SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (2024)

Do you want to know how to do SXSW for free? You do not need to pay for an expensive badge to get wined and dined and a load of free swag.

Every year, SXSW in Austin, Texas, offers tons of free events, parties, and shows; you just have to know how to find them and learn how to get on the list. Since most of these events require an RSVP, be sure to sign up early.

Unfortunately, the popular events and parties can be sold out before South by Southwest even starts! There are still many events with open RSVP spots and some places where you can just show up. In addition, there are various ways to get free SXSW passes and badges.

Read my Ultimate Guide for Navigating SXSW and Maximizing Your Experience in 2024 with tips for planning, networking, getting around, and spotting celebrities.

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As an Austin blogger and influencer, I have attended SXSW for free (without a wristband or badge) for the last several years (except 2020 and 2021).

If you represent a brand, please see how I can save you time by connecting you to my network of vetted content creators or providing you with valuable strategies to help you grow your website traffic and social media engagement.

If you are a blogger or influencer, please check out my service as an Influencer and Blogger Agent. I connectcontent creators with brands for sponsored content.

Finally, if you are going to be at SXSW and would like a guide to help you navigate the festival, to meet up, or invite me to your super cool event, contact me here.

In this article, I included a lot of helpful information for South by Southwest, but if you want the TL;DR and already know everything there is to know about the festival, jump to the SXSW 2024 listing of free events.

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SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (3)

How to go to 2024 Free SXSW Events and Parties

Each year I provide a South by Southwest guide to the 10-day interactive film and music festival. In previous years, I provided many tips and tricks for attending SXSW free events and enjoying the music scene. It is now that time of year again to put together my list of SXSW 2024 free stuff.

When is SXSW 2024?

SXSW Austin, Texas is March 8 – 16, 2024. It’s a 10-day interactive, tech, film, and music festival with live music, panels, product launches, parties, red carpet movie premiers, food, and drinks.

How to get SXSW Free Badges

Another way to enjoy SXSW for free is to volunteer at the festival. Find out How to Volunteer at SXSW in exchange for a Free SXSW Badge.

How to get Free Passes Without a Badge

Below, I will keep an updated list of the free parties and events. If you know of any to add to the list, send me a message, and I will add them. Usually, I only post the free events for SXSW Interactive. These are your best bet for free food, swag, booze, and more. In order to not miss out, be sure to RSVP right away since many of the spots fill up.

The Guest Pass is your free credential to many events, including Flatstock 65, SXSW Job Market, SXSW Wellness Expo, SXSW Marketplace, an Outdoor Film Screening at the Long Center, and more! Get your SXSW free guest pass (I have not confirmed this for 2024 yet).

Where to Park in Austin for SXSW

I sometimes have luck with paid street parking in West Downtown Austin, a little bit north of the library. If you don’t mind walking a little bit, park for free in East Austin around 3rd and Navasota St. I’ve also had luck with the paid street parking around Fair Market at 5th and Waller.

Here are some recommended items to help you have a happy South by Southwest experience.

SXSW Tips for Getting Into Events Without a Badge

Fake it till you make it! Seriously though, if you wear some badges, like this DIY media badge, or act confident like you know what and where you are going, you’ll have better luck getting into official events without a paid wristband.

Start RSPing early to the events and shows and get on the guest lists. Often, these lists fill up, and you might be able to get on a waitlist.

What to bring to the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas

Get a lightweight, packable backpack.

Bring along a rain jacket. You never know how the weather in Austin, Texas, will be.

You’ll be using your phone a lot for maps, verifying RSVPs, communicating, and more. Make sure you have a backup battery option.

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Keeping Up to Date on the Unofficial SXSW Free 2024 Events and RSVP Lists

To keep up-to-date, especially during SXSW, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, you can subscribe to my Twitter list, SXSW Free here.

Again this year, I keep hoping the Spredfast Social Suite for SXSW 2024 will pop up. Does anyone know if they will do anything this year? If you had the opportunity to go in the past, then you’ll know why I keep hoping they will have the social suite again.

SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (5)

During the festival, you can find all kinds of free stuff such as swag, free food, free drinks, free shows, and free music. Below, you will find out where to RSVP to Austin, Texas SXSW music festival, 10-day interactive, film, and unofficial events including live music, free food, and drinks.

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2024 Free SXSW Events

There are so many events, it can be overwhelming. And, it’s just me updating this list as I get notifications about different events.

I plan to attend these SXSW events based on my interests in marketing, content creation, entrepreneurship, and my desire to network with like-minded professionals. I’ve also chosen some based on free food and meal offerings.

These events below are free and open to everyone, but some may offer VIP passes for purchase or prioritize entrance for badge holders.

For even more free events, including music events, I have links to some other resources at the bottom of this list.

South by Southwest 2024 Activations

Porsche Full Service

The Audible Sound Experience

The First Omen Experience

Pura Vida Experience

YOURS TO LOSE – World Premiere Performance at 1A House

The Experience by Dell Technologies

Multiple Day Events 2024

Fast Company Grill

March 9 – 11 at CEDAR DOOR BAR & GRILL @ 201 BRAZOS STREET, AUSTIN, TX

This networking hub is back at SXSW. It brings together business visionaries, diverse leaders, and exceptional change agents for three days of captivating programs, unique experiences, and valuable connections. Fast Company uses its innovation-focused perspective, access to pioneering innovators, and event production expertise to engage thousands of attendees over an enjoyable and inspiring long weekend. RSVP for Fast Company Grill here.

Inc Founders House

FOXY’S PROPER PUB, 201 BRAZOS ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS

One-of-a-kind hub for the driven people starting, running, and growing businesses with inspiration, insight, and the boldly honest truth that only founders live—whether it’s on stage or across the bar. Inc. Request an invite for Inc. Founders House.

Founders House is a crossroads of intellect, guts, strategy, and excitement, featuring:

  • Star entrepreneurs
  • Guest bartenders
  • Snacks, apps, and co*cktails
  • Invite-only happy hours

Capital Factory House

Head over to the Capital Factory House at 701 Brazos Street from March 8 – 12, 9am – 7pm, for educational sessions, workshops, multi day-interactive experiences, and lots of surprises along the way.

Every day you’ll find: Startup Founders, Army Generals, Angel Investors, State or Federal Government Officials, Entrepreneurs, Foreign Delegations, Venture Capitalists, Fortune 500 Company Executives, and more.

In previous years, I have gotten a ton of great swag and really good food here.

Many of the events at Capital Factory House require a Backstage Pass (free for those that apply and qualify).

With the Capital Factory Backstage: The VIP Experience you get

  • A community to meet and make connections with the best entrepreneurs, potential investors, employees, and customers
  • Daily catered meals and beverages (BBQ, tacos, local brews, and more)
  • A place to work and recharge your mind, body, and electronics
  • Fully equipped conference rooms with Cisco video conferencing, phone booths, and WiFi
  • VIP access to the SXSW Startup Crawl
  • Invitations to other exclusive events

701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX

She Media Co-Lab

March 9 – 11, 12pm – 6pm

206 East 4th Street Austin, TX 78701

Immerse yourself in the science and storytelling of women’s whole life health. Hear from experts, advocates, and thought leaders on the latest innovations in health and wellness. Explore how technology revolutionizes healthcare and celebrate the change makers advancing women’s health. RSVP and get free tickets for She Media Co-Lab.

Speakers include:

THE WEAR HOUSE AT SXSW

March 9-10, 2024

800 CONGRESS AVE

Footwear News and Beauty Inc. experts, thought leaders, influencers, and entrepreneurs who resonate with Gen Z, join forces at the Wear House. We will explore innovations in storytelling and the role of insights, AI, content creation, strategic partnerships, and more in elevating brands and fully engaging consumers today.

Request an invite here.

Leadership in Brand Marketing Summit @ SXSW

March 8 – 11

Lamberts, 401 W. 2nd Street

Brand Innovators Marketing Leadership Summit during SXSW is an in-person event with complimentary registration for brand-side marketers only. Register here.

Note that only Fortune 500 brand-side marketers will be automatically approved for complimentary admittance to the event.

If you are an approved attendee for this event, you will receive a calendar invite and event details shortly. If you are not a brand-side marketer and would like to sponsor our event, please contactJared Hopfer

Canada House

March 12-14, 2024 at Swan Dive (615 Red River St., Austin, TX). Get your free tickets here.

Cherub Pop-Up Shop

March 9 -11, 12-6PM

105 West 8th Street, Austin TX

Sample and check out products, apps & services from Cherub’s curated community of founders, level up your business game with our fundraising & investing panels, and wind down with a few spirits & spirited convos at our founder/funder mixers. RSVP to come by the Cherub Pop-up Shop and the Founder/Funder Mixer.

SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (7)

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Cultura Power: Tech, Talent, Tradition – Uniting to Elevate Latino Voices – March 7, 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024

The Non-Obvious 7 Minute Meetup | The SHORTEST SXSW 2024 EVENT!

5:08 – 5:15pm

Secret Location (Revealed 48 hours before the event), 500 E 4th St Austin, TX 78701

Join the SHORTEST Meetup at #SXSW 2024: Get Free Non-Obvious Swag and Meet New People! Make new friends, and pick up some great Non-Obvious swag that includes signature Non-Obvious sunglasses, Non-Obvious light-up cowboy/cowgirl hats, buttons for your lanyard, the coolest socks ever, nonobvious books, books launching at the show, and a few other surprise items! Secure your spot here.

more…

Variety Power of Comedy at ACL Live – March 8, 2024

Tulsa House – March 8-11, 2024

Variety Power of Comedy at ACL Live – March 8, 2024

Xebec’s 2024 SXSW Kickoff Party & Garage Sale – March 8, 2024

BHM at SXSW: Experience how Birmingham Has More – March 8, 2024

Club CMO Clubhouse – March 8, 2024

Higbies House Party – March 8, 2024

Snapchat Sanctuary at SXSW 2024 – March 8-10, 2024

OXOXOX Presented by Glo2Facial

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Dolphin Tank

10:30-11:30am

Female Quotient Lounge (Waller Creek Boathouse), 74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Springboard’s Dolphin Tank will provide the community of women entrepreneurs innovating in technology with the opportunity for connections, capital, and insight from our audience of investors, advisors, and industry leaders. Join Female Quotient at SXSW 2024 for an exciting pitch event featuring women founders and entrepreneurs, expert panelists, and interactive audience participation! To attend the pitch event, sign up here.

Franklin & Fintech @ SXSW 2024

Franklin’s BBQ highly curated events allow like-minded people to establish meaningful connections brought to you by: The Financial Revolutionist, Caliber Corporate Advisers, Episode Six, TTV Capital, Method Financial, Alloy Labs. Request your invitation to Franklin and Fintech here.

Space and Defense Innovation (SDI) VIP Reception

Distinctive Edge Partners and Foundation for the Future are hosting a private VIP reception at SXSW for leaders in the Space and Defense community. Submit your request here.

more…

Culture House at SXSW 2024 – March 9, 2024

Immursive Wonders: The Sphere & Beyond – March 9, 2024

Bakery’s Pain Au Chocolat – March 9, 2024

Reddit in Austin during SXSW 2024 – March 9-10, 2024

Founders & Funders 2024 Showcase – March 9, 2024

Hook ‘Em House at SXSW 2024 presented by UT Austin – March 9, 2024

A Private Basketball Run hosted by Acorns – March 9, 2024

Sunday SVC at SXSW 2024 – March 9-10, 2024

SXSW Recovery Lounge – March 9, 2024

SXSW Brunch at Irene’s during SXSW 2024 – March 9, 2024

Meet Memphis at 901 Day

Athletes & Innovators Party – For more information, please contact [emailprotected]

Sunday March 10, 2024

A Brunch of Aussies – 2024 – March 10, 2024

Brunch & Tech: Meet Tennessee’s Top Startup Companies

Austria Night 3.0 at SXSW 2024 – March 10, 2024

Happy Hour at SXSW 2024 by Stagwell and Sportico – March 10, 2024

StartOut’s SXSW Reception – March 10, 2024

Frontiers of Innovation Day at Canada House– March 10, 2024

Secret Austin Party hosted by Andrew Yeung – March 10, 2024

Happy Hour at SXSW 2024 by Stagwell and Sportico – March 10, 2024

Codingscape’s Retro Bytes Lounge

Monday, March 11, 2024

Founded in Texas

9am – 12:30pm

200 W 6th St., Suite 1700, Austin, TX 78701

An investor feedback session designed to support Texas-based women that are founders of B2B and B2B2C technology companies. Apply here.

A Ridiculous Boat Party

Great performances and three epic events; a brunch cruise, dockside lounge, and a very special sunset cruise.

Going to be in Austin for SXSW? Come and hang out with us on the Lonestar Riverboat and enjoy music, merriment and the best boat trip in town (if we do say so ourselves!). RSVP for A Ridiculous Boat Party.

Special guest performances to be announced.

Houston House

at the LINE Hotel

Join industry leaders and innovative startup founders for a series of thought provoking panels on today’s most prominent topics in tech. Relax in our lounge space, attend a session, and don’t forget to stop by in the evening for our happy hour! Access to Houston House programming requires SXSW credentials (Platinum of Interactive Badge), but access to our lounge space and happy hour is open to the general public on first-come basis.

More details coming soon here.

more…

The Politics House – March 11-12, 2024

Subvrsive Recruiting Happy Hour – March 11, 2024

Chicago at SXSW 2024 – March 11, 2024

New frontiers in formats at UK House – March 11, 2024

Ukrainian House powered by MacPaw – March 11, 2024

CTRL+ALT+COMPETE – March 11, 2024

Ristband SXSW 2024 Showcase – March 11, 2024

Tuesday, March 12

ICON Presents DOMUS EX MACHINA

3pm, Long Center for the Performing Arts

701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX

RSVP and join ICON and special guests for exclusive announcements and a technology showcase at this official SXSW event. Plus, experience live demos followed by musical entertainment.

More….

Boys Club’s /brandnew one-day summit – March 12, 2024

Scotch & Mixer at SXSW 2024 – March 12, 2024

CopeCart x Triller – March 12, 2024

SXSW (unofficial) Women in Product Happy Hour

Carne Asada Nuevo León @ SXSW 2024

SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (8)

March 13

Creative Industries Free Entry

For the 2nd consecutive year, they will open the Creative Industries Expo doors to the local community for Austin Industry Day on March 13th! Admission is free and open to the public and does not require any credentials. The 2024 SXSW Creative Industries Expo provides the opportunity to interact with hundreds of industry disruptors, meet innovative thought leaders, and explore the forefront of creative advancement. Location: Austin Convention Center.

more…

FLOODfest 2024 at SXSW 2024 – March 14, 2024

The Rainey Street Revival by COLLiDE and Lustre Pearl – March 14, 2024

Spaceflight Records March Takeover – March 14, 2024

Planetary Presents: SXSW 2024 Day Party at Valhalla – March 14, 2024

Jaded presents Friends: Forever 2024 – March 14-15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Madewell Showcase – March 15-16, 2024

German Music Showcase Free Day Party and BBQ – March 15, 2024

Urban Fetes: Panel, Showcase & Media Lounge – March 16, 2024

More places to find lists of SXSW unofficial events and events open to the public for the whole week.

RSVPATX – For $49 they will do all the RSVPing for you.

The Blueprint by When Where What

SXSW Events from Last Year

Even though these are events from 2023, some of the links may still work for 2024.

Capital Factory House at SXSW Austin

March 10 – March 14 at Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street Austin, TX 78701

For 5 days, get all kinds of great food, drinks, swags, and networking at events such as the Startup Crawl, Backstage Access, and more at the Capital Factory House.

The Future of Food – Event Series

March 10 – March 11 at 1400 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78701

Conversations, Art Installations, Delicious Tastings, and more at The Future of Food.

Brand Innovators

March 10 – March 13 at Lamberts

Brand Innovators is coming back to SXSW from March 10-13! I had a great time last year at the panels. Last year, it was hosted by Lamberts and that appears to be true for this year as well.

Be sure to fill out the form to apply to register for the event.

Inc. Founders House

March 10 – March 13 at Cedar Door Bar & Grill, 201 Brazos St. Bldg A, Austin, TX 78701

Inc. Founders House at SXSW offers a one-of-a-kind hub for the driven people starting, running, and growing businesses. Just two blocks from the Austin Convention Center, Inc. Founders House welcomes founders to refuel, recharge, and connect with peers in an intimate setting curated exclusively for entrepreneurs.

Over four days at Inc. Founders House, you’ll experience inspiration, insight, and the boldly honest truth that only founders live—whether it’s on stage or across the bar. Inc. Founders House is a crossroads of intellect, guts, strategy, and excitement, featuring:

  • Star entrepreneurs
  • Guest bartenders
  • Snacks, apps, and co*cktails
  • Invite-only happy hours

Request an invite here.

EQUALITY LOUNGE

March 11 – March 12, 9am – 6pm, at Waller Creek Boathouse 74 Trinity St Austin TX 78701

Details coming soon. Reserve your spot with the Female Quotient.

Flatstock 77

March 15 – March 17 at ?

Flatstock is free and open to the public as well as all SXSW registrants.

Flatstock 77 displays the works of the world’s top gig poster artists. The show features posters of varying styles, colors, and techniques for sale by the talented artists who created them.

Enjoy performances from some talented official Showcasing Artists.

Bloomberg Media ESG House at Austin

March 10 – 12, ESG House at Austin

A Destination for Conversations That Accelerate A More Purposeful Future at the Bloomberg Media House.

Join us as we convene global creative influencers to exchange ideas, inspire dialogue and propel business and culture forward.

The EXPERIENCE by Dell Technologies

March 10-11 at 3Ten at ACL Live.

Share ideas driving progress in the communities where we live and work at The Experience. Last year, there were all kinds of food and drinks all day long. They gave drink tickets you could exchange for a free drink.

Wonder House

March 11 – March 14 at Cafe Blue, 340 E. 2nd Street.

Join Wonder House by The University of Arizonafor exclusive experiences with speakers, musicians and producers with alumni, fans, and the curious.

SHE Media Co-Lab at SXSW

March 11 – March 12 at The Native 807 East 4th Street Austin, TX 78702.

Explore the Future of Health at theShe Media Lab. Katie Couric,Christy Turlington Burns,Phoebe Robinson, Busy Philipps& more will take the stage to shine a light on important issues like access to care, reproductive rights, the importance of optimizing brain health and more.

Established and Startup of the Year

March 11 – March 13, at (location coming soon)

The Eventbrite is up for Established and Startup of the Year. Go ahead and RSVP to secure your spot.

BALANCED BREAKFAST SHOWCASE • Two Days with Music City SF During

March 16 – March 17 at The Jackalope404 East 6th Austin, TX 78701

Balanced Breakfast is a multi-city weekly meetup of musicians, music industry professionals, and enthusiasts founded in San Francisco. We are now located in 30+ cities, our goal is to create community in the music industry. Early bird free tickets are available now.

Amplify Philly

March 10 – 19 at Pour Choices, 401 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701.

Amplify Philly brings the best of Philly’s diverse business, culture, and tech communities into the international spotlight through exhibitions, concerts, panels, and other interactive activities.

Amplify Philly is lead by REC Philly, Witty Gritty, and a planning group comprised of leaders from a cross-section of industries – technology, art, music, media, business, and government.

Tulsa House at SXSW

March 10 – 11 at Augustine86 Rainey Street Austin, TX 78701

Join Tulsa House for thought-provoking panels, lively happy hours, and late-night music as you connect with entrepreneurs, remote workers, executives, venture capitalists, and more.

The two-day schedule is anchored by Official SXSW panel discussions featuring noteworthy panelists from Tulsa programs as well as Walmart, Kumospace, The Aspen Institute, TechStars, Lightship Capital, BBG Ventures, distinguished researcher Richard Florida, and much more.

Fuel your day with coffee from Tulsa’s own Topeca Coffee and tasty bites from Tulsa’s local food scene.

Please note that panel programming requires an official SXSW badge for entry. All other Tulsa House events are free and open to the public.

Amazon Ads

March 10-12 at Hotel San Jose.

Get free barbecue, drinks, and coffee from Amazon. Between 9 am and 12 pm, you can indulge in complimentary beverages courtesy of Amazon Ads. You can choose from a variety of drinks, including drip coffee, cold brew, Turbo (Jo’s signature sweet, creamy coffee drink with chocolate and hazelnut), Belgian Bomber (iced Turbo mixed with cold brew), and hot or iced tea (black, green, or hibiscus).

Midwest House

March 10 -14 at Half Step Bar, 75 1/2 Rainey Street.

Midwest House puts the most innovative, exciting, and creative ideas, companies, people, and performers from the Midwest on a global stage at SXSW. Programming most days from 10 AM – 11 PM or until they get shut down.

Tulsa House

March 10 -11 at Augustine, 86 Rainey Street

Tulsa House has happy hours, and late-night music as you connect with entrepreneurs, remote workers, executives, venture capitalists, and more.

Fintech House at SXSW

March 11 – 12, TBD

Fintech House is a quiet place to put up your (tired) feet and engage in (inside voice) conversation with other fintech pioneers and cross-industry experts

SATSx Hackathon Weekend

March 18-19 at Pleb Lab 621 E 6th St. , Suite 200 · Austin, TX.

Sign up and get the schedule that includes lunches and dinners.

HigherDOSE Chill Corner at The Wear House

March 11-12, 11am- 6pm at 600 Congress.

The Chill Corner at the Women’s Wear Daily ‘The Wear’ House where you will be able to rest and recharge from the craziness of SXSW. The Chill Corner will offer mini spa sessions with HigherDOSE’s infrared PEMF Mat and Red Light Face Mask. You can also sample magnesium-based supplements and enter to win HigherDOSE’s on-site raffle with a prize value of $5k. Attendees will receive a code to shop 15% off HigherDOSE sitewide.

SXSW Community Concerts

March 16-18, 3pm-7pm (doors open at 2pm), at 800 West Riverside Dr.

TheSXSW Community Concerts concerts are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. You can purchase food from local food trucks or bring a picnic.

March 16 Lineup

  • 3:00 p.m. Lucky Diaz
  • 3:30 p.m. Mega Ran
  • 4:00 p.m. Red Yarn & Aaron Nigel Smith
  • 4:30 p.m. SaulPaul
  • 5:00 p.m. Jonny Langford and the Silver Sands Roustabouts + Rosie Flores
  • 6:00 p.m. Thao Nguyen

March 17 Lineup

3:00 p.mBaba Kuboye
4:30 p.m.AJ Smith
5:30 p.m.The Zombies

March 18 Lineup

Blowcomotion!
Dead Music Capital Band
Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour
Minor Mishap Marching Band
Moon Tower Brass Band
Yes Ma’am Brass Band

Friday, March 10

Equitech Texas Welcome Breakfast

March 10, 9am – 11am at 1221 E 6th St

At Equitech Texas Welcome Breakfast, join friends and colleagues from Baltimore to Austin, Oakland to Tulsa, and many places in between as we gather to share in like-minded fellowship, best practices, potential partnerships, and link up our pipelines across the country, and the world.

Capital Factory Startup Crawl

March 10, General Admission at 6pm at Capital Factory 701 Brazos Street Austin, TX 78701.

The Capital Factory Startup Crawl provides networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. You work your way around a laid-out setup of booths with startup companies, free food, free drinks, and more. General Admission tickets are first-come-first-serve and don’t guarantee entry. Consider purchasing VIP tickets ($50) for guaranteed entry, including dedicated access through a VIP line, early admission, and a swag bag. Early Admission tickets ($10) are also available. Long lines are expected, so buying VIP or early admission tickets reduces your time waiting in line.

Xebec’s SXSW Kickoff Party & Garage Sale

March 10, 8pm-11pm at 500 San Marcos St #101, Austin, TX 78702

Kick-off SXSW at the official, unofficial startup crawl after party hosted by Xebec. Join them for free drinks as they kick off SX!

Saturday, March 11

Careers for the Future

March 11, 10am – 1pm, at The Lab, DMC 4.338, Moody College of Communication at University of Texas at Austin 300 West Dean Keeton Street Austin, TX 78712

CFTF will connect global industry leaders and innovators in Austin for SXSW with students curious about the Careers For The Future.

The Non-Obvious 7 Minute Meetup | The SHORTEST SXSW EVENT!

March 11, 9:08am -9:15am, (Secret Location near the ACC)500 E 4th St Austin, TX 78701

Join the SHORTEST meetup at SXSW with Non-Obvious Swag and be the first to get a free signed copy of The Future Normal + More!

#GALSNGEAR at The VORTEX – Panel and Happy Hour

March 11, 2pm – 5:30pm, at The VORTEX 2307 Manor Road #2135 Austin, TX 78722.

The Galsngear event will have a panel with leading film and technology creatives at The VORTEX followed by Happy Hour at the adjacent Butterfly Bar. They will be giving away a free DELL Laptop (must be present to win) to help you with your next creative project.

Create & CultivateFuture Summit

March 11, 11am – 5pm, SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.

Create & Cultivate is back for another big, free event at SXSW. This is for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or small business owners at any stage looking to leverage tech and innovation to bolster your business. There will be workshops, mentorship sessions, networking, and a gift bag worth $150 for the first 200 attendees. Last year’s event and gift bag were amazing! Hint: Get there early to get in line before the event starts.

Unstoppable WoW3: 1 Year Anniversary Brunch

March 11, 10am – 1pm at Capital Factory701 Brazos St Austin, TX 78701

Hear from leading women across Web3 and for the ultimate relationship-building experience at the Unstoppable Women of Web3 1 Year Anniversary Brunch.

Channel Factory House

March 11, 1pm – 6pm at Lucille Patio Lounge 77 Rainey St Austin Texas 78701

Channel Factory is back in Austin and is excited to invite you to our Channel Factory House at Lucille Patio Lounge. Come enjoy ranch waters, snacks, live music and more.

Sunday, March 12

All Things Food at SXSW (Official Event). Hosted by HT and Food Tank.

Join us March 12 for “All Things Food” at SXSW. 25+ luminary speakers, 2 food film viewings, delicious breakfast, lunch and reception. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702.

Vancouver Day

March 12, 12pm-6pm, at Swan Dive 615 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701.

The full-day Vancouver Day SXSW event will see the Canadian city’s premier technology innovators, creative tech industries, and musical artists show why Vancouver is consistently voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world.

Some of the special guests include City of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Innovation Commissioner of the Government of BC- Gerri Sinclair, Amy Peck of Endeavor XR, Tony Parisi of Lamina1 and many more.

In the evening, guests can expect a special VIP event with first-class musical acts, installations, wellness activations and drinks, and the chance to mingle with investors, top brands, and top business leaders from around the world.

Culture House

March 12, TBD.

Request your invite for Culture House.

Hometown Hangover Cure

March 12, TBD

Since 2012, Hometown Hangover has created a high-quality networking opportunity for the entrepreneurial technology communities in Austin, Texas. The event attracts many venture capitalists and offers marketing and business development opportunities for all sponsors and attendees.

The Project W SXSW Social

March 12, 5pm – 8pm at Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar, 606 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701

RSVP here for the Project W SXSW Social.

Monday, March 13 SXSW Free Events

La Fiesta

March 13, 5pm at La Condesa.

To RSVP for the event head over to this Social Native page.

Devex Dish

March 13, 11:30am – 6pm, at Vuka Bouldin Creek, 411 W Monroe St, Austin, TX 78704

Join Devex Dish for an afternoon of dialogues and networking toreimagine how we grow, produce, move, and distribute food in a nutritious, equitable, and sustainable way.

Kick off the day at 11:30 a.m. CST with a networking lunch and registration. Then dive into main programming from 12:30 – 6 p.m.

Stay for drinks and international fare from a variety of local food trucks under a canopy of live oak trees and connect with other like-minded professionals working on the global food system.

SXSW Momentum Lunch

March 13, 12:30pm at TBD

This lunch will be a more intimate group of founders and investors to ensure that the opportunity to forge close relationships, whether that be new potential friends, portfolio companies, mentors, investors, confidants…the possibilities are endless.

Tuesday, March 14

CI&T Presents Impact Tomorrow

March 14, 10am – 4pm, The LINE Austin111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78701

CI&T will return to SXSW for the fourth time on March 14 for a full day of interactive programming. From retail CX and EV adoption to product-based teams, the developer workforce, and decoding culture, the day will deliver mind-shifting perspectives and must-have insights to make your organization efficient in the post-digital transformation era.

Join our exclusive network of executives and business leaders from globally recognized brands including Sonos, Audi, YouTube, and others, to help unpack your digitally efficient future. A lounge will be nearby with space to recharge, network, and enjoy a culinary selection of eats and drinks.

March 15

Austin Industry Day: Open to the Public

Come one, come all! The first-ever Austin Industry Daywill bring this year’sCreative Industries Expo to the public. On Wednesday, March 15, they are opening the Expo to all Austin industry professionals for Austin Industry Day — no credential required for entry!

TheCreative Industries Expowill be held at the Austin Convention Center from March 12-15.

March 17

Scumbag Season Concert Series

March 17, 12pm – 8pm, at Peckerheads402 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701

Scumbag Season Concert Series ATX is onne of the biggest premier stages of the ATX / SXSW Weekend in March.

March 18

Urban Fêtes Industry Panel, Showcase & Media Lounge

March 18, 12pm-8pm at Peckerheads 402 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701.

In its 7th year, the Urban Fêtes Industry Panel, Showcase & Media Lounge has become an annual staple of SXSW Music Conference.

Panelist participants include a variety of Label Representatives, Industry Influencers, Brand Strategists and Media Professionals.

March 20

SXSW Recovery Party at Parlay House

March 20, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Parlay House10402 Menchaca Road #BLDG A Austin, TX 78748

Join the recovery party after the SXSW festival for a recovery afternoon featuring massages, IVs, tattoos, drink & gift giveaways, live DJs, & more!

Multiple Day Events

Inc. Founders House

Just two blocks from the Austin Convention Center, stop by Inc. Founders House from 10:30am – 5:30pm at Cedar Door Bar and Grill. Take refuge, refuel, recharge, and connect. Each day you’ll find star entrepreneurs, guest bartenders, snacks, apps, co*cktails, and invite-only happy hours.

Request an invite here.

SXSW Wellness Expo (March 12 – 13)

The Wellness Expo is free and open to the public from March 12-13from 11am – 5pm at the Palmer Events Center in Exhibit Halls 1 & 2.

The Future of Food at SXSW – 100+ Speakers, 12 Incredible Events

Free with an RSVP, The Future of Food SXSW, at 1400 Lavaca Street, will have 100+ inspiring food system experts and innovators over one week (12+ events).

SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (9)

Fort Worth at SXSW

Discover the Modern West with Visit Fort Worth at the Container Bar on Rainey at SXSW, March 12, 13 & 14.

Get free BBQ from Panther City BBQ, free TX Whiskey co*cktails, and free beer daily.

Celebrity appearances from Paramount+ hit series 1883, live music, daily giveaways, filmmaker and entrepreneur meet-ups. Panels on fashion, film, music, BBQ and sports. A live podcast studio featuring Fort Worth favorites and an upscale experience from Hotel Drover.

SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake

The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake is free and open to the public.

The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake features a three-day series of charity beneficiary concert events, which are free and open to the public.

Dates and times TBD.

Brand Innovators Marketing Innovation in Austin

“This is a hybrid event. Access to our in-person programming is exclusively reserved for qualified brand-side marketers and active paying sponsors, while our virtual programming will be open to the public.”

Register for Brand Innovators here.

Friday, March 11 Free Events in Austin

SXSW Startup Crawl

From 5-9pm on March 11, Capital Factory will have the annual SXSW Startup Crawl. Tour the latest and greatest of Austin’s startup community.

Saturday, March 12 Events

Sunday, March 13 Events

Austin Pop-Up– Create & Cultivate

At the Create & Cultivate pop-up, from 10am – 7am on March 13, at Fair Market, 100 E 5th Street, come for a day of networking, conversations, live podcasts, food, co*cktails, and more. Fuel up with free breakfast and coffee, attend the mentor power hour, hear from blockchain baddies, and listed to the keynote conversation. There will also be lunch and happy hour. You must sign up ahead of time to get your ticket since space is limited.

Everyone in attendance must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative test.

So far, I still haven’t attended Create & Cultivate at SXSW, the years I have tried to go, either the line to get in was way too long or it conflicted with another event I wanted to attend. I’m hoping to finally make it this year.

Digital LA – Digital Drinks

From 4-6pm on March 13, at Digital LA, meet LA tech and entertainment peeps and others from around the US and world at the annual event in Austin during SXSW. Cash bar unless they get a sponsor to provide free drinks. Be sure to RSVP ahead of time.

Lumos in the Park presented by Meanwhile Brewing & Lumos Fitness

From 10-11am at Meanwhile Brewing,3901 Promontory Point Drive, this donation-based outdoor training class combines strength training, bodyweight movements, and sprint and endurance elements to build well-rounded athletes who excel at any task life throws in their way.

This workout will involve minimal (or no) equipment, include a warmup and a cooldown, scalable for all abilities, ages, and other factors. Come sweat with us and “enter our orbit!”

RSVP for Lumos in the Park here.

Innovate State: Changing the Game for Student Athletes

On Tuesday, March 15 from 3pm – 4:30pm at Half Step, 75 1/2 Rainey Street, attend the session about Changing the Game for Student Athletes. This is part of the Innovate State Speaker Series that offers 60 minute sessions on topics such as innovation, startup life, investments, and career paths.

Wednesday, March 16

The CYBRVERSE Experience

From 2-6pm and 6pm-10pm at The South Congress Hotel, view the NFT gallery and then join the social mixer with art and music.

Step into this one-of-a-kind event at SXSW – The CYBRVERSE Experience!

  • Upon arrival, enter a world of virtual mindfulness and meditation with ZenVR (optional)
  • Purchase a unique CYBRVERSE NFT in an infinite object for a good cause – all proceeds donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Austin!
  • Immerse yourself in a theatrical violinist projection art activation
  • Network and socialize with fellow SXSW attendees
  • Taste craft co*cktails and tapas
  • Snap photos to remember your experience
  • Meet the team behind Cyvatar and learn about the future of cybersecurity

Open bar & light bites courtesy of Cyvatar.

Thursday, March 17 Events

Mission-Driven Start-Ups

From 6pm -8:30pm at Emmer & Rye, Skyhouse, 51 Rainey Street #110, join Mission-Driven Start-ups in the food and beverage industry. The event will include a curated, exclusive tasting menu by Emmer & Rye’s Chef, live music entertainment, delicious drinks, networking, and surprise celebrity guests.

Hurry, space is limited.

Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed

+ posts

Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed, is a journalist and writer with over 15 years of expertise in travel, business and marketing education, health, and local Austin, Texas events.

With a Master's degree in education from Texas State University and a Business Foundations Certification from The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, Rachel's extensive background is highlighted by her published works and contributions to prestigious publications, including HuffPost, Hometalk, Matador Network, AP News, and MSN.com, as well as on her own platforms, Rachel K. Belkin,Elkin Bay, and Probe the Globe.

Beyond her accomplishments in writing, Rachel is a sought-after educator, teaching businesses effective marketing strategies and content creation techniques. Notably, she successfully built a blog from scratch in 2008, ultimately selling it for six figures in 2021.

Rachel's commitment to advocacy is exemplified by her role on the Breast Cancer Resource Center Advisory Council, particularly contributing to the success of the Young Survivor Project. Rachel is also an experienced public speaker with appearances on TV segments for Fox 7 Austin, KXAN, and CBS Austin and as a speaker at conferences and professional networking meetings for business owners and cancer survivors.

SXSW Free Events Guide for 2024 - Rachel K. Belkin (2024)
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