Your guide to free events at SXSW
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You don't need a badge or wristband to experience the fun of South by Southwest.
What's happening: We've wrangled up a list of some events that are free and open to the public during the festival.
1. REI's International Women's Day party
Honor International Women's Day with a party at REI.
Details: Music from DJ Big Reeks and Kam Franklin and Friends, and panel discussions on sustainability in retail, from 1-8pm Friday.
📍 Where: 601 N. Lamar Blvd.
2. International Women's Day run
Take a jog with Austin's women runners to celebrate International Women's Day.
Details: 5K run from Fleet Feet and a recovery meetup with giveaways from Team Milk and The Cut at 7am Friday.
📍 Where: Fleet Feet, 211 Walter Seaholm Drive.
3. AF Lounge
Take a break from the open bars and relax at the AF Lounge (alcohol-free lounge).
Details: Open 12-8pm from March 8-11 with complimentary nonalcoholic beverages, giveaways and music.
📍 Where: 2226 E. Cesar Chavez St.
4. Eclipsing
Gear up for the solar eclipse with a walk.
Details: Grab a pair of headphones and understand the eclipse in a new way with this soundwalk.
- Start at the Long Center and then on to the trail at Lady Bird Lake, where binaural sound design is activated by precise location and time of day.
- Free with an RSVP from March 9-12.
📍 Where: Outside the Long Center near the Love Hate sculpture in the circle drive at 701 W. Riverside Drive.
5. Flatstock 92
Check out an art exhibition of influential and exceptional gig poster artists.
Details: No badge required. Open March 13-15 from 10am to 5pm.
📍 Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5
6. Equality Lounge
Find free programming and networking at the Equality Lounge from the Female Quotient.
Details: Speakers include Alice McKown, publisher and chief revenue officer of The Atlantic, "Skinny Confidential Him and Her" podcast host Lauryn Bosstick and more.
- Find the full lineup and RSVP online.
- Open from March 9-10 from 8:30am to 7pm each day.
📍 Where: Waller Creek Boathouse, 74 Trinity St.
7. Tito's spring music series
Check out 18 artists across four days at the Love, Tito's store.
Details: The series kicks off March 11, and 100% of proceeds from store purchases go to various nonprofits.
📍 Where: 215 Lavaca St.
8. Community concerts
The three-day concert series returns to Auditorium Shores.
Details: Music kicks off March 14 at 3pm.
- Bring food or stop by a food truck and grab a drink at the beer garden.
- Check the lineup online.
📍 Where: 800 W. Riverside Drive.
9. KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
KUTX is back with its early morning broadcasts at Scholz Garten from 8am to noon March 13-16.
Details: All performances are open to the public on a first-come, first-served bases.
- A $10 donation goes to the Central Texas food bank.
- Free coffee and breakfast tacos are available for purchase.
📍 Where: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
10. Music festival showcases
Skip the cover charge at SXSW's free music festival showcases at various venues around town.
Details: Music from 7-10pm each night at The Grackle and Lefty's Brick Bar from March 13-16.
- More free events listed on SXSW's website.
11. Hangover brunch
Wrap up your week with Hotel Vegas' third annual Honky Tonk Hangover brunch.
Details: Live music from Dale Hollow and Pedal Steel Noah, food from Las Brasas, and Lone Star beer specials from 11am-2pm March 16.
📍 Where: Hotel Vegas, 1502 E. 6th St.