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So, what is SXSW? SXSW is an incredible multi-day program of innovation, film & TV,, music, and comedy shows every March in Austin, Texas.
The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists, and party-goers looking to discover new talent, often for free.
We have attended South by Southwest festivals for many years.
Uniquely, we both have experience attending SX as premium badge holders and non-paying attendees, so we can compare how to do SXSW for free against doing it like the industry types.
Here’s your ultimate guide to SXSW with tips on bagging gratis food, booze, and entry to SXSW-free parties.
As always, we discuss the cost of South By, what to pack, and tips on how to get the most out of the fest.
South By Southwest 2026 runs from March 12-18.
You may also like our guide on free things to do in Austin and where to stay for SXSW.
What is SXSW 2026?
SXSW, or South by Southwest, is an annual multi-media festival and conference that takes place in Austin, Texas, for just under two weeks every March.
The multi-day event is split into innovation, film & TV, music, education, and culture sections.
You can expect the following:
- International movies playing in a variety of cinemas.
- Panel members speaking across the city.
- Startups showing off their new products at SXSW activations.
- Panels and discussions.
- Bands performing in hotels, bars, clubs, churches, and even in vans.
What makes SXSW special is that the festival takes over the whole city. No space is safe.
Many locals make plans to escape the city during the event.
Participants can either pay for a badge or, with some effort, see gigs and events for free.
You can purchase badges for each theme or go platinum for primary access to all of them.
When is South by Southwest 2026?
The official schedule kicks off March 12-18, 2026, and registration opens in March 2025.
Purchase your early bird South by Southwest 2026 tickets here.
You can learn more about the different types of accommodation and prices in our SXSW accommodation guide.
To find out previous SX dates, check the FAQs section below.
South by Southwest Line Up 2026
Music fans can catch Grammy award-winner Lola Young at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music, and Austin’s Honey Made bring “contemporary RnB, with Texas Heat” to the SX stage.
For film, I Love Boosters featuring Keke Palmer and Demi More premiers and Vince Vaughn stars in Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice.
Speakers will also cover themes such as AI, storytelling, post-search internet, and crypto, plus a keynote speech by Steven Spielberg!
Note: The first big wave of acts/panellists tends to be announced around August/September, but it is pretty much a guessing game until March, and even then, some artists have to pull out because of funding.
You might be surprised to hear this, but the lineup for SX isn’t fully announced until the weekend before it starts.
SXSW Badges Explained
SXSW was created to support artists and the industry in meeting and discussing future partnerships.
Those who are serious about networking should invest in an SXSW badge.
Badges give you access to all shows, talks, events, and gigs in your chosen area, or access all areas for the platinum badge; you may still need to wait in line, but not to the extent of those who enjoy SXSW by stalking the free events.
Even as badge holders, we’ve missed sessions and films because we missed the window to request specialist passes; some scheduling can be tricky until you get into the swing of things.
Another perk we’ve enjoyed as badge holders is the complimentary daily drink at an Austin venue.
In the past, we’ve met interesting locals and visitors from a range of backgrounds, including blockchain companies and gaming marketers, during our visit.
SXSW PanelPicker 2026
Applications for the PanelPicker open in the summer.
The online application gives the SXSW community a voice in the sessions programmed at SXSW.
How To Do SXSW For Free: Music, Food, and Booze
It’s known that you can visit Austin during SXSW just to enjoy the free music shows, food, and drinks.
Private companies sponsor venues and gigs, and with sponsorship comes free stuff!
Here’s how to get the best out of your free South by Southwest trip.
You will need a vacation after it.
Social Media
Planning for SXSW starts months before the big event.
Start stalking the bands and artists you love on social media to see who is attending.
You should also pay attention to SXSW social accounts and venues in Austin.
During the festival, the following official and unofficial accounts will tell you where to get food, the lines, and where the surprise gigs are taking place.
You might want to create a separate social media account to keep track of events.
@SXSW
@SXSWNews
@RSVPATX (was @SXUnofficial)
@Do512 <— also an app
@Atxconcert
@SXSWMF
@SXRumors
@Thefreenoms
Follow the hashtag #SXSW on socials for the most up-to-date news.
Also, pick up a copy of the Austin Chronicle paper for shows.
Antones is packed with a long line, where’d all you people come from. Related: sxxpress rules. #sxlines
— Operation Every Band (@OperEveryBand) March 16, 2023
The Rules of Free SXSW Events
Our latest experience of SX-free events was very different from the first.
In the past, RSVPing was a must as stewards checked for the app tickets at the door.
Things have changed; as long as you wait in line and the venue isn’t at full capacity, you might get in.
Again, monitor those accounts to see where lines are feasible; you must be flexible at SXSW.
You’ll see many ‘no badge, no problem’ signs, especially on Rainey Street.
You will have to pay for your drink at these ‘no badge’ events unless it is a sponsored party to which you’ve RSVPed.
Waiting in Line
Waiting in line is just part of the SX bloodline.
Even badge holders need to stand in line at times, albeit in the primary one.
We waited for a good few hours, drinking our tins from the gas station, to try and catch Years and Years one evening.
We failed to get anywhere near the front.
However, one of the best things about SX is that although full one day, you’ll get to see the artist the next at another venue.
We missed Har Mar Superstar on 6th but caught him in a tiny, intimate venue the next day.
Wristbands For Free Shows
Don’t expect free food and drink at every party.
The free, like actual free, days will be the BIG parties held at the notable venues.
However, they seem to be a thing of the past now.
Here are some examples:
- Stubb’s BBQ – free breakfast tacos and beer, aka in bed by 8 pm.
- British Music Embassy.
- Whatever TV show is being pimped – pop-up venue, three free drinks and food tokens.
Once the free beverages run out, there are no more, so get in early.
SXSW Apps
The Do512 app is useful but difficult to use.
The best way to avoid this is to search for the act you wish to see, pull up the venues where they are playing, and then investigate which party that would be.
Social media apps are the best apps at your disposal, and taxi apps will be required to get into and out of the city.
SXSW Go is the official SX app.
As badge holders, it has been useful for scheduling events and attempting to request special passes for popular events.
We didn’t feel this app was much use as a non-badge attendee.
A charged phone is essential, pack an Anker battery charger US / UK too.
SXSW Venues
There are hundreds of venues at SX, and they will literally pop up anywhere.
Some of the most popular ones for free parties include the following.
I’ve also listed acts that have played here.
- Cheer up Charlies (900 Red River St) – Gus Dapperton, Men I Trust, Gang of Youths.
- Rainey Street is full of sponsored parties that change daily – Dreamer Boy at Bangers.
- Hotel Vegas (1502 E 6th St) has five different rooms; guests can stay at the hotel until evening.
- Mohawk Austin (912 Red River St) Broken Social Scene ’19.
- British Embassy The Courtyard (208 w4th).
Accommodation in Austin SXSW
Hotels and hostel prices are high in Austin around SXSW.
Be prepared to pay around three times the amount you would normally pay for a room in a popular North American city, as rooms book up quickly.
We’ve stayed with HI Hostel Austin a few times, taking advantage of their private room, but unfortunately, this hotel did not survive past 2020.
Consider The Firehouse for a hostel close to 6th Street. Check the best rates at Hostelworld.
The Hilton Hotel is great for proximity, but it will be pricey. Check the best rates at Expedia or Booking.
Holiday Inn Austin – Town Lake is close to Rainey Street, which is ideal stumbling distance.
Check the best rates at Expedia or Booking.
Airbnb in Austin
Airbnb is a popular option for those trying to keep prices down.
There are several options for booking a private room, guest house, or full apartment.
A word of warning, though: we have countless Airbnbs, and one hostel canceled on us when they realized that the period we were trying to book was SX.
Read next | Our full SXSW accommodation guide
Getting Around Austin
Uber and Lyft both operate as taxis in Austin.
It operates on an app basis, similar to Lyft and Uber.
Lime and Bird both have scooters dotted around the city.
You need the app and a credit card to activate the scooter.
I’m quite an anxious driver, but I can use the scooters with ease.
Stick to the cycle lanes when there are some.
You can’t use the scooters on the sidewalks or the river.
What Do You Wear at the SXSW Conference?
Anything goes, but be comfortable.
Expect most days to be hot and sticky, with a small chance of rain.
The number one item on your packing list should be well-worn shoes for all the dashing between locations.
If you are there to network, aim to stand out.
Bright hair, cool hat?
Whatever your bag is!
Prepare your elevator speech before you go, too, and don’t forget your business cards.
SXSW Packing List
- SXSW Badge
- Proof of age
- Credit cards and cash ($1 for drinks tips)
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof coat – I recommend Marmot Precip US / UK; it folds away neatly and looks good
- Warmer layer
- Day bag
- MagSafe or phone battery pack – we use Anker US / UK
- Phone charger cable
- Hydration tablets US / UK – for the hangovers, seriously,
- Business cards
- Shades
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Battery pack
- SD Card
- Earplugs for music venues
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
SXSW For Free Roundup
Don’t be put off by the lines; SXSW is an electric nine-day event that brings the best music, film, and interaction to one of the U.S.’s hottest cities.
Regardless of whether you are a badge-goer or a free gig stalker, I highly recommend adding SXSW to your bucket list.
Oh, and take your ID – you must prove who you are (and you are over 21) at every door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SXSW free?
It can be. There are plenty of free SXSW events around the city during the festival, but the main point of SX is to connect clients with creatives and give companies the space to showcase their talent during the badge events.
SXSW Meaning?
SXSW or SX stands for South by Southwest. It came from the movie North by Northwest.
How Long is South by Southwest?
The festival has run from six, nine, and ten days.
Where are the Free SXSW Shows?
All over the city! On rooftops, in shops, in trucks, in theatres, and, less surprisingly, in bars. Check out venues for an idea of some reliable venues.
When was South by Southwest 2025?
SXSW 2025 took place from 7-15, 2025.
When is South by Southwest 2024?
SXSW 2024 took place from 8-16, 2024.
When was South by Southwest 2023?
SXSW 2022 took place from March 10-19, 2023.
When was South by Southwest 2022?
SXSW 2022 took place March 11th – March 20th, 2022.
EDU took place from the 7th – to the 10th of March, and then the Interactive portion took over from the 11th – to the 20th of March. The film overlapped on the 11th – 20th March. Finally, music filled the streets officially from the 14th – to the 20th of March.
These dates will give you an idea of when SX 2024 is if you can’t make it in 2023.
South by Southwest Line Up 2021
2021 Featured Speakers included Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, Julia Cheek, Maëlle Gavet, Ann Hiatt, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Emily Ma, Ghazi, Hari Ravichandran, and Andrew Zimmern.
For music, Circuit Des Yeux, Moor Mother, bbymutha, and Sunflower Bean joined the bill.
Everything Everywhere All At Once by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, aka ‘Daniels’ starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., and Jamie Lee Curtis opened SXSW Film.
This movie went on to win many awards in 2023.
SXSW 2019 Highlights
Here are some of our top music acts/events from 2019. We were lucky enough to see some gigs twice.
Jonathan Bree – an eerie band. I think The Village/Handmaid’s Tale has an awesome sound (saw twice). Free.
The Ninth Wave – Scottish band Depeche Mode vibe, played at the British Music Embassy. Free.
Nordista Freeze – wow, energy from Nashville! Caught on the rooftop of the Handlebar. Free.
APRE – indie pop, happy band from London (saw twice, once stripped back at Holy Roller). Free.
Majestic Casual party – excellent lineup at the Rainey Street party. Badges.
Good Omens Garden Party – this was a phenomenal two-day party with drinks, food, music, and puppies. Free SXSW event!
Are you going to SXSW?
Let us know in the comments below.
I’ve been going to SxSW for 20 years. There is nothing even mildly useful in this article.
Hi Larry, sorry you didn’t find anything useful in my SXSW guide. Unlikely that you are the target reader having visited 20 times. Please feel free to share the secrets from your extensive experience.
Hope the time it took you to leave a negative comment were worth it for you. Have a great SX! ~ Gemma
There are a lot of non SXSW music events during SXSW. They used to be noted by NSXSW. GiddyUp’s used to name theirs South X So What until they got legal notice. It is now Spring Fling. A 5 day lineup starting march 14 2024. Other places may note theirs as NSXSW. You will see some firs rate new and well know acts at these. A lot are free.
Thanks Tom. Appreciate your input. Have a great time!
Wow. Racking’ up advertising bucks, eh? This article was three times as long as it needed to be. I gave up looking for the info I needed. Quicker to find it someplace else.
Hey S. We’ve created and updated this guide every year to help new visitors navigate the crazy world of SXSW. So yes, it is detailed and we’re not going to apologize for that! Have a great one and good luck networking with this kind of attitude.
Brilliant Guide – Really easy to follow and straightforward.
Can you assist please – I have committed to travel to the SXSW Music Festival but am having trouble sourcing a ticket/wristband. Can you advise nohow I can purchase this please
Another great guide for free music and venues is the Austin Chronicle.
100% we picked up the paper. Will add. Many thanks and have a magic SX.
We just so happen to be in town during the SXSW fest! We have never been to Austin and bought tickets to a concert. Did not know about this and soooo excited we lucked into being here during. We have no tickets so will be checking things out by chance and luck I suppose. Thanks so much for the tips!
I’m just updating the guide to say if you see Two Scots in tartan, that’s us. Come to say hi!
Thanks for sharing this ultimate hack to visit this amazing event for free, i think every music and business enthusiast should visit this event for sure this year. Only few days are left in event so plan for it accordingly.
Looking forward to visiting again! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Unfortunately the Blackheart has closed down since SXSW 2018. They may reopen the space for a temporary venue in March but it won’t be the same space we all loved.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this. Great bar and venue space. I’ll update my guides, many thanks for letting me know.
We are heading to SXSW this year for the first time as part of our Honeymoon! We’ve both wanted to go for ages and I’m taking all the tips I can 🙂 I’ve set us a dedicated twitter already @rolloroseSXSW and I’m going to use our wedding email address and sign up for RSVPster – on that point do you know if we can use the same email address for two RSVPster passes?
I’m going to give the SXSW spotify a listen so I have some idea of the smaller bands we would like to see live.
Any other tips for 2 pasty Scots would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Thanks, Alison xx
Rock on! You are going to have a ball. I would set up a completely separate email address (you’ll need one each) because the emails come thick and fast and you use them to sign up for parties (although Craig says he used it less last in comparison to 2015, still a safe bet). Are you on Instagram? What’s your handle if so?
I’m so excited, trying to get organised seems like such an epic task! My instagram is @mrs.rosie.rollo but I’ve started a new one for following bands/labels and documenting the trip which is @rollorosesxsw and a twitter account to match 🙂
Time will fly by! I’ve got you on Insta now 🙂
Great guide for the newbie! I’ve been once and 2019 will be my second time and definitely starting to research in Jan. Perhaps we’ll meet up there in March!
I am starting to get excited about it! It’s so full on but a lot of fun. We’ll be the couple in tartan, look out for us 😉
Wow! This looks like a blast! We are DEFINITELY planning to attend next year. We’re not sure if we are going to bother getting REAL passes or if we’re just going to sniff around and find stuff. We do know that we will be vlogging/blogging the whole experience. Thanks for this super post!
We’ve done it for ‘free’ for two years now [Craig – three] so we’re biting the bullet and buying passes!
We ended up going and DEFINITELY are happy we had badges! For 2020, we just submitted a workshop proposal. If we are selected, we will each get a free platinum pass, can save 2 grand AND can add SXSW to our list of speaking engagements! 🙂 We’ll see you there, I hope. 🙂
Fabulous, everything crossed!
Thanks! 🙂
thanks for the tips! this sure sounds like an interesting festival, very diverse! hoping we could have one like this in our country too!
We’re going back in Mach now!
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! I’ve always wanted to go to SXSW but it seemed so expensive, so I put it on the back burner. I think I’ll have to take another look for next year though now! Looks like such a fun time!!
I’m going to write an article about accommodation soon as we’ve had a ‘mare of late. You can’t book to early as everyone cancels on you once they realise it’s SX and they can make their millions in that week. Stay tuned!
HI! I was never into festivals, but this one sounds like fun. Interesting that it also includes the digital side. Thanks for the detailed description on how to get involved!
Thanks Veronika. It is certainly a lot different from beer soaked, crowd surfing type of festivals you get in Europe.
Excellent information! I love festivals and SXSW has always been very high on my bucket list. I had no idea the event was so connected. You have saved me future hours of research and frustration in planning to attend this festival. I look forward to attending in the future with my charged phone and backup battery 🙂
Awesome to hear Heather! Post on ‘where not to stay’ coming soon after the last week we’ve had trying to nail a bed down the this SX in March.
It reminds me of visiting Galway, Ireland during the horse races. There are so many interesting things happening in the streets and music pouring from every building and even people in the streets. Waiting in lines was never a problem there either. That’s part of the fun, right? We met two guys that I stayed friends with more than 10 years later.
I didn’t even know that existed in Galway! Sounds like fun. Looking forward to meeting up with friends we made last year again and some Austinites we’ve met on the road in the past few months!
This sounds fun! I never knew music festivals could be so complicated and cool at the same time! While I don’t see me and the kids attending for a few more years yet ( they are still at the “stars on ice” type of concert stage) it sounds like a great way to travel in conjunction with your hobby!
Stars on Ice sounds just as fun! I’m always in awe of figure skaters and the like.
This event has grown into a megalith over the years. The digital media component is, quite honestly, the only part of it which I am even remotely familiar. Your ingenious strategies could be adapted for almost any multi-day event, though, so very helpful! I liked how you reminded people that actual performances don’t comprise the entire show – plenty to see and do in the queues! A fun look at SXSW, thanks.
Betsy, we are trying to get accommodation for 2016 and THE STRUGGLE IS REAL! It has grown arms and legs and it’s a shame because it’s more about corporations than the music.
My daughter attended this one … she is an online marketing guru for her company. She loved it there. I tried to get her to let me come along, but she said she’d be too busy to spend any time with me! LOL
You are very lucky to have that talent in the family! Digital is a massive part of SX too. If only I could get my hands on one of those badges!