| Day | Events |
|---|---|
| Wed March 11 | 2 |
| Thu March 12 | 5 |
| Fri March 13 | 6 |
| Sat March 14 | 3 |
| Sun March 15 | 5 |
| Mon March 16 | 2 |
| Wed March 18 | 1 |
Summary
23 free events across SXSW week (March 11-18, 2026). A mix of music showcases, tech expos, brand activations, and community events. Some require RSVP.
Events by Day
Event Schedule
Wednesday, March 11 Pre-SXSW · 2 events
BMI Presents Howdy Texas
Six bands including local favorites Magna Carda and Elijah Delgado.
Porchella 2026
Fifth annual SXSW porch party hosted by The Reverent Few. BYOB format with over a dozen performers.
Thursday, March 12 5 events
YETI Music Showcase: Presented by BMI
Two days of music from more than a dozen bands from around the globe.
South By San José
Two dozen bands including Austin's own Next of Kin and Calder Allen, plus vendors and beverages.
Cosmic Fest
Four-day live music event featuring Brother Thunder, Dylan Leblanc, and Meg Lauren.
Congress Avenue Block Party
Formerly the Registrant Lounge, now open to the public. Daily swag, complimentary drinks, and food.
Global Stage @ Downright
International bands performing nightly from 7 PM to midnight.
Friday, March 13 6 events
Hair of the Three-Legged Dog Day Party Vol. 11
Free tacos from Eldorado Cafe, drinks, and performances from Bruce, Team Trust, Égaux Sells, and Free Hamze. Benefits Austin Pets Alive!
The Open House Party
Live music performances including Sun Room, Susannah Joffe, and Night Cap.
Lone Star Roadhouse
Three-day event with bands like Rattlesnake Milk and Emily Nenni. Lone Star beer supplied, vendor markets.
Flatstock
Hundreds of music and event posters available for purchase, often by the artists who made them.
Radio Day Stage @ Downright
Bands broadcast live from local radio stations, featuring international acts and local performers like Grace Sorensen and Lew Apollo.
KUTX Day Party at Rivian
Nine local Austin artists performing. Part of KUTX's 35+ SXSW performances.
Saturday, March 14 3 events
SXSW Expo: International Innovations
Hundreds of exhibitors from technology, design, entertainment, health, and more industries. Free and open to the public.
South By South Emo
Emo-focused free event for all ages combining local beer and local bands.
Space House
Networking with industry leaders from Firefly Aerospace, IMXP, and the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas.
Sunday, March 15 5 events
Future Summit
Keynotes with Hayley Williams, Jonathan Van Ness, Jaclyn Johnson, and more than a dozen female industry disruptors. Music, bites, and shopping.
Grillo's Pickles Presents St. Pickles Day
Pickle-themed celebration with cocktails, screen printing, 19 bands, and free pickles.
VC Mini Fest
Austin Feel Good Market, live music, flash tattoo artist.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
Family-friendly free concerts with eclectic artist lineup and skyline views.
Just Southwest of Official
Day party hosted by The Good for Nothings Club with photo booth, live music, vendor market, and flash tattoos.
Monday, March 16 2 events
New Mexico House
Showcase of New Mexico-based technology, complimentary food and beverages, and live music. One day only.
Marshall: Live From Mohawk
Waterloo Records pop-up, live screen printing, free popsicles from Cold Ones, and swag giveaways.
Wednesday, March 18 1 event
SXSW Expo: Emerging Tech
Pioneering tech professionals present their businesses at this one-day-only expo. Free and open to the public.
Tips for Badge-Free SXSW
- RSVP early — Free events fill up fast; RSVP as soon as they're announced
- Check RSVPATX.com for a comprehensive list of RSVP-able events and parties
- SXSW “Houses” are branded pop-up spaces that are often free with RSVP
- Arrive early — Many free events have capacity limits
- Some events offer priority access for badgeholders even when open to the public