How To Go To SXSW For Free + SXSW Student Discounts

Are you looking for ways to go to SXSW for free?  If you want to know how to get a free SXSW badge, you are in luck! We also share how to get SXSW student discounts. Buying a badge to SXSW is very expensive, but you can earn a free badge.

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 2023 SXSW Schedule, lineup, and list of venues.

How to get a Free SXSW Badge

In 2023, a SXSW Platinium badge for SXSW events costs $1595 plus taxes with a wide range of other prices and options. The same SXSW Platinum badge is $1995 if you wait until the last minute.

Even the most affordable ticket option is expensive. The “affordable” SXSWedu badge is $595.  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 get into SXSW for free.

How To Get Free SXSW Guest Badges

You can get free SXSW Guest Badges now. They are essentially a totally free badge that will allow you free SXSW access to some seriously awesome official events, including movie screenings, exhibitions, presentations, and more.

To score your free SXSW Guest Badge go here. (link seems to be down for now)

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 various 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 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 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 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 were 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.

Host a SXSW Band, Get a Free SXSW Wristband

Previously, you could host artists to get a free SXSW Wristband. In 2022 this was paused due to COVID. But keep this in mind for SXSW 2023!

SXSW Student Discount

If you are currently enrolled in high school, college or university then you can take advantage of the SXSW deal for students here.

How to get the SXSW badge for students and student deal

To take advantage of the SXSW student deal, you’ll need to fill out a form with both of the students’ names and provide proof of current enrollment. Also, it appears faculty members can take advantage of this deal too! 

They too, just need to show some proof of employment.

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