So what is SXSW? SXSW is an incredible ten-day programme of film, music and interactive shows which takes place every March in sunny Austin, Texas.
The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists and party-goers who are looking to discover new talent, often for free.
We (Gemma and Craig) have attended South by South West festivals for many years and even got hitched at Lou Neff Point straight after it in 2016.
Uniquely, we both have experience attending SX as premium badge holders and as 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, entry to SXSW free parties.
As always, we discuss how much South By costs, what to pack, and tips on how to get the best out of the fest.
South By Southwest 2024 runs from March 8-16, 2024.
You may also like our guide, free things to do in Austin and where to stay for SXSW.
What is SXSW 2024?
SXSW or South by Southwest is an annual multi-media festival and conference which takes place every March in Austin, Texas for just under two weeks.
The 10-day event is split into three sections, interactive, film and music.
You can expect the following:
- International movies playing in a variety of cinemas.
- Panel members speaking at the Austin Convention Center and across the city.
- Startups showing off their new products at SXSW exhibitions.
- 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 actually make plans to escape the city during the 10-day event.
Participants can either pay for a badge, wristband, or, with a bit of effort, see gigs and events for free.
You can purchase badges for each theme or go platinum for primary access to all of them.
If you choose just the interactive or film or music badge you gain secondary priority access to the other two.
When is South by Southwest 2024?
The show officially kicks off March 8-16, 2024 but EDU also takes place March 4-7.
Interactive, Film, and Music portion goes on throughout on March 8-16, 2024.
The Future 20, a multi-night showcase dedicated to emerging artists, takes place tbc at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin.
At 2023, artists like Macklemore, Chloe Bailey, and Remi Wolf performed during this showcase.
Purchase your early bird South by Southwest 2024 tickets here.
You can learn more about the different types of accommodation, and prices, in our SXSW accommodation guide.
Want to attend online? SXSW online registration is available.
If you want to find out previous SX dates, check the FAQs section below.
South by Southwest Line Up 2024
You might be surprised to hear this but the lineup for SX isn’t fully announced until the weekend before it starts.
The first big wave of acts/panellists tend 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.
Don’t worry, we’ll explain how to create your own SX itinerary below.
Although Austin is the live music capital of the world, it’s not just about the music.
Sessions include the topics of gender, health, business, marketing, self-help, etc.
Sessions mainly take place in the Austin Convention Center.
2023 sessions featured Grammarly, Duolingo, Reddit, Google, Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, LEGO Group, Shopify, IBM, Spotify, Warner Music, MIT Mobility Initiative, Partnership on AI, and Axios.
Problemista was one of the big movies of the year offering a Q&A session with Julio Torres, Tilda Swinton, and RZA.
Ben Affleck was also in town to promote his movie, Air.
However, SXSW is not about the known, it’s about the discovery of new talent from every genre.
For more previous line-ups, check the FAQ below.
SXSW Badges Explained
SXSW was created to support artists and industry meet and discuss future partnerships.
Those who are serious about networking should invest in the 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 out of sessions and films because we missed the window to request a SXXpress Pass.
You do this through the SXSW Go app.
It looks as if you have to request around 9 am the day before the event.
Another perk we’ve enjoyed as badge holders is the complimentary daily drink at the Registrant Lounge (99 Trinity St).
In the past we’ve met interesting locals and visitors from a range of backgrounds including blockchain companies to gaming marketeers during the visit.
SXSW PanelPicker 2024
Date TBC.
On this date, the online application allows the SXSW community to have a voice in what sessions are programmed at SXSW.
How To Do SXSW For Free [music, food and booze]
It’s universally known that you can visit Austin during SXSW just to take advantage of the free music shows, eats and drinks.
Venues and gigs are sponsored by private companies and with sponsorship comes free shizzle!
Here’s how to get the best out of your free South by Southwest break.
You will need a holiday after it.
Planning for SXSW starts months before the big event.
Start stalking the bands and artists your love on social media to keep an eye on who is attending.
You should also pay attention to SXSW Twitter accounts as well as venues in Austin.
During the festival, the following official and unofficial accounts will tell you where to get food, what the lines are like and where the surprise gigs are taking place.
You might want to create a separate Twitter account to keep track of events.
@SXSW
@SXSWNews
@RSVPATX (was @SXUnofficial)
@Do512 <— also an app
@Atxconcert
@SXSWMF <— Craig’s favourite
@Thefreenoms
During SX follow the hashtag #SXSW and hit the ‘latest’ tab 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, keep an eye on those Twitter accounts to see where lines are doable, you need to be flexible at SXSW.
You’ll even see heaps of ‘no badge, no problem’ signs, especially on Rainey Street.
You will have to pay for your own drink at these ‘no badge’ events unless it is a sponsored party you’ve RSVPed to.
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:
- 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 get around it is the search for the act you wish to see and pull up the venues that they are playing at then investigate which party that would be.
Twitter is definitely the best app at your disposal and taxis apps will be required to get into the city and out.
SXSW Go is the official SX app.
As badge holders, it has been useful for scheduling events and attempting to request SXXpress passes for popular events.
Craig 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 the will literally pop up anywhere. Some of the most popular ones for free parties include:
- Cheer up Charlies – 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (]-Gus Dapperton, Men I Trust, Gang of Youths.
- Rainey Street – rammed full of sponsored parties that change every day (Dreamer Boy at Bangers ’19).
- Hotel Vegas – 1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 – 5 different rooms, day goers can stay until evening without getting thrown out.
- Mohawk Austin – 912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 – Broken Social Scene ’19. We actually went to a Junior Boys gig here on the night of our wedding elopement.
- British Embassy – The Courtyard, 208 w4th.
Accommodation in Austin SXSW
Hotels and hostels prices hurt in Austin around SXSW.
Be prepared to pay around three times the amount you would normally pay for a popular North American city and rooms book up at a speedy pace.
We’ve stayed with HI Hostel Austin a few times taking advantage on 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 will be pricy. Check the best rates at TripAdvisor or Booking.
Holiday Inn Austin – Town Lake is close to Rainey Street which is ideal stumbling distance. Check the best rates at TripAdvisor or Booking.
Airbnb in Austin
Airbnb is a popular option for those trying to keep prices down.
There are a number of options for those looking to book a private room, guest house, or full apartment.
A word of warning though, we’vehad countless number of Airbnbs, and one hostel, cancel on us when they’ve realized that the period we were trying to book was SX.
Read next | Our full SXSW accommodation guide
Getting Around Austin
Uber, Lyft and Ride Austin all operate as taxis in Austin.
Ride Austin is a nonprofit company fighting against Uber and Lyft operating in Austin and carries the slogan Keep Austin Local.
It operates on an app basis like Lyft and Uber.
Lime and Bird all 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 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 down by the river.
Austin B-Cycle programme allows bike rental for up to 24 hours.
What Do You Wear to 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 in 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, folds away neatly, looks good
- Warmer layer
- Day bag
- 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
- Reusable straw – I have this bamboo cutlery kit US / UK
- Reusable cup
- Hand sanitizer
SXSW For Free Roundup
Don’t be put off by the queues, SXSW is an electric 10-day event bringing together the best of music, film, and interactive to one of the U.S’s hottest cities.
Regardless if 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 have to prove who you are (and that 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’s events.
SXSW Meaning?
SXSW or SX stands for South by Southwest. Apparently, it came from the movie North By Northwest.
How Long is South by Southwest?
The festival is officially ten days but there are events before and after if your liver can handle it.
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 of the reliable venues.
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 7th – 10th March, then Interactive portion took over on the 11th – 20th March. Film overlapped on the 11th – 20th March. Finally, music filled the streets officially from the 14th – 20th 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, 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 – eery band think The Village/Handmaid’s Tale with an awesome sound (saw twice). Free.
The Ninth Wave – Scottish band, Depeche Mode vibe played the British Music Embassy. Free.
Nordista Freeze – wow, energy from Nashville! Caught on the rooftop of 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 drink, food, music and puppies. Free SXSW event!
