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.
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.
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.