It’s SXSW and St. Patrick’s Day but there’s even more going on in Austin this weekend! Here are the top 10 FREE events happening in and around town this week.
Weekend Top 10 FREE Events: March 16-18, 2018
- SXSW Marketplace
Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17| from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
SXSW Marketplace, a giant pop-up shop in the heart of downtown Austin, is back for a second year. Badge holders and general public who register for a SXSW Guest Pass will be able to explore a curated selection of 70 local and national vendors that will showcase clothing, accessories, home goods, art, and more. An impressive range of vendors from cities including Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Jacksonville, and Los Angeles– to name a few. FREE to badgeholders and general public with the SXSW Guest Pass. Guest pass registration here. Thursday hours: 12 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - SXSW Outdoor Stage Presented by MGM Resorts
Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 | from 4 to 10 p.m. | 800 Riverside Dr.
SXSW returns with three days of music in the park at The SXSW Outdoor Stage Presented by MGM Resorts. These three shows on SXSW’s largest stage will be open to all SXSW Badges, Wristbands, and FREE and open to the public, but require a SXSW Guest Pass. Guest pass registration here. More info on the lineup here. - ET Free Outdoor Screening
Friday, March 16 | from 6:30 to 9 p.m. | The Community Cinema at Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites you to a FREE movie night at Community First! Village. Grab chairs and a blanket, bring family and friends, and enjoy this special screening of Coco. Get there as early as 6:30 to explore Community First! Village, pick your spot, and enjoy your favorite movie snacks. Hot dogs, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and drinks will be available for purchase (cash preferred). The event is free, however a $5 donation would be highly appreciated. - Intro to Archery (Lockhart)
Saturday, March 17 | from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Rd., Lockhart
Learn how to shoot like Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen! Registration required. Participants will learn the basics of this archery style in a safe and fun two hour workshop! All equipment is provided. Please read the requirements here, and call 512-398-3479 to register.
- St. Patrick’s On The Patio at Irie Bean
Saturday, March 17 | from 3 to 10 p.m. | Irie Bean, 2310 S. Lamar Blvd.
FREE acoustic music in the courtyard of Irie Bean Coffee Bar, with sets from Kacy Crowley, Suzanna Choffel, Drew Smith, Ryan Carter, Kris Schultz, Will Clark, Ron Gregory and Willow|Speak. See some of Austin’s finest songwriters and some up and coming songwriters in a kid-and-dog-friendly oasis-like setting, away from the madness of downtown during SXSW. - Hello Kitty Cafe Truck West – Austin Appearance
Saturday, March 17 | from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | The Domain
Hello Austin! The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is coming to The Domain on Saturday, March 17! Say hello between 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. and pick up some super cute treats, while supplies last! - DXDW
Saturday, March 17 | from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop
Have a howling good time at Dog by Dogwest (DXDW). Adoptions will be FREE for more than 200 dogs who have been waiting to find their forever homes. Adoptive parents also will be given a free supply of goods to take home with VIP dogs. A Platinum Pup will come with a free crate, harness, bag of food and ID tags. A Gold Dog will go home with a free bag of food, harness and ID tags, plus other goodies while supplies last. - The Austin Puppy Party 2K18
Sunday, March 18 | from 12 to 4 p.m. | Lustre Pearl, 94 Rainey St.
Lovers of all kinds unite under one WOOF for the ultimate Puppy Party! PrideBites, Bumble and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are coming together to throw the ultimate DOG FRIENDLY bash benefitting Austin Pets Alive! Bring your dog(s) down and celebrate! Even if you can’t attend, or don’t live in Austin, make sure you register for the event to instantly receive $10.00 towards pridebites.com on behalf of PrideBites, Bumble & Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Show Bumble on your phone at the door to get a complimentary Tito’s Handmade Vodka drink! Download Bumble here. - Indian American Children’s Literature
Sunday, March 18 | from 2 to 4 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd.
Welcoming children of all ages to explore the rich and colorful world of children’s literature written by South Asian Authors! Through storytimes, crafts, and games, learn about Indian history, culture, people, and life. - Crafty Café Book Art Series (Pflugerville)
Sunday, March 18 | from 2 to 3:30 p.m. | Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 Pfluger St.W, Pflugerville
Enjoy a beverage while being crafty, materials will be provided while supplies last. Anyone 12 and up is welcome to attend. Give a recycled book new life with an altered book craft. This month, make a zippered pouch.
