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Seenachan of the Japanese band Tokyo Syoki Syodo performs the Mohawk at SXSW Tuesday March 11, 2025.<\/p>\n
Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
The South by Southwest Festival and Conference<\/a> has officially returned to Austin. If you’ve opted not to buy a badge this year, you can still have an exciting experience filled with the fest’s free concerts. From Porchella to Austin Blues Fest, here are 20 badge-free showcases you should hit this SXSW.<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0No SXSW badge? The best free events you can attend during spring break in Austin<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Heartless Bastards play during the South by Southwest Music Festival earlier this year. They’re part of a benefit concert lineup in October.<\/p>\n Jay Janner \/ American-Statesman<\/p>\n March 11: BMI Presents \u2018Howdy Texas\u2019<\/p>\n BMI, a music rights organization with an Austin office, is hosting its annual \u201cHowdy Texas\u201d party at G\u00fceros Taco Bar with six Texas-based artists. Performers include Claire Hinkle, Elijah Delgado, Magna Carda, Matt Kirk and the G\u00fceyfarers, MackMartin and the 4411. Doors open at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Info: 440 E. St Elmo Rd.\u00a0\u2014 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0\u2014 eventbrite.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.\u00a0\u2014 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 E. 6th St.\u00a0\u2014 eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 12-15: 101x Day Parties<\/p>\n Local radio station 101.5 FM is setting up shop at the Inn Cahoots rooftop for four days of free performances, exclusive artist interviews and more. Follow their official channels for updates on the official lineup.<\/p>\n Info: 1221 E. 6th St. \u2014 101x.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 Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 220 S. Congress Ave.\u00a0\u2014 bmi.com<\/a><\/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. 2026\u2019s lineup includes Charlie Sexton Quartet, Devotchka, Tune-Yards, Sugaree & Cold Sweat, Sana Sana, Bricknasty, Karma Sheen, the Animeros, the Band Loula, the Sophs, Diles Que No Me Maten, Jo Alice, Next of Kin, Whitelands, Okan, Grocery Bag, Me An Tol, Calder Allen, Angela Autumn, Horsepower, Still Blank, Ella Ion, the Bures Band and Valley Flower.\u00a0<\/p>\n Info: 1316 S. Congress Ave.\u00a0\u2014 bunkhousehotels.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \nMarch 12-18: Radio Day Stage and Global Stage\n<\/p>\n Each year, SXSW partners with radio stations nationwide to program live music on the \u00a0\u201cRadio Day Stage,\u201d<\/a>\u00a0which 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>\u00a0showcasing 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 March 13: KUTX\u2019s SXSBreaks<\/p>\n KUTX\u2019s The Breaks, a hip-hop radio show hosted by Confucius and Fresh, is taking over Lefty\u2019s Brick Bar for a free showcase with DJ Road Warrior, Faaris, Foolish Ty, LouisV.T\/, Projectbaby JV, Los Kemet, Blackchyl, Anastasia Hera, Kydd Jones and J Soulja. Music runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 1813 E. 6th St. \u2014 kutx.org<\/a><\/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.\u00a0\u2014 sxsw.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 14: Stoner Jam at the Far Out Lounge<\/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 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 Info: All ages, 8504 S. Congress Ave. \u2014 thefaroutaustin.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n March 14: \u00a1Ay 35 Fiesta Eterno!<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a1Ay 35 Fiesta Eterno! presented by Lone Star Beer is a free show taking place at the White Horse from noon to 6 p.m. featuring Girl in A Coma, Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country, the Hickoids, Los Juanos, the In and Outlaws, Lonely Horse and HoneyBunny.<\/p>\n Info: 500 Comal St.\u00a0\u2014 do512.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 Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: All ages, 7313 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.\u00a0\u2014 eventbrite.com<\/a><\/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 Info: All ages, 1701 E. 6th St. \u2014 zilkerbeer.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/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 Webberville Rd.\u00a0\u2014 eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n March 16: Marshall Day Party at Mohawk<\/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 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 year\u2019s lineup includes Water From Your Eyes, This Is Lorelei, Rocket, Meg Elsier, Cure For Paranoia, Diles Que No Me Maten, Ashaine White, Total Wife, Bloodsports, Gran Moreno, Almost Heaven and World\u2019s Worst. You can RSVP now before space fills up.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Info: 912 Red River St.\u00a0\u2014 etix.com<\/a><\/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 Info: 1701 E. 6th St. \u2014 partiful.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/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. \u2014 partiful.com<\/a><\/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 Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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