From music festivals to art shows, there are many official and unofficial ways to explore SXSW this year. Running from March 10-19, here are 13 free events to check out, along with a breakdown of free concerts from March 14-18.

March 10-12

The Future of Food 2023 is a free two-day event featuring food tastings, interactive art installations and conversations with experts. The event will convene experts to explore feeding the world while combating climate change. Located at 1400 Lavaca St., Austin, the event is open to the public, but RSVP is required.

March 11

The Mutual Love Fest is an unofficial LGBTQ+ SXSW festival with 40 local vendors, a live painting by Mars Wright, a rest and relaxation station, and live music. The free festival will go from noon-8 p.m. at The Little Gay Shop at 828 Airport Blvd., Austin.


Unofficial local artist showcase SXSOCO will also be held at Freddo ATX, featuring artists Jus Rus, Lucy Eaton, Marcus Lee, Manesyer and The Magnolia Kids. The event is free and starts at 7 p.m. at 2336 South Congress Ave., Austin.

March 12

Koop Radio & Jungle Records will host a free, unofficial SXSW music event featuring a day full of indie rock, jazz, synth music, experimental music and more from noon-6 p.m. Located at 903 E. 14th St., Austin, the event will also have a pop-up bar with complimentary drinks.

March 15


C3 Management will host a free live show at the Antone’s Nightclub featuring performances from Andrew McMahon and Brian Sella, lead singer of The Front Bottoms, along with sets from Calder Allen, Romes and others. General admission is free to the public, but entry is first come, first served. The event starts at 7 p.m. at 305 E. Fifth St., Austin.

Austin Industries Day will also be open to the public from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will allow individuals from all industries to network and collaborate. The event will be held at the Austin Convention Center at 500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin.

March 15-17

Flatstock 84 is a free SXSW event showcasing poster art. Open to the public, the event will allow attendees to see the art in person and speak with the artists who created it. The event is held in partnership with The American Poster Institute, a nonprofit corporation that serves the poster artist community. Flatstock 84 will go from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin.


March 16

The unofficial SXSW Indie Fest showcase will feature a free day full of rock, hip-hop, funk, Brazilian, Latin and world artists on a large stage with several food trucks, a bar and seating. There will also be an art gallery and community garden. The event is for all ages and is located at 1106 E. 11th St., Austin. The event runs from 2-10 p.m.

March 16-17

Artist and author BUA will showcase his art to the public for free at Native Hostel. BUA has done collaborations with several artists and brands such as Adidas, Toyota and Nike, and his latest non-fungible token art piece is the first in a series celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The event will be from 2-6 p.m. at 807 E. Fourth St., Austin.


March 17

The Beats and Lyrics Music Showcase is a free event featuring performances from R&B and hip-hop artists such as Fre$h P, Aych, Soufside Soul, Squalla and several others. The event will have live shows, merchandise booths and networking opportunities. The event will be held at Peckerheads, 402 E. Sixth St., Austin, from 4-8 p.m.

March 18

A free showcase for midwest and south/southwest artists will be held at dadaLab, 2824 Real St., Austin starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature nonstop music from a variety of genres, including artists such as Vinyl Palace, Mr. West, Young Bride and Flores Negras from Chicago, alongside Philthy Dronez from California and Bonbom and Temptrix from Texas.


The Black Makers Market will also be in the area, featuring over 20 black-owned businesses selling fashion pieces, art, food and more. The outdoor event will also have music and family-friendly activities. The event will be held at Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin, from noon-4 p.m. Admission is free.

March 19

An unofficial SXSW Puppy Party will be held at Lustre Pearl East for well-behaved leashed dogs and their owners. The event will have a puppy photo booth and adoptable puppies, along with doggy fashion and snacks. The bar will sell special drinks benefitting Save An Angel, a nonprofit dedicated to providing care for homeless and at-risk animals. The event will be held at 114 Linden St., Austin, from 1-4 p.m. This event is for individuals 21 and over.

In addition to music festivals and informational events, there are also several free solo concerts being held in the area. Here is a breakdown of the free SXSW music events:

March 14

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q

801 Red River St., Austin


Lineup:
  • CP Loony, 8 p.m.
  • The Tiarras, 8:40 p.m.
  • Caramelo Haze, 9 p.m.
  • Eimaral Sol, 9:30 p.m.
  • Urban Heat, 11:05 p.m.
March 15

Sheraton BackYARD

702 E. 10th St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Bianca B-Lo, 7:35 p.m.
  • J Rich Tha Don, 8:15 p.m.
  • Kina Love, 8:35 p.m.
  • Skylar T, 8:55 p.m.
  • Tribe Mafia, 10:55 p.m.
  • Alesia Lani, 11:30 p.m.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q

801 Red River St., Austin


Lineup:
  • J Soulja, midnight
Flatstock Stage at Austin Convention Center

500 Cesar Chavez St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Laura Pérez, 4 p.m.
March 16

Sheraton BackYARD

702 E. 10th St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Lara Price, 7 p.m.
  • Daniel Fears, 8 p.m.
  • Nemegata, 9 p.m.
  • Grace Sorensen, 10 p.m.
  • We Don't Ride Llamas, 11 p.m.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake

Riverside Drive & South First Street, Austin


Lineup:
  • Lucky Diaz, 3 p.m.
  • Mega Ran, 3:30 p.m.
  • Smith & Yarn, 4 p.m.
  • SaulPaul, 4:30 p.m.
  • Thao, 6 p.m.
March 17

Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake

Riverside Drive & South First Street, Austin


Lineup:
  • Baba Kuboye, 3 p.m.
  • AJ Smith, 4:30 p.m.
  • The Zombies, 5:30 p.m.
Sheraton BackYARD

702 E. 10th St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Sami & The Engine, 7 p.m.
  • Poet Hawkins, 8 p.m.
  • The Dead Coats, 9 p.m.
  • Jake Lloyd, 10 p.m.
  • El Combo Oscuro, 11 p.m.
Flatstock Stage at Austin Convention Center

500 Cesar Chavez St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Luna Lee, 4 p.m.
March 18

Sheraton BackYARD

702 E. 10th St., Austin


Lineup:
  • Michi Sanz, 7 p.m.
  • Destiny Navaira, 8 p.m.
  • Como Las Movies, 9 p.m.
  • Shiela, 10 p.m.
  • Shrt_Lyf, 11 p.m.
For more information on free events, visit the SXSW website.