Ultimate guide to free 2024 SXSW week events, concerts, parties if you don't have a badge
SXSW is right around the corner, and the party invites are rolling in.
This year, the conference is March 8 through March 16. During that time, thousands of people from all over the world will flock to Austin to attend live panels, special events and movie screenings.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Parties and events are being thrown all over the city to complement the conference, and we have all the details for you. Here's a list of parties happening around SXSW that we think you should know about:
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Sharpie Studio (with Mindy Kaling)
Dates: March 8-10; Kaling drops by on March 9 at 2:30 p.m.
Sharpie and Paper Mate are teaming up to host a Q&A with actress and producer Mindy Kaling, best known for her role as Kelly Kapoor on workplace sitcom "The Office," during SXSW this year. The free event, which is open to the public, is March 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sharpie Studio, 83 Rainey St.
In addition to Kaling's Q&A, creativity experts at Sharpie will host activities during the activation like doodle analysis, a creativity workout, a "Sunday Funday Game Night" and more. Some activities require registration to participate. More information can be found here.
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Rolling Stone's Future of Music with Peso Pluma, Flo Milli and more
Dates: March 12 - March 15
Rolling Stone, as part of its second-annual Future of Music showcase, is hosting a four-night concert series that "celebrates the sounds of today and tomorrow, spanning all genres." The event is March 12 through March 15 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater.
Peso Pluma, Flo Milli, Teezo Touchdown, Young Miko, Faye Webster and more are headlining the event, which will be free and open to all SXSW badge holders and the public. To RSVP, click here.
Marshall Funhouse
Dates: March 13 - March 15
Marshall Group, an audio, technology and product design company, is hosting a three-day event March 13 through March 15 called "Marshall Funhouse" at Parish, 501 Brushy Street.
The event will feature a lineup of musical artists, carnival-themed experiences, games and more. The lineup includes Detroit hardcore punk band The Armed, Austin locals Black Angels, UK-based post punk act Dry Cleaning, indie garage punk band Shannon and the Clams, punk and folk musicians Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and more. You can view the full lineup for the event at sxsw.marshall.com.
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Marshall Group, which is also an official SXSW partner for 2024, will also be hosting a panel during the conference with speakers like Janie Hendrix, sister of famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix, to support the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.
Flatstock 92
Dates: March 13 - March 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This event, presented by the American Poster Institute, is a way for the world's top poster artists to show their work. Posters will be up for sale, and artists will be available for meet and greets.
The event will be held from March 13 to March 15 at the Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can find more information online here.
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SXSW celebrates Steamboat and Spurs Night at Auditorium Shores
Dates: March 14, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The San Antonio Spurs are teaming up with SXSW on the first of three free concerts at the Lady Bird Lake on Auditorium Shores. Night one celebrates iconic Sixth Street venue Steamboat 1874. The event, which will include Spurs activations, will double as a fundraiser for PlayATX and the Austin Parks Foundation, as fans will have the option to buy raffle tickets to raise up to $100,000 for the organizations.
Performers for the event are:
Joe “King” Carrasco - 3 p.m.
Patrice Pike & Friends - 3:45 p.m.
Ian Moore - 4:30 p.m.
Vallejo - 5:25 p.m.
Bob Schneider - 6:30 p.m.
You can find more information online here.
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Official SXSW Music Festival Free Showcases
Dates: March 14 - March 15, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
EQ Austin, a non-profit focused on stimulating cultural representation in music, is teaming up with the Austin Music & Entertainment Division and the Diversity & Ethnic Chamber Alliance to host musical artists at The Grackle, 1700 E. 6th St., on March 14 and March 15.
On March 14, artists performing include:
Exotic Fruitica - 7 p.m.
Stephanie Bergara - 8 p.m.
Danny Bonilla - 9 p.m.
Tameca Jones - 10 p.m.
More artists are performing March 15:
Kalu James - 7 p.m.
Midnight Navy - 8 p.m.
Como Las Movies - 9 p.m.
Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band - 10 p.m.
You can find more information online here.
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FLOODfest
Dates: March 14, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
FLOOD Magazine is hosting its eighth annual FLOODfest during SXSW at Mohawk, 912 Red River St. on March 14. Electro-funk duo Chromeo will be headlining for its only SXSW appearance alongside Spanish indie rockers Hinds, Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, cumbia star Estevie and many more. The free event is only for those 21 and over. Attendees must RSVP or have a valid SXSW music badge, but neither guarantees entry. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and the event runs until 6 p.m.
You can RSVP for FLOODfest here.
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FRIENDS:FOREVER
Dates: March 14 - March 15, 2 p.m.
Jaded, an entertainment company dedicated to Asian youth culture, is hosting what it calls the largest Asian-centric music festival event at SXSW, named FRIENDS:FOREVER. The festival runs from March 14 to March 15 at the Empire Garage and Control Room, 606 E. 7th St.
Performers include thuy, the first Vietnamese American artist to be booked at Coachella this year; SE SO NEON, lead vocalist collab with RM of BTS in 2023; Rei Ami; Audrey Nuna and more.
Doors for the event open at 2 p.m. both days.
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Spaceflight Records’ Local Music & Arts Takeover
Dates: March 14 - March 16, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Spaceflight Records is hosting a three-evening event featuring live music, visual art and local family fun at Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St., on March 14, 15 and 16 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night.
The showcases will feature performances from 18 Spaceflight bands, including Kalu and The Electric Joint, S. L. Houser, Big Bill, Anastasia Hera and more. Visual artists Conrad Keely, Dave Creaney, Myles Crosby and Mishka Westell will also be in attendance.
The events are free and open to all ages. For information and to RSVP, click here.
Funk Not Fight at Auditorium Shores
Dates: March 15, 2 p.m.
Bassist and singer-songwriter Bootsy Collins, funk band ZAPP! and hip-hop duo Riders Against The Storm will perform March 15 as part of the SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake.
Doors open at 2 p.m., and performances are scheduled to run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
KUTX Rock the Shores at Auditorium Shores
Dates: March 16, 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Radio station KUTX is hosting a "Rock the Park" concert series to celebrate SXSW this year on March 16. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled to run 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Drive.
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Entertainers range from local artists like SaulPaul, Parker Woodland and Sabrina Ellis & Andrew Cashen (A Giant Dog) to alt-country performers Waco Brothers and Taiwanese dinosaur-themed duo The Dinosaur’s Skin. Times for each performer are:
The Dinosaur’s Skin - 3 p.m.
Sabrina Ellis & Andrew Cashen from A Giant Dog - 3:30 p.m.
Storey Littleton - 4 p.m.
Superhero Peppermint Patti Collins - 4:30 p.m.
SaulPaul - 5 p.m.
Sugar Free Allstars - 5:30 p.m.
Parker Woodland - 6 p.m.
Waco Brothers - 6:30 p.m.
You can find more information online here.
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Your guide to free 2024 SXSW week events, concerts, parties in Austin
