Getting into FREE SXSW events isn’t as easy as it used to be. Gone are the days of walking past an event with a short line and popping in. Now you have to have RSVP to get in and trust us, they check it. RSVP-ing does not guarantee entry, it’s a first-come, first-serve system at nearly every event that isn’t strictly badge only.
To get you ahead of the RSVP game, we’ve narrowed down some of the best FREE interactive events happening at SXSW 2020.
The Heart Series 2020
Friday, March 13| Times TBA| VUKA – Bouldin Creek, 411 West Monroe Street
The Heart Series is an annual conference centered around the intersection of business x bettering the world. The occasion provides a platform for companies to share and learn best practices for purpose-driven business and on making an impact, with both days comprised of talks, panels, workshops, brand activations and experiences. This one day event includes knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities, coffee, healthy food and beverages, and an amazing gift bag (limited quantity). Registration required and does not guarantee admission. Space is limited.
StackPath Happy Hour
Saturday, March 14| From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.| Key Bar, 617 West 6th Street
Meet fellow startup enthusiasts, stakeholders like other founders and investors in tech, as well as the StackPath team. Grab a drink, some swag, handshakes and high fives on them while you network with some of the best people in tech.
Mobile Advertising Happy Hour by Mobile Dev Memo
Saturday, March 14| From 3 to 7 p.m.| Pour Choices, 401 East 6th Street
Join MDM, QuantMar, and Heracles Media for a mobile advertising happy hour at SXSW! They’ll have an open bar, a DJ, and the entire second floor of Pour Choices reserved exclusively for the event. Note that this event is guest List only — you must request a ticket, and if you are approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Women and Wealth Lounge
Saturday, March 14| From 12 to 6 p.m.| Capital One Cafe, 106 East 6th Street
Connect with like-minded women and get inspired about building wealth and investing in your financial future! Throughout the day, you can mingle with women-led partners from Bumble, Ladies Get Paid, and The Riveter, or attend one of their Coffee & Coin interviews where women share the candid details of their money journeys including her successes, setbacks and real numbers. There will also be, instagrammable photo ops, cocktails & music all day, and a coffee & matcha bar.
Mashable House 2020
Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15| Mashable House, 610 East 6th Street
The Mashable House is where people and ideas come together to entertain and inspire. A three-day immersive experience, the House is your home in Austin: a destination, an escape, and an opportunity to connect in a sustainable space.
The Deep End By Vox Media
Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15| From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.| The Belmont, 305 West 6th Street
A three-day experience, where industry leaders don’t just discuss the what, but the why. Where you can challenge your thinking through participation in conversations with your favorite editors and hosts, sub networking for connecting, rediscover your passion for video games, learn how technology is shifting the way we listen to and make music, and eat your way through Eater’s favorite restaurants.
Fast Company Grill
Friday, March 13 through Monday, March 16 | From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.| The Cedar Door, 201 Brazos Street
The ultimate destination for influencers, the Fast Company Grill is an inspiring oasis for leading innovative thinkers to connect, create, and kick-back in an exclusive, relaxed setting.
Inc. Founders House
Friday, March 13 through Monday, March 16| From 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.|Location TBA
Inc. Founders House is popping up in Austin for the second year, offering a one-of-a-kind founders-only refuge, just two short blocks from the Austin Convention Center. Curated exclusively for entrepreneurs of all stripes, conversations at Inc. Founders House are inspirational, informative, and always honest—whether they take place on the stage, across the bar or in line for breakfast tacos. Austinite Kendra Scott is one of the many great speakers this year.
Energizing Health House
Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17 | From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.| Energizing Health House, 111 Congress Avenue
If you’re a health innovator, sign up for complimentary access to daily breakfast starting at 8:00 AM, and then come back for an “all-day buffet” of healthy food and hydration. The mission of the health house is “Innovation for Everyone” by creating solutions that link tech and health equity.
Capital Factory’s VIP Lounge
Friday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 19 | Times TBA | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street
The opportunity to meet and make connections with the best entrepreneurs, potential investors, employees, and customers. There will also be daily catered meals and beverages (BBQ, tacos, local brews and more). It’s the perfect place to network, eat, drink, recharge, and enjoy yourself.
If this seems like a lot of work you can try services like Rsvpster and Unofficial SX Guide. They’re dedicated to automatically RSVP-ing you all the parties. There is a fee but compared to a badge and the time and effort it will take to sign up for all those events, it might just be worth it. Through February 17, you can enter to win a FREE auto RSVP account from the Unofficial SX Guide on the ATXgossip Instagram account. Good luck!
