How to experience SXSW without a badge
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Billboard returns with three nights of performances at The Stage during SXSW. Photo: Nicola Gell/Getty Images for SXSW
SXSW can get expensive fast, but some of the best parties and performances happen outside the badge system.
How it works: Across Austin, hotels, bars, parks and restaurants host free concerts, markets, pop-ups and day parties that are open to anyone willing to wait in line.
- Here are a few worth adding to your calendar.
🎶 Austin Sounds showcase series
Austin's homegrown talent takes center stage at Lefty's Brick Bar during the Austin Sounds official showcase series presented by EQ Austin in collaboration with the city of Austin's Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Division, KUTX and SXSW.
- The free shows start at 7pm and run nightly Thursday through Wednesday.
🎸 Austin Blues Festival SXSW Day Party
Get a preview of the upcoming Austin Blues Festival at Antone's free daytime party noon-6pm Wednesday.
- Free with an RSVP.
🎧 Might Be Magic's "Where Are My Keys" DJ set
If you're looking for a dance break between panels, Might Be Magic will bring late-night energy to Neon Grotto on Saturday and Cheer Up Charlies on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
🌴 South by San José
One of the longest-running unofficial SXSW traditions returns to Hotel San José with free outdoor shows from emerging artists Thursday through Saturday.
☕️ KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
Catch some music on your way to work at this long-running morning showcase downtown.
- Thursday through Saturday, 8am-noon. $10 entry benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.
🛒 High Road DelicaTexan market
The new restaurant and bar at South Fifth and West Mary streets will host a free market with live music on Saturday and Sunday.
- Live music starts at 7pm Saturday, and Sunday's market runs 10am-2pm.
🎉 SXSW community events
SXSW hosts a number of concerts and events that are accessible to those without a badge.
- The community concert at Lady Bird Lake returns to Auditorium Shores featuring Tune-Yards at 5:30pm on Sunday. Free and open to the public.
- The Lumineers will headline a free concert at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on Monday. RSVP required for entry.
- The new Congress Avenue Block Party on Saturday features a performance from Orville Peck.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on hotel courtyards, breweries and neighborhood venues for pop-ups and daytime shows.
💍 Kendra Scott freebies
Austin-based jewelry maker Kendra Scott will partner with Beam to turn the flagship South Congress store's Sips and Sweets cafe into a "refresh station."
- Find freebies and try Beam's Peach Mango Glow Thursday through Sunday.
- Check out an immersive glam room for touchups from celebrity stylists.
🎙️ Radio Day Stage at Downright
The Radio Day Stage will feature a series of performances broadcast live at Downright.
- Noon-5pm Monday. Free and open to the public.
🥤 Sips and Sounds
Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris will headline the Sips & Sounds Festival at Auditorium Shores on Friday and Saturday night.
- Tickets are available without a badge and start at $65.
🎵 Billboard's The Stage
Billboard's The Stage returns to Moody Amphitheater on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, featuring Don Toliver, Junior H, and Mau P.
- Tickets are available to the public. Prices vary.