How to get a Free SXSW Badge

Are you looking for ways to go to SXSW for free?  I’ve been going to lots of free South by Southwest events and parties over the last few years.  In fact, you can get the inside scoop on how to RSVP for the free SXSW parties and events for 2018 here.  But, if you are looking for how to get a free SXSW badge, you are also in luck!

How to get a Free SXSW Badge

Last year, a Platinium badge for SXSW set you back $1650 with a wide range of other prices and options. For example, the price went down to a measly $545 for the SXSWedu badge only.  That’s quite a lot of dough!

If you don’t want to shell out all that money for a South by Southwest badge, you can get a free SXSW badge.  Here’s how to do it.
Host a SXSW Band, Get a Free SXSW Wristband

How to Volunteer at SXSW in Exchange for a Free SXSW Badge

Every year, SXSW looks for volunteers to help during the festival.  They need people to help with a wide variety of jobs such as registration, movement of gear, providing information, and more.  In exchange, they will provide you with a free SXSW badge!

However, there are a few things to keep in mind.  If you are going to volunteer at SXSW, you need to work for at least 24 hours in order to get the EDU badge.  For 48-63 hours of work you’ll be able to get the free SXSW Interactive, Film, or Music badge.  If you want the free Platinum badge, you’ll need to put in more than 63 hours of work.

How old do you need to be to volunteer at SXSW?

Also, there are age requirements to volunteer at SXSW.  Most of the volunteers need to be at least 16 years old, though music volunteers need to be at least 21.

Volunteer Training for SXSW

Before you can volunteer, you’ll need to go through some kind of training.  The training depends on the crew type you choose. First, there is a video training and quiz you have to take.  After that, more training may be necessary depending on your volunteer assignment.

Is it worth it to volunteer at SXSW in exchange for the free badge?

So, is it really worth it to do all of the volunteering in order to get the free South by Southwest badge? Let’s do the math (says the math teacher).

In 2018, the Interactive, Film, and Music badges are each $1225.  In order to get one of those badges for free, you’ll need to work at least 48 hours.  So, that would be like getting paid $25.52 per hour of volunteer work.  If that’s more money per hour than you would normally make at your day job, then I say it’s worth it to volunteer at SXSW in exchange for a free badge.