Free 2022 SXSW events in Austin, TX

SXSW festival goers

This is a depiction of how we’ll be reacting to all the cool free SXSW shows this year. | Photo by Dave Pedley

As SXSW officially kicks off today, we’re asking the question: Who says you need a wristband or badge to have fun in one of the best music cities in the US?

While having festival credentials is awesome, we’ve rounded up events where only your energy + excitement are needed, no badge or wristband required.

We’re talking about everything from connecting with your mind, body, and soul at a Wellness Expo, a Happy Hour with massage chairs, to vibing out at a ton of free concerts.

Here are 34 cost-free SXSW events (official and unofficial) taking place at this year’s festival:

SXSW Art Program Mural - “Repose” by JD Moore | Fri., March 11-Sat., March 19 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | The LINE, West Lobby | Free | Learn more + immerse yourself in this artist’s work, which is influenced by the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, and Realism periods.

SXSW Art Program Exhibit - “Not Only Will I Stare” | Fri., March 11- Sat., March 12 | Times vary | Christian-Green Gallery | Free | This show’s artwork is curated by Dr. Simone Browne, an associate professor in African & African Diaspora at UT.

Spurs x Sneaker Politics Collaboration | Fri., March 11-Sun., March 13 | Times vary | Sneaker Politics | Free | This event hosted by the San Antonio Spurs includes a seven-piece Spurs x Sneaker Politics capsule collection, with gear inspired by the 1990s and 2000s era.

Live at Central Machine Works | Fri., March 11-Sun., March 13 + Fri., March 18-Sun., March 20 | Times vary | Central Machine Works | Free | From an electric guitar performance by local artist Jackie Venson to music by The Texas Gentlemen, these shows will have you feeling all the SXSW vibes.

Just Food: Community, Culture & Economy | Fri., March 11 | 2:30-5 p.m. | Huston-Tillotson University, King-Seabrook Chapel | Free with registration | Learn how food, community, culture, and economy impact the environment during this panel discussion.

ZenBusiness Startup Crawl at SXSW 2022 | Fri., March 11 | 5-9 p.m. | Capital Factory | Free with registration | Head out to this startup party where you’ll get to explore Capital Factory’s Austin Centre space — don’t forget to bring your resume to share with potential employers.

Wellness Expo | Sat., March 12-Sun., March 13 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | Free | Explore healthy living at this exhibition created to fuel your mind + body.

The Future of Food @ SXSW | Sat., March 12 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | SXSW Center | Free with registration | Listen to these interactive panels featuring professionals from the food industry.

EU@SXSW | Sat., March 12-Mon., March 14 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Native Hostel | Free | Learn about business opportunities + listen to music created by European artists at this event presented by the European Union.

artwork

Check out unique artwork and sip on coffee at the Duel Diagnosis exhibition during SXSW. | Photo via West Chelsea Contemporary

WCC Presents: Duel Diagnosis | Sat., March 12 | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | West Chelsea Contemporary | Free with registration | Join the opening event for this immersive exhibition and sip on coffee by High Brew, Rambler Sparkling Water + Haus apéritifs.

Disney+ Outdoor Screening at SXSW: Disney’s Jungle Cruise | Sat., March 12 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Long Center Terrace | Free | Grab your friends + family to watch Dwayne Johnson’s adventure down the Amazon River.

What Once Was by Six Square and E4 Youth | Sat., March 12 | 12-4 p.m. | Carver Museum | Free | View this mixed-reality project showcasing Austin neighborhoods before gentrification + stay for the panel discussion.

Disney+ Outdoor Screening at SXSW: Disney’s Cruella | Sat., March 12 | 3:30-6 p.m. | Long Center Terrace | Free | Watch Academy Award winner Emma Stone in this live-action feature film.

Disney+ Outdoor Screenings at SXSW: Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | Sat., March 12 | 7:30-9:45 p.m. | Long Center Terrace | Free | Watch Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in action at this SXSW event.

Equality Lounge @ SXSW | Sat., March 12- Sun., March 13 | Times vary | Waller Creek Boathouse | Free with RSVP | Leaders across various industries will come together to discuss topics such as business growth + building your financial future.

eMLS Cup presented by Coca-Cola | Sun., March 13 | 2-5:30 p.m. | ACL Live at the Moody Theater | Free | Watch professional FIFA players compete to earn the title of best FIFA player in North America + stay for the free merch.

Let’s Get Free - Liberation Through Movement | Sun., March 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | Free | Feel the rhythm and embrace the movement of your body at this dance and drum experience.

SXSW Art Program - “HYDROVOX 2.0” by CIFIKA and Alex Griff | Mon., March 14 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Central Presbyterian Church | Free | Check out this installation that’s designed as a theatrical “portal” + stay for CIFIKA’s performance at 10 p.m.

Food Film Watch Parties at SXSW | Mon., March 14 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Huston-Tillotson University, Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium | Free | Watch the film “Gather” and listen to a post-panel discussion.

Female Executive Dinner | Mon., March 14 | 8 p.m. | Wax Myrtle’s Club, Rooftop at Thompson Austin Hotel | Free with registration | Attend this SXSW German innovation Ladies Dinner for a night of networking.

Food-Film Viewing Party at SXSW | Tues., March 15 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Huston-Tillotson University, Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium | Free | Watch “The Ants and the Grasshopper” + listen to a post-panel discussion.

Critical Mass x SXSW | Tues., March 15-Wed., March 16 | 10 a.m. | The Rustic Tap | Free | Join Critical Mass as they gather artists + entrepreneurs to explore artists’ rights while enjoying a Canadian breakfast.

Weird Sister SXSW Unofficial Day Party | Wed., March 16 | 12-6 p.m. | BLK Vinyl, 2505 E. 6th St., Ste. F | Free, donations accepted | Listen to a stellar lineup including Moon Kissed + shop at a vintage pop-up shop from NYELINER at this party.

New Nashville Riverboat Roadshow | Wed., March 16 | 1 p.m. + 7 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Dock, 208 Barton Springs Rd. | Free | Head to the dock for live music, drinks, and food on the water — availability is based on a first come, first served basis.

SXSW Hydration Happy Hour at iVitamin | Wed., March 16 | 3-7 p.m. | iVitamin, 515 S. Congress Ave. #104 | Free | Enjoy an art show, live music, cocktails, and food at this Happy Hour, which also includes massage chairs.

BALANCED BREAKFAST SHOWCASE Day One | Thurs., March 17 | 12-6:30 p.m. | The Jackalope | Free with registration | Get ready to jam out to live music from bands out of Austin, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles at this showcase presented by Music City SF.

#HighFiveHour | Thurs., March 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Lustre Pearl East | Free with registration | Get ready to give a lot of high fives + sip on drinks at the open bar — proof of vaccination required for this event.

Outdoor Stage

You won’t believe all the performers set to hit the Outdoor Stage this year at SXSW. | Photo by David Brendan Hall

SXSW Outdoor Stage | Thurs., March 17-Sat., March 19 | Times vary | 800 W. Riverside Dr. | Free | Take in the sights of Lady Bird Lake + the Austin skyline during this three-day series — performers include Golden Dawn Arkestra, Jane N’ The Jungle, and Mt. Joy.

Flatstock 77 | Thurs., March 17-Sat., March 19 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Austin Convention Center | Free | Check out various gig posters created by poster artists at this event — items will be available for purchase.

Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion 2022 | Fri., March 18-Sat., March 19 | Empire Control Room & Garage | Free with registration | Get ready for 16+ live performances, including a special tribute to the Grateful Dead.

The Austin Chronicle’s Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party: Vol. 7 Take 2 | Fri., March 18 | 1-5 p.m. | Hotel Vegas | Free with registration | Listen to local bands, meet the team from Austin Pets Alive!, sip on Hornitos Ranch Water, and eat tacos from Eldorado Cafe at this party.

Fire Talk Official SXSW Showcase | Fri., March 18 | 8 p.m. | Swan Dive | Free | Listen to Mamalarky, Wombo + PACKS at this band showcase.

Makin’ It Magazine’s 8th Annual Media Matters Soundstage | Fri., March 18 | 12- 8 p.m. | Vulcan Gas Company | Free+ with RSVP | This is where people in the music industry + media professionals join together to enjoy performances and live interviews — $20 gets you VIP entrance.

2nd Annual Art Exhibition ~~ IT’S TIME TO PLAY! | Fri., March 18-Sat., March 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Jodie King Media Art Studio, 2525 S. Lamar Blvd, Ste. #14 | Free with registration | Join local artists Jodie King + Jane Robin at this event featuring art, music by local musicians, drinks, and prizes.