The two-week festival that turns Austin into a global meeting space for startups, entrepreneurs, musicians, and industry leaders is nearly here. SXSW is upon us once more. This year looks a little different, though, with a few notable parties absent from the schedule.
Popular events like the Spotify House, Hype Hotel, and the Friskies’ Grumpy Cat interaction are among those skipping the festival.
But alas, what’s done is done. Bid adieu to parties of year’s past and check out the list of events slated for this year’s festival. Here’s a list of SXSW parties to check out instead.
Missing Spotify House? Try WEDC House.
Update: Spotify is being a little secretive this year. We’re guessing it’s an effort to help keep those crazy lines in check. We read multiple reports that Spotify House wasn’t happening this year, but this rsvp says otherwise. The address is listed on the city’s official permit list as a “private party.” Stay tuned for more info as it comes in.
Probably the most upsetting announcement this year came from the beloved Spotify House, the multi-day music filled event featuring a spectrum of genres and performances. It’s safe to say we’re all sad to see it go.
A good alternative, though, is WEDC House. While just a single day event, the music showcase includes big name acts and a variety of genres, as well. Headliners include the Wu-Tang Clan, which will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Wu-Tang Forever, Thievery Corporation, and Erykah Badu. The lineup also features iconic DC go-go bands Rare Essence and the Backyard Band, in addition to other musicians and artists from the Capitol.
The music showcase is on March 14th at Austin City Limits Live’s Moody Theatre. But from March 11th-13th, you can visit WEDC House for its “Capital of Inclusive Innovation” to learn about a side of DC you’ve probably never seen. From startups to technology to film to sports, WEDC House will be an exhibition of the people living in our nation’s capitol.
Missing The Illmore? Try Peligrosa House.
The Illmore was known as one of SXSW’s best late-night parties. But after a successful six-year run — the event boasted names like Lil Wayne, Diplo, Zedd, Wiz Khalifa, and Kendrick Lamar — The Illmore held its last SXSW party in 2016. Luckily, you can still get that late(ish) night, sweaty dance vibe at Peligrosa House.
Discos Peligrosa is Austin’s Latin fusion dance party. The four-day unofficial music showcase will take place at The North Door and feature acts from Austin and around the state. The full lineup has yet to be released, so stay tuned for updates closer to start of SX.
Missing Fader Fort? Try its smaller collaboration with Volcom, Fader//Volcom Garden.
Update: Looks like we spoke too soon. Fader Fort announced on March 2nd its plans to return to SXSW for the 16th consecutive year. The more exclusive, intimate experience will be four days of live performances from artists including Young M.A., Lizzo, and Kap G. Despite its name, Fader Fort is not collaborating with Volcom. This year’s event is a guest list-only event, but fans around the world are invited to experience the event via online streaming. Further details regarding artists and on-site activations will be announced at a later date.
Don’t expect to find Fader Fort at its usual Pine Street Station location. This year, the event is scaled back, and instead, partnered with Volcom for the “Fader//Volcom Garden.” And when we say scaled back, we mean it. The event will now take place at 1209 E 6th St., the Clayworks Gallery Studio Building.
Neither Fader nor Volcom have released information about their joint event, but we’re sure the event, slated to run from March 15—18, will be filled with standout acts and musical performances. Just be ready to get really, really up-close and personal with fellow partygoers.
Want to get a sneak peak of the new space? We’ll be taking you inside for an exclusive look. Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow along Tuesday night (March 14th) as we capture everything you’ll want to see onsite.
Missing Hype Hotel? Try UO Live in Austin.
Last year, music blog aggregator Hype Machine partnered with Mazda for the five-day music festival, Hype Hotel. The event took place at Fair Market and included musical performances by Jack Garratt, Whitney, Petit Noir, and Anderson .Paak.
Pay homage to Hype Hotel and head to UO Live in Austin. The five-day event by Urban Outfitters and Teen Vogue includes panel discussions by day and music performances by night. With over 30 performances, you can even catch some bands that performed at Hype Hotel last year, like Diet Cig.
The event begins Sunday, March 12 at Space 24 Twenty.
Missing Friskies’ Grumpy Cat? Try the Pet Rescue Lounge.
It appears this year’s SXSW’s events will be a little less grumpy. And event-goers couldn’t be more, well, grumpy about it. The Friskies Grumpy Cat activation was everyone’s favorite chance to check out the adorable four-legged fur ball.
This year, check out the Pet Rescue Lounge instead, presented by Petcube and Whistle. The event will showcase the latest in pet tech and pet care, and offer guests an opportunity to meet Instagram-famous Austin pets and cuddle with rescue puppies and kitties up for adoption at Austin Humane Society and Texas Humane Heroes. The two-day event will also feature live music, including Moshow, the Internet’s most famous cat rapper who brightens our days with lyrics about cat adoption, cat emotions, and cat baths, among other feline-related topics.
Missing Red Bull Sound Select? Try Do512’s Epic! Interactive.
If you’re still crying about Red Bull’s absence from this year’s festivities, you’re not alone. But, hey, this is SXSW; there’s no time for tears. Instead, hit up Do512’s Epic! Interactive event. It might not be a multi-day event, or maybe something you’ve already been to in the past, but the brand is all about “doing awesome stuff,” so we’re confident their EPIC! Interactive will be nothing short of just that.
Slated for March 10 at Hotel Vegas, Do512’s party features music from names like A Giant Dog, Flint Eastwood, and TOMA, comedy from Chris Tellez and Danny Goodwin, and a hip-hop dance party out back on the patio. Wipe away those tears and prepare for one Epic! night.
Skipping SXSW? Think again.
While this is just a guide, it’s helping us move past our heartbreak. We also had a hard time coming to terms with a few absent parties this year. But that doesn’t mean we’re skipping out on all the fun. And frankly, neither should you.
Check out our list of top 50 free parties at SXSW this year to get you started, as well as plenty more preview coverage to come
Get cracking, though. These events fill up fast. Happy South by, y’all!
Feature image courtesy of SXSW Facebook
