It’s now March, which means we’re officially in the thick of spring festival season in Central Texas, most notably anchored by the annual South by Southwest Conference & Festivals in downtown Austin. The decades-old festival returns to Texas’ capital city March 12-18, bringing with it thousands of attendees from in and beyond Texas.
Whether you’re a badge-holder looking for the cherry on top or a Texan trying to make the most of the tech and music-driven madness, fear not: While many premium events and premieres require a badge, there’s still a slew of events free and open to the public.
Congress Avenue Block Party
The Congress Avenue Block Party returns this year as a free, festival-long event open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Located at 900 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, the setup will double as both the site of free drinks, food and giveaways as well as a respite for attendees needing to recoup between events, panels or other sessions.
Aguasol tequila tasting
Aquasol will host complimentary samples and free tequilas tastings on March 12-14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 900 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701. Those interested in a little extra can purchase cocktails from the bar on site.
RYZE coffee and live music
RYZE will host a pop-up at 147 E. Fourth St., Austin, TX 78701 to pass out free mushroom coffee and matcha lattes, alongside slushies, live music, yoga and art activations. The festivities will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 12-14.
Austin Eastciders tasting
Those interested in sampling Austin Eastciders’ new Giddy Up Electric Punch flavors can attend the Austin business’ pop-up at 900 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 12-14. Austin Eastciders will have two flavors available (tropical blast and blue raspberry), with each containing 11% ABV.
Austin Chronicle’s Hair of the Three-Legged Dog Day Party
Austin Chronicle’s 11th Hair of the Three-Legged Dog Day returns on March 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at Hotel Vegas, located at 1502 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78702. The event — free with an online reservation — pays tribute to the publication’s three-legged dog, Hank, with complimentary tacos, Bloody Marys and live music performances.
JonnyPops samples
Whether you need to beat the heat or simply enjoy a sweet treat, JonnyPops will be passing out free popsicles and swag from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 15-18 at 900 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701.
Verdadero 360 tequila sampling
Verdadero Tequila will host a free tequila tasting and educational event for guests ages 21 and older from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 15-18 at 900 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701. Alongside samples, Verdadero will have a free 360 photo booth on site for guests.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
SXSW’s Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake returns on March 15, offering free live music performances at 800 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704, located along the beloved Austin waterway. The specifics on the lineup and performance times have yet to be announced as of Thursday morning, March 5.
Tennessee House
Tennessee House returns to SXSW with a three-day programming from March 13-15 at Electric Shuffle, located at 91 Red River St., Suite 102, Austin, TX 78701. The opening night will feature Tennessee-made whiskey samples and snacks, with other events slated include karaoke, line dancing, DJ sets, trivia and giveaways.
Yahoo! at SXSW
Yahoo! will take over the Historic Scoot Inn at 1308 E. Fourth St., Austin, TX 78702 on March 14-15, with free admission for live music and dancing on March 14 from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests must be ages 21 and older to attend. On March 15, the festivities run from noon to 8 p.m. and include free food and drinks, line dancing, games like horseshoe throws and lassoing as well as a March Madness bracket building opportunity.
Lone Star Roadhouse
Lone Star Roadhouse, in collaboration with Lone Star Beer, will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. on March 13-15 at East End Ballroom, located at 4715 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78702. Free entry is available for all guests to enjoy live music, with free cocktail samplings and a full bar available for those 21 and older.
Just Southwest of Official
Just Southwest of Official is an unofficial SXSW party planned for March 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails and Hold Out Brewing, located at 406 Walsh St., Austin, TX 78703. The free event includes live music, a vendor market, flash tattoos as well as a free photo booth available for guests.
Marshall: Live From Mohawk
Marshall: Live From Mohawk will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on March 16 at 912 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701, with live music, a Waterloo Records pop-up shop, merch drops, free Cold Ones popsicles and giveaways…