both days.<\/p>\n Info: 220 S. Congress Ave. bmi.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u00c9liane Viens-Synnott, middle, of the Canadian dance-punk band La Securite performs at Hotel Vegas during SXSW Tuesday March 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 12: Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge\u2019s 15th Anniversary<\/p>\n Hotel Vegas and the Volstead Lounge celebrate their 15th anniversary with a 12-hour live music marathon to kick off their Spring Break Boogie. Headliners include\u00a0Surfbort and Osees, along with performances by American Sharks, Holy Wave, J\u2019cuuzi, the Bad Lovers, Haha Laughing, Amplified Heat, Gus Baldwin & the Sketch, Tear Dungeon, Grocery Bag, Kind Keith, Queen Serene, Magic Rockers of Texas and Prehuman.<\/p>\n The event is free until 5 p.m. and includes a \u201cVixens of Volstead\u201d drag show, DJs, vintage market and live screen printing throughout the day. The first 115 attendees will receive a free T-shirt.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 21 and up, 1502 E. 6th St. texashotelvegas.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 12: Austin Rhythm Revival at San Jac Saloon<\/p>\n The 5th annual Austin Rhythm Revival returns with an Americana music showcase featuring the Last Real Circus, Gasoline Gypsies, Louie Lee, Maya Manuela, Caleb Michael and the Arrested, Alex Cano, Jacki Daniels, Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. and many more. Event begins at noon.\u00a0<\/p>\n Info: 21 and up, 300\u00a0E. 6th St. eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 13-15: Flatstock Poster Show<\/p>\n The Poster Institute brings its Flatstock poster exhibition to the Moonlight Exhibit Hall at the Austin Marriott Downtown. It will host hand-printed and limited-edition poster art by over 50 artists and studios from around the world, with prints selling for around $25 to $50. The event also features daily lectures, live print demonstrations, giveaways and music.<\/p>\n Info: 304 E. Cesar Chavez St. sxsw.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Canadian dance-punk band La Securite performs at Hotel Vegas during SXSW Tuesday March 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 14: Stoner Jam at the Far Out Lounge<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Stoner Jam will host more than\u00a020 heavy rock bands across three stages, a vendor market and more. Performers include Duel, Crypt Trip, Amplified Heat, Warlung, Bridge Farmers, Doomboyz, Temptress, Oogwei and more. Music begins at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: All ages, 8504 S Congress Ave.\u00a0thefaroutaustin.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 14: South By South Emo at Fast Friends<\/p>\n South By South Emo invites you to skip the badge and party like a local.\u00a0Performers include Glass Mansions, Chancla Fight Club and emo cover band Jimmy Eat Brisket. Party starts at 6\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n Info: All ages, 7313\u00a0N. I-35 Frontage Road. eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Heartless Bastards performs at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022.<\/p>\n Jay Janner \/ American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 15: Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake<\/p>\n SXSW\u2019s free, public concert at Auditorium Shores is back. The lineup has not yet been announced. Follow SXSW\u2019s official social media channels for updates.<\/p>\n March 15: Peelander Fest 2026 at Zilker Brewing Co.<\/p>\n Headlined by\u00a0Peelander-Z, the lineup also includes CorMae, Sultanes Del Yonne, mypilotis, Department, Grrrl Gang, Kev Bev and the Woodland and Snail Mate. The event will also have live art from Peelander Yellow, dearninja, the Death Head and ponopinto as well as live screen printing by Billy Bishop. Music is from noon to 6 p.m. and the first 100 people get a free tote bag.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: All ages, 1701\u00a0E 6th St. zilkerbeer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 16: The Rendezvous in ATX at Sahara Lounge<\/p>\n The Rendezvous is an independent music showcase presented by Urban Eclectic Internet Radio Station and RhythmAndSoulRadio.com. Performances start at 5 p.m. and feature Mama Moon & the Rump Shakers, WhoIsDXVII, AVO, Beautiful Phnix, Dominique Smith, Uptown RoyaltyNYC, Kelsey Muse, T.R.A.N.E. Spitta and Xayeknow.<\/p>\n Info: 21 and up, 1413\u00a0Webberville Road. eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 16: Marshall Day Party at Mohawk<\/p>\n Marshall\u2019s unofficial SXSW day party returns to Mohawk from noon to 6 p.m. The event will feature live music, screen printing by FSG Prints, a Waterloo Records pop-up, food, drinks and more. The lineup has not yet been announced, but you can RSVP now before space fills up.<\/p>\n Info: 912 Red River St. etix.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joe Carroll of The Manchester, England, band Maruja, performs at the Marshall day party at the Mohawk at SXSW Wednesday March 12, 2025. \u00a0<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 16: Flak Records Showcase<\/p>\n Flak Records hosts its official SXSW showcase at Zilker Brewing Co., featuring Larry Seaman, Eric Hisaw Band, Parker Woodland and Little Wilderness. SXSW badge and wristband holders receive priority entrance at 7 p.m., but you can RSVP now for this free show now.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 1701 E 6th St. partiful.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 17: Penny Loafer PR Showcase<\/p>\n Penny Loafer PR presents its official SXSW showcase at Zilker Brewing Co., featuring Grocery Bag, Otis Wilkins, the Bures Band, Mariae Cassandra and the Tullamarines. SXSW badge and wristband holders receive priority entrance at 7 p.m., but RSVPs are open now for this free event.<\/p>\n Info: 1701 E 6th St.\u00a0partiful.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 18-22: SoCo Stomp at C-Boy\u2019s Heart & Soul<\/p>\n The\u00a0unofficial SXSW showcase is back, bringing 50 bands to C-Boy\u2019s Heart & Soul over five days. Performances take place on both indoor and outdoor stages, with food available for Halal Y\u2019all ATX Weird Food Truck and El Patio.<\/p>\n Info: 2008 S Congress Ave. socostomp.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band perform at Antone\u2019s 50th celebration in Austin, Tuesday, July 15, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 18: Austin Blues Fest & Antone\u2019s Forever Day Party at Antone’s<\/p>\n Austin Blues Fest and Antone\u2019s Forever host their second-annual SXSW Day Party. Performers include\u00a0CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Adrian Quesada\u2019s Trio Asesino, Gypsy Mitchell, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Monica Valli, Eve Monsees & Friends with Steve Bell and more. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and includes complimentary food and drinks, activations and prize raffles.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 305 E 5th St. eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Official SXSW ticketed events<\/p>\n SXSW music wristbands, which provide secondary access to music showcases, are on sale now for $149<\/a>. There will be no SXSW\u00a0Film & TV Festival<\/a> wristbands this year, but the fest\u00a0will offer a limited number of individual tickets for select screenings, especially at secondary venues like Rollins Theatre at the Long Center and ZACH Theater, available on March 5. Some official\u00a0SXSW Music showcases may release tickets at the door or open to the general public for free at the last minute depending on capacity. Use the\u00a0SXSW Go App and follow the festival’s social media channels for those updates.<\/p>\n Lola Young performs onstage during\u00a0Spotify’s 2026 Best New Artist Party at LA’s The Lot at Formosa on January 29, 2026 in West Hollywood, California.<\/p>\n Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images for Spotify<\/p>\n March 12-14: Rolling Stone\u2019s Future of Music at ACL Live<\/p>\n Rolling Stone\u2019s Future of Music<\/a> showcase returns March 12-14 at ACL Live, featuring U.K. singer Lola Young, Mexican-American group Fuerza Regida and Texas rapper BigXThaPlug. This year marks the first time the showcase will be ticketed in its fourth year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Seats for Lola Young start at $117. High demand for Fuerza Regida led to a quick sellout, though resale tickets are available starting at $338. Tickets for\u00a0BigXThaPlug are $54 and up. Limited first-come, first-served space will be available for some\u00a0SXSW Platinum and Music badge holders, as well as Music festival wristband holders.\u00a0<\/p>\n Info: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd. sxsw.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 13-15: Billboard\u2019s The Stage at Waterloo Park<\/p>\n Billboard\u2019s \u201cThe Stage\u201d returns to Waterloo Park with rapper Don Toliver, Mexican star Junior H and Dutch DJ Mau P performing March 13-15.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Resale tickets for Don Toliver start at $198 on Ticketmaster. General admission tickets for Junior H are $122 and DJ Mau P tickets are $104. As with Future of Music, limited first-come, first- serve entry will be available for Platinum and Music badge holders, as well as Music festival wristband holders.<\/p>\n Info: 500 E 12th St. sxsw.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n DJ Calvin Harris performs at the 2014 Austin City Limits music festival on Sun., Oct. 5, 2014 at Zilker Park in Austin, TX.<\/p>\n Ashley Landis FOR STATESMAN<\/p>\n March 13-14: Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores<\/p>\n Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris and Foster the People headline the third annual Sips & Sounds Music Festival<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cXtina\u201d and Major Lazer headline March 13, with support from Ravyn Lenae, Grouplove, Between Friends, the Two Lips, Aidan Bissett and Austin-based artist Skateland. Harris and Foster the People play March 14, alongside Stephen Sanchez, Flipturn, the Runarounds, Jade Lemac, Mallrat and Austin singer-songwriter Caroline Hale.\u00a0<\/p>\n Friday general admission tickets are $65. Two-day GA, GA+ passes and Saturday-only tickets are currently wait listed. The festival will also let 1,000 SXSW Platinum Badge holders in each day on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n Info: 800 W Riverside Dr. sipssoundsfest.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n More ticketed events happening during SXSW<\/p>\n March 14: Subtronics at Germania Insurance Amphitheater<\/p>\n Looking to escape downtown\u2019s SXSW crowds? EDM DJ Subtronics brings his \u201cFibonacci\u201d tour to Germania Insurance Amphitheater on March 14, joined by TroyBoi, Habstrakt, Avello and Blossom. General admission lawn tickets start at $62.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle. germaniaamp.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n March 15: The Renowned Renaissance Faire<\/p>\n Renowned Magazine hosts a Renaissance-style extravaganza at the Far Out Lounge featuring performances by SexPop, J\u2019cuuzi, Big Wy\u2019s Brass Band, Juni, Shiv, BabiDoll and Bridgette Bandit.\u00a0<\/p>\n The event includes full-contact sword fighting duels from Austin Blood Guard, tomato throwing, jousting, interactive characters and a \u201cRenaissance Runway\u201d fashion show. Mead, ale and turkey legs will be available at this all ages event.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Early bird GA tickets are $20, increasing to $30 for those staying for the fashion show. A $55 VIP upgrade includes access to a private bar, drink tickets and additional perks. Prices increase the day of the event.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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