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No SXSW badge? No problem. These free events don't require credentials

SXSW 2024 runs from March 8 to March 16. But don't worry if you don't have a badge or wristband – there are plenty of free things planned over the next few weeks.

AUSTIN, Texas — South by Southwest (SXSW) is here. The annual celebration of music, film, comedy and more takes over Downtown Austin from March 8 to March 16.

A majority of SXSW events require some sort of credential, but don't worry if you don't have a badge or wristband. There are still plenty of free events planned over the next few weeks.

Variety Power of Comedy at SXSW

What: Variety's Power of Comedy event returns as part of the SXSW Comedy lineup. On March 8, Samantha Bee, Nick Kroll, John Leguizamo and more will be honored. Tickets are available to the public.

When: March 8 at 7:15 p.m.

Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, located at 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.

Tulsa House

What: Tulsa House will showcase Tulsa, Oklahoma, as "an engine for cultural, social and economic progress." In addition to panels on tech, Indigenous representation in media and more, Tulsa House will also offer beverages, bites and music to provide attendees with a "taste of Tulsa."

When: March 8-9

Where: Augustine, located at 86 Rainey St.

Mindy Kaling at Sharpie x PaperMate Studio

What: Sharpie and Paper Mate will host a Q&A with Mindy Kaling. The free event is open to the public, but there is a waitlist.

When: March 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Icenhauer's, located at 83 Rainey St.

Eclipsing

What: A site-specific soundwalk that is free and open to the public, Eclipsing was created in collaboration with the local community and astrophysicists, "using recordings made from the environment and serendipitous storytelling." Learn more and RSVP online.

When: March 9-12

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive

Rolling Stone's Future of Music

What: Rolling Stone's second-annual showcase featuring Peso Pluma, Teezo Touchdown, Young Miko, Flo Milli, Faye Webster and more. Those without a SXSW credential can RSVP online for admission on a first-come, first-served basis, though an RSVP doesn't guarantee entry. Badge and wristband holders will receive priority admission.

When: March 12-15

Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, located at 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.

Marshall Funhouse

What: A 3-day event featuring a full lineup of artists, including Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Shannon and the Clams, Dinosaur Jr., Dry Cleaning, The Black Angels and more. Anyone can RSVP for general admission to all three days of Marshall Funhouse, though an RSVP does not guarantee entry. SXSW credentials will be prioritized for nighttime SXSW showcases from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., with limited access for the general public.

When: March 13-15

Where: Parish, located at 501 Brushy St.

Flatstock 92

What: An art exhibition of "the world's most influential and exceptional gig poster artists." Posters will be up for sale, and some artists will be available for meet-and-greets.

When: March 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Austin Convention Center, located at 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.

Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake

Every year, SXSW hosts the SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake, a free, family-friendly event that is open to the public. 

Located at Auditorium Shores (800 W. Riverside Drive), doors open each day at 2 p.m. and shows are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 14 and 15. However, due to inclement weather, the March 16 performances have been moved indoors, to Palm Door on Sixth Street (508 E. Sixth St.)

This year, each day of the concert series has a theme.

Spurs Night and Celebration of STEAMBOAT 1874 Austin

On March 14, the San Antonio Spurs are teaming up with SXSW for this event celebrating Steamboat 1874, an iconic Sixth Street venue. During the event, fans can help raise money for PlayATX and the Austin Parks Foundation by participating in a raffle. There will also be games, photo ops and Spurs swag.

Performers for this 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.

Funk Not Fight

March 15, day two of the free concert series, will feature performances by:

  • Riders Against The Storm – 3 p.m.
  • Zapp featuring Bootsy Collins – 4 p.m.
  • Bootzilla Records – 5:50 p.m.

KUTX Rock The Shores

And finally, on March 16, KUTX will host a "Rock the Park" concert series featuring an all-day lineup of performers:

  • The Dinosaur’s Skin – 2 p.m.
  • Sabrina Ellis & Andrew Cashen of A Giant Dog – 2:30 p.m.
  • SaulPaul – 3 p.m.
  • Storey Littleton – 3:30 p.m.
  • Pepperminte Patti Collins – 4 p.m.
  • Parker Woodland – 4:30 p.m.
  • Waco Brothers – 5:30 p.m.

Official SXSW Music free showcases

The following shows are listed as "free to the public" on SXSW's website:

In addition, nonprofit EQ Austin is teaming up with the Austin Music & Entertainment Division to host two days of music at The Grackle, located at 1700 E. Sixth St., on March 14 and 15. 

Artists performing on March 14 include:

  • Exotic Fruitica – 7 p.m.
  • Stephanie Bergara – 8 p.m.
  • Danny Bonilla – 9 p.m.
  • Tameca Jones – 10 p.m.

Artists performing on March 15 include:

  • Kalu James – 7 p.m.
  • Midnight Navy – 8 p.m.
  • Como Las Movies – 9 p.m.
  • Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band – 10 p.m.

Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW 2024

What: This multi-day showcase will feature performances by PARTYNEXTDOOR, TJ the DJ, Christian Nodal, DJ Sober and ILLENIUM. Tickets are available online.

When: March 14-16

Where: Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, located at 1401 Trinity St.

SXSW Film & TV Festival public pre-sale tickets

The SXSW Film & TV Festival will be releasing a limited number of public pre-sale tickets for sale for select venues and screenings. The tickets will be available at the Paramount, Stateside, ZACH and Austin Film Society theaters for select films only.

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