Looking to have some SXSW free fun? You’ve come to the right place. We’re tracking all of the best FREE events happening at SXSW 2025.
Bookmark this page because we will keep updating the list!
Free SXSW 2025 Events You Don’t Want To Miss
Tennessee House
Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9 | Electric Shuffle, 91 Red River Street
The fan favorite three-day activation features panels and discussions with executives from major Tennessee-based companies plus events like a tribute to Chattanooga’s iconic MoonPie, an Elvis lookalike contest, a late-night line dancing class to mark the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary year, and more. SXSW badge holders will be given priority entry, and non badge holders can get in by registering. Get all the details here.
FX’s Alien: Earth “The Wreckage”
March 7 and 8 | 318 E 5th St. Lot, Austin, TX 78701 (between Copper Tank and The Westin)
Buckle up. FX’s Alien: Earth will pop up at SXSWe. Fans can step into a mysterious wreckage site in the heart of Austin to unearth new details from the series, exclusive merch, and photo ops. Open to SXSW badge holders and the public.
Dubai’s Museum of the Future House
Friday, March 7 through Tuesday, March 11 | Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 3rd Street and Congress Avenue
Dubai’s Museum of the Future will feature a series of interactive exhibits, outdoor activations and spectacular culinary experiences that will be open to the public. SXSW badge priority, followed by GA.
International Women’s Day with Kendra Scott
Saturday, March 8 | 12 p.m. | Kendra Scott Flagship, 1701 South Congress Avenue
Join at the Kendra Scott Flagship for a panel discussion with founder Kendra Scott and FUBU founder and co-star of Shark Tank Daymond John about building up the next generation of entrepreneurs through KS WELI at UT Austin. Enjoy sips and sweets and receive your exclusive tote with embroidery customization from Rumi Lane Embroidery! *while supplies last* RSVP here.
Escape with Prime
Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Hotel San José, 1316 South Congress Avenue
Prime Video’s immersive pop-up activation will transport SXSW attendees away from the bustle and into the world of the incredible slate of women-led content available on and coming soon to Prime Video. This includes My Fault: London, Picture This, Holland, G20, Another Simple Favor, The Summer I Turned Pretty and Étoile. Open to the public though badge holders receive priority.
These Memes Perfectly Illustrate What SXSW Is Like for Locals
Whataburger Museum of Art
Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Wanderlust Wine Co., 610 N. IH-35
Open to SXSW badge holders and the public, explore fan-created art, including pieces in mural, abstract and pop culture styles, and interactive installations like the Day Dot Room and Table Tent Mugshot Wall.
SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
Sunday, March 9 | 3 to 7 p.m. | Auditorium Shores, 800 West Riverside Drive
The SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake features a free, family-friendly afternoon with sensational music provided by Sir Woman, Geto Gala, Pedal Steel Noah, Lesly Reynaga and more! Bring a picnic or enjoy food from local food trucks. Full schedule here.
Radio Day Stage at Rivian Park
Monday, March 10 through Saturday, March 15 | Daily from 12 to 5 p.m. | Brush Square Park, 409 E 5th Street
The Radio Day Stage features lineups curated by some of the most influential and interesting radio outlets on the planet, including KCRW (Los Angeles), KEXP (Seattle), BBC Radio (UK), and a collective of NPR Music stations led by Austin’s own KUTX. Check out the lineup!
BMI Presents Howdy Texas
Tuesday, March 11 | Doors at 12 p.m. | Show 1 to 10 p.m. | Still Austin, 440 E St. Elmo Road, Suite F
BMI is thrilled to present its annual Howdy Texas party at Still Austin Whiskey Co. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature performances from nine diverse Texas-based artists, including Smooth Nature, Sydney Wright, KAZIMI, Sunny Sauceda, Mikky & The Doom, and more, with styles ranging from R&B/pop with western influences to southern rap, indie-pop and post-punk.
Unlock the Secrets to a Stellar SXSW: Your Ultimate Prep Guide
Waterloo Day Parties
Tuesday, March 11 through Friday, March 14 | Daily, Times Vary | Waterloo Records, 600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Celebrate Waterloo Records’s last day party before the big move! Shows are free and all-ages. Capacity limits may apply. On Tuesday, March 11, the day party is fully sponsored by White Claw, who will be giving away vinyl box sets (printed by Gold Rush Vinyl) during the event which highlights each artist playing that day. Free White Claw available to customers that day. Tequila 512, Rambler Water, and WYNK Seltzer are the event’s beverage sponsors – each company is donating product to the artist green room and providing free samples to customers Wednesday through Friday. Check out the lineups and get more info here.
Sonic GuildLove Your Music Fest
Wednesday, March 12 | 12 to 7 p.m. | GSD&M Backyard, 828 West 6th Street
For the first time, this event is free and open to the public with an RSVP here. A suggested $20 donation will grant access to an open bar featuring drinks from Ben E. Keith and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Food trucks will be on-site, and guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs for seating. This all-day celebration of local talent features an incredible lineup, including BLK ODYSSY, Foxtales, Good Field, Grocery Bag, Sayang, Skateland, and The Point.
The Texas Film Experience
Wednesday, March 12 | 12 to 3 p.m. | South Lawn of The Texas Capitol
Media for Texas invites you to experience the world of film production at the Texas Capitol. This live demonstration takes you through every stage of creating a film. Explore the artistry behind set design, lighting, costumes, and cinematography while meeting the talented filmmakers and crew who work right here in Texas. The Texas Film Experience is free and open to the public. No SXSW badge is required to visit the experience.
C3 Management Showcase Presented by Do512
Wednesday, March 12 | Doors at 5 p.m. | Stubbs, 801 Red River Street
Featuring artists from the C3 Management roster, come see intimate performances from Band of Horses, Jack’s Mannequin, Yoke Lore, Claire Rosinkranz, The Criticals, and The Droptines. This general admission showcase is free to the public, but please note that entry is first come/first served. RSVP does not guarantee admission. SXSW Badge and Wristband Holders receive priority admission.This event is ages 18+ only. 5 p.m. doors. 6 p.m. showtime.
YETI Music Showcase, Presented by BMI
Wednesday, March 12 to Friday, March 14 | Doors at 11 a.m. | Show 12 to 6 p.m. | YETI Flagship, 220 S. Congress Avenue
There will be something for everyone at the annual YETI Music Showcase, presented by BMI at the YETI Flagship on South Congress. Over the course of three days, attendees will have the chance to check out 18 sets from emerging artists spanning the spectrum from bedroom pop and rock to indie singer/songwriter and country. The event will also include drink specials and food pop-ups. The showcase is sponsored by Agazul, Coca-Cola, Dickel, Karbach, Smartwater, Topo Chico and White Claw. Performances by:
- March 12: Claire Ernst, Next of Kin, The Takes, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Tommy Newport, Grace Bowers
- March 13: Joelton Mayfield, Case Oats, Archer Oh, Fake Dad, Brittney Spencer, The Criticals
- March 14: arya, Gold Star, The Thing, SNACKTIME, The Bends, The Droptines
