Each year SXSW gets bigger and bigger. It’s the time of year Austin gets to prove its moniker as the live musical capital of the world to the international crowds that fly into the city. Downtown and the East Side swarm with scenesters looking for that free party with the free drinks, free food, and bomb performers. Although badges are hella expensive (almost $900), you can usually do SXSW without one if you’ve done your research.
So if you’re looking for that precious info, look no further. Remezcla’s got your little to no-cost fun covered with plenty of event suggestions that don’t require that badge. Check out some of our picks, along with recommendations for Twitter accounts you should be following to get the scoop on parties, freebies and open bars galore.
Got an event to recommend? Leave it in the comments below.
The Emma Barrientos Cultural Center, known to locals as the MACC, will be hosting a FOUR day showcase including conferences, panels, meet ups, and parties with free tequila and cerveza. It’s free, just register here for the events you’d like to attend. Musical acts among the four days include Centavrvs, Tropicaza, Nortec Collective, Toy Selectah, DJ AAAA, NAAFI, Macizo, Vitera, Sefo and Micca.
March 11-14
600 River St, Austin, TX 78701
This event pops off SXSW on Tuesday, March 15th with musical features by Southern Cali band Buyepongo, socially conscious rapper Olmeca, and Cihuatl Ce who spits revolutionary hip hop. There will also be dance battles hosted by El La Katrina of Goddistas Crew/ILLA Tactics and jams by DJ Flo.
Tuesday, March 15
Sahara Lounge
8pm / $5 / 21+
This year will be Peligrosa’s 8th unofficial showcase for SXSW and it will be 8 nights at Hotel Vegas Annex Space, from 7pm to 2am each night. Their cumbia/trap/hiphop/all things danceable parties are always poppin, and Riobamba will share her perreo galactico sounds on Friday.
March 12th – March 19th
1504 East 7th Street Austin, TX 78702
Mexic-Arte, one of Austin’s longstanding and amazing museums, will be having an arts pop-up shop Thursday – Saturday for SXSW. There will be Latino artists, artisans, food makers, and musicians to bring all that Tejano culture to the forefront of the festival. Stop by to support the local culture makers this year.
March 17th-19th
Mexic-Arte Museum
419 Congress Avenue
10am to 9pm each day
The Outdoor Stage (formerly Auditorium Shores stage) will feature 3 days packed with musical acts. All days are free you just need to get a SXSW guest pass beforehand. Check out the line-ups here, Tejano/Norteño group Intocable is headlining Saturday. #JUSTSAYING
March 17th – 19th
800 W Riverside Dr.
On Friday, March 18, Remezcla is bringing the next generation of global urban sounds to Swan Dive Patio as part of our official SXSW showcase. The event will feature the talents of six underground powerhouses: Ynfynyt Scroll, John Grvy, Audri Nix, Mike Towers, El Freaky, and our headliners NAAFI.
While entry is free for SXSW badges and wristbands, we’re also opening the turn up to the public, so be sure to get there early. RSVP on Facebook here.
Friday, March 18 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Swan Dive Patio
615 Red River St
RSVP for this free party opening with Neon Indian at noon and closing with Spanish indie band Hinds at 7pm. You also get to eat guacamole and take home a limited edition #guacnroll tote bag. Alrightey.
Saturday March 19th
Southbites Trailer Park
604 Driskill St.
In addition to our picks above, these Twitter accounts have got the scoop on all the parties, freebies, and open bars to be had in Austin during SXSW. Make sure to follow to stay in the loop:
@sxswparty: Tracks all the parties happening at SXSW that you can actually get into.
@thefreenoms: Curated by Luis Mendoza, this account highlights the free food and drinks to be had.