How to get a Free SXSW Badge
Are you looking for ways to go to SXSW for free? If you are looking for how to get a free SXSW badge, you are also in luck!
What Is SXSW?
Well, if you are on this page you likely already know. But for those that do not, SXSW is a ten-day festival consisting of film, music and interactive shows. It is based in Austin, TX every March. The 10-day event is a celebration of comedy, film and music.
The festival blankets all of Austin with fun things to do. Many theaters play International films screenings. The Austin Convention Center hosts panels. The SX Trade Show gives tech companies a chance to promote their newest ideas.
But the big draw is the SXSW music! Bands perform concerts everywhere.
See the complete 2022 SXSW Schedule, lineup, and list of venues.
How to get a Free SXSW Badge
In 2022, a Platinium badge for SXSW events set you back $1725 with a wide range of other prices and options. For example, the price went down to a measly $595 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
In the past, you could host artists to get a free SXSW Wristband. In 2022 this has been paused due to COVID. But keep this in mind for SXSW 2023!
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 SXSW 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.
SXSW 2022 Covid 19 Policy
South By Southwest has been cancelled in the past due to COVID. Be sure to read the SXSW 2022 COVID-19 Policy. In 2022, SXSW will by a hybrid event, that includes a virtual SXSW.