SXSW 2025 is barreling around the bend — can you feel the excitement in the air? We sure can, and even if you don’t want to shell out for a badge, there’s plenty to do.
You can have fun at SXSW all week long without spending a dime (or at least for a fraction of the cost). Here are 33 free or low-cost events to get you started.
By the way, if you do have a badge, don’t miss our guides to the festival and every local artist performing.
Culture
Hook ‘Em House at Antone’s | Friday, March 7 | Free
Arrive early — badges are prioritized at all Hook ‘Em House events.
FX’s Alien: Earth “The Wreckage” | Friday, March 7-Saturday, March 8 | Free
Celebrate the premiere of the new show set in 2120 at this pop-up experience where you can step inside “The Wreckage.” Arrive early for general admission, which is subject to capacity.
Dubai Museum of the Future | Friday, March 7-Tuesday, March 11 | Free
Panels, workshops, and immersive experiences await at this serene space, which features a garden, traditional chai tasting, and the viral FIX Dubai chocolate bar. Badgeholders take priority, so arrive early if you don’t have badge access.
South x South Congress at Kendra Scott Flagship | Friday, March 7-Sunday March 9 + Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 15 | Free with RSVP
Celebrate International Women’s Day and SXSW with Kendra Scott’s huge slate of events, including panels, puppy yoga, pop-ups, styling events, and special offers.
Paramount+’s The Lodge | Friday, March 7-Monday, March 10 | Free
Step into the sets of shows like “Yellowjackets,” “Dexter: Original Sin,” “Survivor,” “1923,” “Gladiator II,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” at this pop-up. Non-badgeholders are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whataburger Museum of Art | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | Free
Peruse a gallery of 200+ themed installations, art pieces, and sculptures, and visit the Whataburger food truck before you head out.
Inc. Founder’s House | Saturday, March 8-Monday, March 10 | Request an invite
Sit in on talks with entrepreneurs like Chelsea Clinton, Seth Rogen, Misty Copeland, Lili Reinhart, and founders of brands like Poppi, Glowbar and Sweetgreen.
Criterion Closet | Saturday, March 8-Monday, March 10 | Free
This film library on wheels has over 1,000 titles, curated by industry experts, on deck for folks to explore.
Torchy’s Tacos Torched Takeover | Monday, March 10 | Free with RSVP
Try the new Torched Bowls for free, meet founder Mike Rypka, enter to win a free tattoo from a local artist, and enjoy live music.
Sportico House | Tuesday, March 11-Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
Hear from speakers like Steve Sarkisian, Colt McCoy, Gabby Thomas, Andy Loughnane, and more at this house focused on sports.
Redbreast Unhidden | Tuesday, March 11-Thursday, March 13 | Free with RSVP
Find this pop-up speakeasy for a break between events and watch a curated showcase of short films.
Flatstock | Tuesday, March 11-Thursday, March 13 | Free
Need a new art piece for your wall? This gallery features work from dozens of gig poster artists, who will also sell their work.
The Texas Film Experience | Wednesday, March 12 | Free
Learn about the phases of creating a film in the Texas entertainment industry, meet filmmakers, and explore set design at this showcase.
Wherehouse?! | Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
This local collab between Where They At Though?! and Tequila 512 will feature special guests, plenty of tequila, and live music.
Edu
NASA House: CreateSpace | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | Free
The Central Library will transform into an interactive display of hands-on creation and space discovery across multiple floors.
Austin Industry Day | Wednesday, March 12 | Free
Meet with and hear from innovation experts working in technology, design, social good, entertainment, health, and more.
Fitness
Every Woman’s Marathon | Saturday, March 8 | Free with RSVP
Get up early for a three-mile run through east Austin in partnership with Fleet Feet, followed by complimentary chocolate milk and coffee to celebrate.
Swift Fit’s Recovery Lounge | Saturday, March 8 | Free with RSVP
Recover from all the SXSW action with a smoothie and coffee bar, IV hydration drips, aromatherapy, a cold plunge, and more.
lululemon Like New x The Peach House | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | Free with RSVP
Join in on a Pilates class or a community run led by lululemon ambassadors before shopping from the like-new section of the website.
Music
S2SOCO | Saturday, March 8 | Free with RSVP
Enjoy a vendor market and four musicians performing in Freddo ATX’s newly revamped space.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake | Sunday, March 9 | Free
Come together with fellow Austinites and folks from afar at this concert celebrating local musicians Sir Woman, Geto Gala, Pedal Steel Noah, Lesly Reynaga, and more. Psst — bring a picnic or grab a bite from local food trucks.
Radio Day Stage at Rivian Park | Monday, March 10-Saturday, March 15 | Free
Join radio outlets from Seattle, UK, Los Angeles, and Austin at this curated showcase of indie artists like Honeyglaze, JaRon Marshall, DEJA, Parker Woodland, and many more. Bonus: Don’t miss International Nights at this stage.
BMI Howdy Texas | Tuesday, March 11 | Free
This all-ages showcase includes live performances from Smooth Nature, Sydney Wright, Travis Bolt, Anastasia Hera, and many more artists.
Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase | Tuesday, March 11-Friday, March 14 | Free with RSVP
Benson Boone, Megan Moroney, Ivan Cornejo, and Rema headline this showcase of up-and-coming talent in Downtown Austin.
Waterloo Records Last Day Parties | Tuesday, March 11-Friday, March 14 | Free
Jam out to 14 bands and sip free drinks as the local record store says goodbye to its former space.
St. Elmo X St. Elmo | Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
Tune in for some live music, hair styling, a photo booth, and drink specials.
Sonic Guild Love Your Music Fest | Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
Jam out with local musicians like Foxtales, BLK ODYSSY, Skateland, and more, while you enjoy bites + bevs.
C3 Management Official SXSW Showcase | Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
Get in on intimate performances from Band of Horses, Jack’s Mannequin, Yoke Lore, Claire Rosinkranz, The Criticals, and The Droptines in support of HAAM. Badgeholders will receive priority admission.
Marshall Day Party | Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
This star-studded local lineup includes Die Spitz, Urban Heat, JaRon Marshall, Fawn, Freak Slug, Los Eclipses, and more with a market from Waterloo Records, FSG doing live screen printing, and Bad Larry’s Burgers.
EQ Austin Presents | Wednesday, March 12-Saturday, March 15 | Free
Local nonprofit EQ Austin will present four nights of Austin-based musicians at this free showcase.
South by San José | Wednesday, March 12-Sunday, March 16 | Free
The 26th annual free festival meets in the Hotel San José and Jo’s Coffee parking lot with live music, local vendors, and fun with friends.
Do512’s The Big One | Saturday, March 15 | Free with RSVP
Dope Lemon, Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Grandmaster, and more will take the stage at this 21+ showcase.
YETI Music Showcase | Saturday, March 15-Monday, March 17 | Free
Head to the YETI Flagship for live music from 21 artists, drink specials, food pop-ups, and live art installations. This event is open to badgeholders and the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Looking for even more events? Follow The Dirty Team on Instagram (and give us a follow as well, while you’re at it).
