Are you ready for thousands of hipsters, music execs and tourists to descend upon our fair city? Ready or not, South by Southwest (although it’s rarely called that, in favor of SX or SXSW) will be here before we know it. There are plenty of Austinites who flee the city or do their best to avoid leaving the house during SX. For those of us with kids off for Spring Break, South By offers up lots of opportunities for low-cost fun. Plus, like ACL, it can be a great way to see a lot of music in just a few days.
Before I present you with the list of family-friendly SX events covering Film (3/7-3/15), Music (3/11-3/16), edu (3/3-3/6) and Interactive (3/7-3/11), I should offer a few quick tips:
Be ready for anything. This sounds obvious, but the city changes during SXSW. Not only are students from preschool to college out of school for Spring Break, but over 150,000 people attend the Conference and Festival and many more travel to town to take part in events surrounding SX. This could mean anything from street closures to parking suddenly being $20 downtown in a pay lot (true story) to seeing musicians set up on any street corner. Also, if you tend to stick to your part of town, it’s very likely that you will come across buildings you don’t remember seeing, disappearing parking lots and pop-up tents in every conceivable spot downtown, so it can be hard to remember you actually are in Austin. Last year, we thought we had hatched the perfect plan to take Metrorail down to the Convention Center for Flatstock, but the train arrived in Crestview packed (at 11am!) and despite having paid for day passes, we ended up driving downtown after we learned another train wouldn’t arrive for an hour.
Pack smart. Assume you should bring food for your kids in case the lines are a mile long or there is only free beer. Hungry kids = cranky kids = no fun for anyone. There may be lots of free food, but it’s usually junky (I’m looking at you, Doritos). Side note: the same rules apply to mamas and papas. Expect that it could be hot, loud and sunny, so you should have sunscreen, sunglasses and ear protection (I bought a pair of these after last year, since it was so hard to get the foam kind in my kid’s ears). Bring cash in case you can’t use plastic. Bring bottles you can refill along the way with water.
Have a plan, but be ready to ditch it. I add everything conceivable to my Google Calendar and then have a Plan A, B and maybe even C. Just like when you are preparing for trips, make sure you know where you are going, where to park and what to expect when you get there. Think about what parks might be nearby in case you need a chance of scenery, or even a library.
Buddy up. I’ve wanted to meet up with friends during SX, and when you have kids, that is just harder. Cell reception gets wonky, you get texts hours later and everything takes longer than you would hope, so travel with friends if you want to make sure you spend time with them while you are there. Everything’s more fun with a buddy anyways, right?
Take it easy. If you have kids and aren’t working, you are supposed to be on vacation…right? With events in the early morning and more after the kids are in bed, it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends. Few kids are really going to enjoy spending their Spring Break spending the entire week braving the crowds and attending the free shows in what is, admittedly, an experience catering to grown-ups. Plan just a few outings a day, make sure you are well-rested and call it a day. When I get down about missing a show, I remind myself SX happens once a year. Without further ado, here is our list of family-friendly fun during SXSW 2014. Check back often, as we’ll be adding to this as we hear about more!
Tuesday, March 4th:
SXSWEdu Expo – FREE and open to the public event celebrating the Central Texas community’s hunger and passion for lifelong learning. Austin Convention Center, 2-8pm.
Thursday, March 6th:
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
Friday, March 7th:
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
SXSW Create – Doing creative and revolutionary things with new technologies embodies the spirit of the SXSW Interactive Festival, and nowhere is this more evident than the diverse mix of activities at SXSW Create. From 3D printing to drones to biohacking and much more, this community event showcases the disruptive solutions that are shaping our future. FREE and open to the public. City Terrace of The Long Center, 11am-6pm.
SXSW Gaming Expo – SXSW Gaming is an integral part of the SXSW experience. This diverse and widely popular array of events combines well-loved elements of geek culture with the cross-console video game world. FREE and open to the public with SXSW Guest Passes. Note: Some video games featured at the Expo are rated for adults, so you may want to keep this in mind if you have younger children. Palmer Events Center, 1-9pm.
Saturday, March 8th:
Disney Family Day Event – Families are invited to enjoy art, activities and entertainment as we will celebrate the magic of Disney with a FREE family and children friendly event at Mondo Gallery from 9-11am. On display will be new posters for some of Disney’s most beloved films. Families are encouraged to bring their children to attend during these special hours to enjoy the art and entertainment. Sweets and refreshments will be provided.
The Que Pastas – Although just part of Strange Brew’s regular kids’ shows and not SXSW-related, you can get warmed up at this free show, which starts at 10am. FREE.
SXSW 2014 Film Youth M.A.F.I.A. Day Festival – Since 2005, Texas high school students, ages 14-19, come together to create short films in only 24 hours during the Annual Youth M.A.F.I.A Day Film Festival & Screening, held in conjunction with SXSW Film’s Annual Texas High School Film Competition. This event takes place from 10am Saturday until 10am Sunday at an area school during SXSW. Space is very limited and participants are asked to pay a $10 fee to secure your spot.
2014 SXSW Youth 3D Workshop – 11 to 18-year-old participants will use their imagination to create miniature 3D worlds using handmade animation techniques with award-winning Animator, Jeanne Stern. The workshop is FREE and only 15 spots are available. First come, first served. All finished creations will screen at 2014 SXSW Official Film at the Vimeo Theater (located in the Convention Center) on March 12th at 11am. Workshop runs from 10:30am-3:30pm.
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
SXSW Create – Doing creative and revolutionary things with new technologies embodies the spirit of the SXSW Interactive Festival, and nowhere is this more evident than the diverse mix of activities at SXSW Create. From 3D printing to drones to biohacking and much more, this community event showcases the disruptive solutions that are shaping our future. FREE and open to the public. City Terrace of The Long Center, 11am-6pm.
Faces of Austin Premiere Screening – Older kids might be interested in watching the short films selected for Faces of Austin 2014 on March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the Marchesa Hall & Theatre. The screening is part of SXSW Film’s Community Screenings and is FREE and open to the public.
SXSW Gaming Expo – SXSW Gaming is an integral part of the SXSW experience. This diverse and widely popular array of events combines well-loved elements of geek culture with the cross-console video game world. FREE and open to the public with SXSW Guest Passes. Note: Some video games featured at the Expo are rated for adults, so you may want to keep this in mind if you have younger children. Palmer Events Center, noon-8pm.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
Austin Bat Cave Workshop for Teen Girls – Austin Bat Cave is offering an exciting, FREE workshop for girls in grades 8 – 12. The spring break workshop is free, but registration is required. Workshop takes place from 1-4pm at Lewis Carnegie Studio which prepares the girls to be a part of the Smart Girls at the Bat Cave Showcase on March 12th, noon–4pm at Lewis Carnegie Studio.
Music4Music Pre SX Show – Music4Music helps fund communities with no music programs. FREE, family-friendly show goes from 6:30-9pm.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Sunday, March 9th:
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
SXSW Create – Doing creative and revolutionary things with new technologies embodies the spirit of the SXSW Interactive Festival, and nowhere is this more evident than the diverse mix of activities at SXSW Create. From 3D printing to drones to biohacking and much more, this community event showcases the disruptive solutions that are shaping our future. FREE and open to the public. City Terrace of The Long Center, 11am-6pm.
SXSW Gaming Expo – SXSW Gaming is an integral part of the SXSW experience. This diverse and widely popular array of events combines well-loved elements of geek culture with the cross-console video game world. FREE and open to the public with SXSW Guest Passes. Note: Some video games featured at the Expo are rated for adults, so you may want to keep this in mind if you have younger children. Palmer Events Center, noon-8pm.
Cracker Box Gospel Band at Hippie Church – Gospel music out on the deck at Maria’s Taco Xpress. Noon until 2pm. Always kid-friendly. FREE.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-6pm.
Makie Doll Tea Time! – Stop by Toy Joy for afternoon tea with the world’s first 3D printed dolls. Light snacks will be provided. 1-2pm.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Monday, March 10th:
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Tuesday, March 11th:
LABRARY – FREE bike-powered, mobile, pop-up library workshop on the lawn of the O. Henry Museum during SXSW Interactive. LABRARY is a place to play with media, share ideas, discuss the future of the library (including Austin’s) and create and exhibit your own library machines. 11am-6pm.
Spring Break at the Square (SBSQ) – Symphony Square has FREE music for all ages, from 11:45am until midnight. RSVP here.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Wednesday, March 12th:
KGSR Live Broadcasts – Music starts at 6am at The W Downtown. A $5 donation to the Make a Wish Foundation gets you in to see four hours of live music. Expect to wait in line to get in.
KUTX Music Broadcasts at Four Seasons Hotel Austin – The broadcasts are open to the public on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is $10 – which includes a breakfast taco, KIND Healthy Snack and unlimited coffee – and all proceeds benefit Austin’s Seton Shivers Cancer Center at University Medical Center Brackenridge. New this year, guests will also have the opportunity to brighten the day of a Seton Shivers cancer patient by writing a note as part of KIND’s “Do the KIND thing” campaign. Music runs from 7-11am.
Spring Break at the Square (SBSQ) – Symphony Square has FREE music for all ages, from noon until midnight. RSVP here.
Smart Girls at the Bat Cave SXSW Showcase – Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and Austin Bat Cave are putting on this FREE showcase from noon–4pm at Lewis Carnegie Studio.
South X San Jose – South By San Jose (SXSJ) is an annual 5 day festival concurrent with SXSW Music Festival which takes place in mid-March. The hotel parking lot is transformed into a live music venue with bands, local vendors and concessions. The festival is FREE and family-friendly. Shows start at noon daily.
Waterloo Records SXSW 2014 Day Parties – Waterloo hosts bands in its parking lot for SXSW, although it can get crowded. Music goes from noon until 7pm. FREE.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse – As an unofficial venue, the Coffeehouse will have FREE music from noon until 10pm. Lineups TBA.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
Neal Kassanoff of Groundwork Music Project – FREE show starts at 1pm at The Little Yoga House.
3rd Annual Scholz Garden Day Party – School of Rock Austin is hosting a FREE all-ages day party at Scholz’s from 1-6pm.
TCTA SXSW Teen Showcase – Totally Cool, Totally Art, the city’s after school art program, is hosting a showcase at the Rosewood Recreation Center from 1-4pm.
SXSW Youth Showcase – Growin’ Together Hands-On Afterschool Program and 18 Below showcase some of Austin’s hottest young performers. Also enjoy beverages, gluten-free baked goods and a taco bar. FREE all ages (donations accepted), 2-5pm at Austin EcoSchool.
South By Soup Fest Benefit – FREE and open to the public, live music will be provided by the artists on the ComboPlate Booking roster. Money raised by raffling off CDs from the artists and all band tips will go Caritas. Show begins at 2pm.
Family Music Meltdown – FREE and open to the public, this showcase is presented by Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, Orange Wall Collective, Clamorhouse Kids, and the Thinkery. The showcase will take place at the Thinkery’s events courtyard, and parking is also free (while it lasts) in the garage behind the museum. Wednesday nights at the Thinkery are community night, where admission is by donation, so it’s a great time to check out the all the amazing programs, exhibits, and activities your kids will love. Show runs from 5-8pm.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Thursday, March 13th:
KGSR Live Broadcasts – Music starts at 6am at The W Downtown. A $5 donation to the Make a Wish Foundation gets you in to see four hours of live music. Expect to wait in line to get in.
KUTX Music Broadcasts at Four Seasons Hotel Austin -The broadcasts are open to the public on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is $10 – which includes a breakfast taco, KIND Healthy Snack and unlimited coffee – and all proceeds benefit Austin’s Seton Shivers Cancer Center at University Medical Center Brackenridge. New this year, guests will also have the opportunity to brighten the day of a Seton Shivers cancer patient by writing a note as part of KIND’s “Do the KIND thing” campaign. Music runs from 7-11am.
Renegade Craft Fair – The Renegade Craft Fair (RCF) is a curated indie-craft marketplace which features a range of exceptional artisans as well as workshops, art installations, demonstrations and special events. Among the kid-friendly features is a kid’s play space featuring building blocks from Tegu, a social good company that designs products to unlock the mind and inspire creative experiences which captivate children in safe, natural and innovative ways. This event is FREE and open to the public, although you will need a SXSW Guest Pass to attend. Noon to 8pm at the Palmer Events Center.
A Rock Show for Kids – MyMusicRx® YOU WHO Rock Show for Kids is a daytime concert benefitting MyMusicRx, the only “kid-prescribed” in-hospital and online music medicine program in the nation. 100% of proceeds will help fund MyMusicRx’s bedside and online programs that deliver the healing power of music to seriously ill kids and teens, whenever and wherever they need it most. Concert takes place at Fader Fort. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults and free for 10 and under and prices increase at the door. You can choose to purchase breakfast with your ticket.
Spring Break at the Square (SBSQ) – Symphony Square has FREE music for all ages, from noon until midnight. RSVP here.
House of Songs Welcomes the World – International music at City Hall from noon til 5pm. FREE.
South X San Jose – South By San Jose (SXSJ) is an annual 5 day festival concurrent with SXSW Music Festival which takes place in mid-March. The hotel parking lot is transformed into a live music venue with bands, local vendors and concessions. The festival is FREE and family-friendly. Shows start at noon daily.
Waterloo Records SXSW 2014 Day Parties – Waterloo hosts bands in its parking lot for SXSW, although it can get crowded. Music goes from noon until 7pm. FREE.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse – As an unofficial venue, the Coffeehouse will have FREE music from noon until 10pm. Lineups TBA.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
Flatstock 43 – Presented by Vans and the American Poster Institute (API), Flatstock 43 will display the works of the world’s top gig poster artists. The event is FREE and open to the public with FREE SXSW Guest Passes. In Exhibit Hall 4 of the Austin Convention Center from 2-6pm.
Central Concerts – The Austin Public Library’s downtown Faulk branch is hosting FREE day shows. Today, Gretchen Phillips & Jo Walston play from 2-3pm.
Guero’s – FREE shows take place at Guero’s outside patio, although you might want to pack ear protection as they have seemed loud in the past. Shows begin at 2pm daily.
Outdoor Stage at Butler Park – Older kids might want to hear bands at a FREE show that’s open to the public but which requires a SXSW Guest Pass to attend. The shows usually finish after the littles are in bed. Performer TBA.
SXSW Music Showcase – The Carver Museum is hosting a music showcase from 6pm until midnight. FREE.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Friday, March 14th:
KGSR Live Broadcasts – Music starts at 6am at The W Downtown. A $5 donation to the Make a Wish Foundation gets you in to see four hours of live music. Expect to wait in line to get in.
KUTX Music Broadcasts at Four Seasons Hotel Austin -The broadcasts are open to the public on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is $10 – which includes a breakfast taco, KIND Healthy Snack and unlimited coffee – and all proceeds benefit Austin’s Seton Shivers Cancer Center at University Medical Center Brackenridge. New this year, guests will also have the opportunity to brighten the day of a Seton Shivers cancer patient by writing a note as part of KIND’s “Do the KIND thing” campaign. Music runs from 7-11am.
Renegade Craft Fair – The Renegade Craft Fair (RCF) is a curated indie-craft marketplace which features a range of exceptional artisans as well as workshops, art installations, demonstrations and special events. Among the kid-friendly features is a kid’s play space featuring building blocks from Tegu, a social good company that designs products to unlock the mind and inspire creative experiences which captivate children in safe, natural and innovative ways. This event is FREE and open to the public, although you will need a SXSW Guest Pass to attend. Noon to 8pm at the Palmer Events Center.
Grand Ole Time in Austin – Maria’s Taco Xpress is hosting a day show out on its deck from 11am-9:30pm. FREE.
Flatstock 43 – Presented by Vans and the American Poster Institute (API), Flatstock 43 will display the works of the world’s top gig poster artists. The event is FREE and open to the public with FREE SXSW Guest Passes. In Exhibit Hall 4 of the Austin Convention Center from 11am-6pm.
Girls Rock Unofficial SXSW Day Party – Girls Rock Camp Austin hosts a showcase each year. This year’s installment runs from 11:30am-10pm at Cherrywood Coffeehouse. FREE but donations accepted for Girls Rock Camp.
South X San Jose – South By San Jose (SXSJ) is an annual 5 day festival concurrent with SXSW Music Festival which takes place in mid-March. The hotel parking lot is transformed into a live music venue with bands, local vendors and concessions. The festival is FREE and family-friendly. Shows start at noon daily.
Waterloo Records SXSW 2014 Day Parties – Waterloo hosts bands in its parking lot for SXSW, although it can get crowded. Music goes from noon until 7pm. FREE.
Music by the Slice – Home Slice Pizza hosts their 9th annual charity day party from noon until 7:30pm or so. FREE.
Frog Music Licensing Showcase – Our friend Tom, who we featured last month, is organizing a showcase at Javelina from noon until 7pm. FREE.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
Pan Americana Festival 2014 – The City of Austin and Bellas Artes puts on this FREE show from 2-11pm featuring artists from throughout the Americas.
Central Concerts – The Austin Public Library’s downtown Faulk branch is hosting FREE day shows. Today, Kathy Murray & Bill Jones play from 2-3pm.
Guero’s – FREE shows take place at Guero’s outside patio, although you might want to pack ear protection as they have seemed loud in the past. Shows begin at 2pm daily.
Outdoor Stage at Butler Park – Older kids might want to hear a FREE show that’s open to the public but which requires a SXSW Guest Pass to attend. The shows usually finish after the littles are in bed. Performer TBA.
SXSW Music Showcase – The Carver Museum is hosting a music showcase from 6pm until midnight. FREE.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Saturday, March 15th:
Jungle Jill and the Jaybirds – Although just part of Strange Brew’s regular kids’ shows and not SXSW-related, you can get your morning started off on a musical note with this FREE show, which starts at 10am.
KGSR Live Broadcasts – Music starts at 8am at The W Downtown. A $5 donation to the Make a Wish Foundation gets you in to see four hours of live music. Expect to wait in line to get in.
KUTX Music Broadcasts at Four Seasons Hotel Austin -The broadcasts are open to the public on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is $10 – which includes a breakfast taco, KIND Healthy Snack and unlimited coffee – and all proceeds benefit Austin’s Seton Shivers Cancer Center at University Medical Center Brackenridge. New this year, guests will also have the opportunity to brighten the day of a Seton Shivers cancer patient by writing a note as part of KIND’s “Do the KIND thing” campaign. Music runs from 8am until noon.
Whole Lotta Fun: Musicians for Microcredit – A family-friendly showcase featuring Sara Hickman, The Que Pastas and more. From 11am-5pm at Whole Foods at the Domain. FREE.
Flatstock 43 – Presented by Vans and the American Poster Institute (API), Flatstock 43 will display the works of the world’s top gig poster artists. The event is FREE and open to the public with FREE SXSW Guest Passes. In Exhibit Hall 4 of the Austin Convention Center from 11am-6pm.
Renegade Craft Fair – The Renegade Craft Fair (RCF) is a curated indie-craft marketplace which features a range of exceptional artisans as well as workshops, art installations, demonstrations and special events. Among the kid-friendly features is a kid’s play space featuring building blocks from Tegu, a social good company that designs products to unlock the mind and inspire creative experiences which captivate children in safe, natural and innovative ways. This event is FREE and open to the public, although you will need a SXSW Guest Pass to attend. Noon to 8pm at the Palmer Events Center.
Tiniest Rock Stars in Texas – Acts made up of kids under 18 will perform at the Tiniest Bar in Texas to raise money for children with cancer. Noon-3pm. FREE with RSVP.
South X San Jose – South By San Jose (SXSJ) is an annual 5 day festival concurrent with SXSW Music Festival which takes place in mid-March. The hotel parking lot is transformed into a live music venue with bands, local vendors and concessions. The festival is FREE and family-friendly. Shows start at noon daily.
Waterloo Records SXSW 2014 Day Parties – Waterloo hosts bands in its parking lot for SXSW, although it can get crowded. Music goes from noon until 7pm. FREE. Music by the Slice – Home Slice Pizza hosts their 9th annual charity day party from noon until 7:30pm or so. FREE.
Folk Alliance International – Threadgill’s South hosts the 9th annual FAI Day Party. FREE and no wristband required (donations requested). Music starts at noon indoors and outdoors and continues until 7pm.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse – As an unofficial venue, the Coffeehouse will have FREE music from noon until 10pm. Lineups TBA.
Ramble Creek Recording Studio Day Show – FREE, family friendly annual showcase at La Patisserie. Noon until 7pm.
Ginger Leigh’s Love on the Lawn Showcase – Central Market on North Lamar will host this showcase, which runs from noon-9pm and features local artists such as the Jitterbug Vipers, Wendy Colonna, Patrice Pike, Carolyn Wonderland and more. FREE.
“Yellow Submarine” Animator Ron Campbell Residency – Ron Campbell, director of the 1960s Saturday morning Beatles cartoon TV series and an animator involved with beloved cartoons such as Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Smurfs, among others, will showcase his original Beatles cartoon paintings created specially for the show, create new paintings live and talking about cartooning at Wild About Music. 1-9pm.
Outdoor Stage at Butler Park – Take Me To the River and Childish Gambino will play in the afternoon. Times TBA. Shows are FREE and open to the public, although you need a SXSW Guest Pass wristband to attend.
Guero’s – FREE shows take place at Guero’s outside patio, although you might want to pack ear protection as they have seemed loud in the past. Shows begin at 2pm daily.
Pan Americana Festival 2014 – The City of Austin and Bellas Artes puts on this FREE show from 2-11pm featuring artists from throughout the Americas.
Central Concerts – The Austin Public Library’s downtown Faulk branch is hosting FREE day shows. Today, Kalu James plays from2-3pm.
Rock the Lot – Austin360’s SXSW Music Festival takes place at the Statesman’s parking lot from 3-9pm. FREE.
SXSW Music Showcase – The Carver Museum is hosting a music showcase from 6pm until midnight. FREE.
SXSW Eco Light Garden – New installations play with light, sound and geometry. FREE and open to the public at dark.
Sunday, March 16th:
Mad Tiger Fest2014!! Featuring Peelander-Z Presents “Family event in Austin” – A FREE family event for kids of all ages with music, art, food, magic and toys at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard. RSVP at Do512, although this doesn’t guarantee admission, as there are space constraints. Donations accepted at door to benefit Anthropos Arts, Sim Foundation, and Diverse Arts.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse – As an unofficial venue, the Coffeehouse will have FREE music from noon until 10pm. Lineups TBA.
6th Annual Unofficial Brazilian SXSW Showcase – FREE and all ages event featuring Brazilian bands. 2:30-8:30pm at Tapasitas.
So, now are you excited? Scared? Exhausted? All of the above? I should also mention that if you want to see the show posters, head to our Family-Friendly SXSW 2014 Pinterest Board, and if you’d rather see all the fun for kids and adults in one place, you should check out our SXSW 2014 No Wristbands Required Board. Crossing my fingers it’s another great SX for my family, and hope to see you out there!
A recovering workaholic, Nicole Basham now spends her time rediscovering Austin through her 6-year-old son’s eyes. A soccer-playing mom, Nicole also enjoys tickling too close to bedtime, making and consuming baked goods, and being silly. You can also find her writing at LiveMom, Savvy Source for Parents and CultureMap.
