Don’t have a badge or wristband for SXSW this year? Don’t fear — there are always plenty of free events for those who want to enjoy the festival on a low-key level. On this list, we’ve included events that are free all over Austin which feature local, national, and well-known acts that you’ll consider yourself lucky to see. Check out the list below. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
March 10: Do512 Epic Interactive featuring A Giant Dog, Flint Eastwood, and Jack Harlow
On March 10, interactive begins with some amazing bands. This year Do512 will be putting together an interactive event featuring hip hop, pop, and punk bands that will get the party started. With groups such as A Giant Dog and Jack Harlow getting things off on the right foot, we are sure that you’ll find plenty of great bands to see over the course of the first week of SXSW.
March 11:ATX Wildfire Block Party at Kick Butt Coffee
Featuring a variety of different genres and artists, Kick Butt Coffee is at it again for its 8th year of SXSW parties. With performances from Lyric Michelle and reggae act Judivan Roots, this party runs the gamut of great acts, so be sure to add this party to your list before it’s too late.
March 12: Independence Brewery and Lagunitas Day Party featuring Patrick Sweeny, Matthew Logan Vasquez, and more at Independence Brewery
If you are into local breweries, then you should not pass up the chance to head to Independence Brewery. Featuring local pop and funk artist Matthew Logan Vasquez, he knows how to get his audience rocking and energized. You can’t get much better than seeing artists like Vasquez when it comes to a free party.
March 13: Do512 and Covert Curiosity Present Meat Bodies and Low Cut Connie at Hotel Vegas
With groups such as Meatbodies and Low Cut Connie playing music that will tear things up, you can’t ask for more of an energy boost than what these groups provide. With tracks such as “Rio” (Low Cut Connie) and “Disorder” (Meatbodies), we guarantee that you will be partying hard by the end of the week, so get on down to Hotel Vegas to see what the action is all about.
March 14: Media Temple Interactive Closing Party: Jimmy Eat World and Pennywise at Stubbs BBQ
While SXSW is all about discovering new bands, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some bigger names, too. If this is what you’re after, then you can head to Stubbs BBQ to check out one of rock’s biggest acts, Jimmy Eat World, and their punk rock peers Pennywise, another great influential punk act that has continued to make themselves known throughout their entire career.
March 14: Amplify Philly featuring Queen of Jeans, Son Little, and Good Girl at Buffalo Billiards
Over the last several years Philadelphia has become a great place for tech, while also getting into the music side of things as well. Amplify Philly will be taking place at Buffalo Billiards this year to highlight some of the city’s best up and coming talent, while making the cities tech and music presence more well known.
March 15-18: KGSR Live Broadcast at the W Hotel
Every year at SXSW there are always artists who are huge, so fans consider it a lucky opportunity to see these musicians live, often for free. In its 6th year, local radio station KSGR will be hosting its morning broadcast featuring bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Hanson, Spoon, and The Bright Light Social Hour, giving music fans who want an early start to the festival a great way to begin the day. The event will take place from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will be benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation of Central Texas. A $5 dollar suggested donation is welcome at the door.
March 16-18: Sound on Sound Fest and Brooklyn Vegan’s Lost Weekend at Cheer Up Charlie’s
Brooklyn Vegan will be hosting three days of day parties at Cheer Up Charlie’s. The newest addition to the party is the music website’s partnership with new Austin festival Sound On Sound Fest, sure to make a great three days for all who attend. While the official lineup for the party has not been announced yet, Canadian Music Festival, M For Montreal will also be partnering with Sound On Sound and Brooklyn Vegan for this year’s party.
March 17: Bottle Share and Spun Day Party: The Districts, Little Hurricane, Big Thief and more at ABGB
If you are looking to hear some great indie bands, duos, and groups with a female member, then Austin Beer Garden and Brewery is the place to be at SXSW. On March 17 AGBG will be hosting The Districts, Little Hurricane, Big Thief, plus more to be announced. While the bands are still being announced, they’ve got some great ones already, so you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll hear.
March 18: The Big One at Barracuda featuring Wand, White Weaper, Sweet Spirit
On March 18 Barracuda will be hosting several greats bands including female act Sweet Spirit who play excellent music, perfect to get your day started. With colorful tracks such as “Baby Doll,” there isn’t much not to love about Sweet Spirit and their catchy music.
March 19: Burger Records Hangover Fest featuring Television, Deap Vally, and more
To close out our free events list, we’ve got the Burger Records Hangover Fest which will be featuring Television and Deap Vally, two great bands that made quite a name for themselves within the punk and Los Angeles music scenes.
Featured photo: Jimmy Eat World
If you would like to check out more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can check out her website Listen Here Reviews.
