Did you know you can do SXSW free? Yes, you do not need one of those pricey badges to in order to get wined and dined and a load of free swag. Every year there are tons of free SXSW events and parties, you just have to know how to find them and how to get on the list. Since most of these events require an RSVP, be sure to sign up early. Unfortunately, the popular events and parties can be sold out before South by Southwest even starts! There are still a lot of events that have open RSVP spots and some where you can just show up. In addition, there are various ways to get to free SXSW passes and free SXSW badges.
Get access to the Google Calendar with all of these events here. Then, you won’t have to add them one-by-one to your calendar!

Guide: How to do South by Southwest for Free
Each year I provide a SXSW guide. Here is the 2019 SXSW Guide. Last year, I provided lots of tips and tricks for attending SXSW free events. It is now that time of year again to put together my list of SXSW 2019 free stuff.
How to get SXSW Free Badges
Another way to do SXSW for free is to volunteer. Find out How to Volunteer at SXSW in Exchange for a Free SXSW Badge.
How to get SXSW Free Passes
Below, I will keep an updated list of the free SXSW parties and events. If you know of any to add to the list, leave a comment and then, I will add them. Usually, I only post the free events for SXSW interactive. These are your best bet for free food, swag, booze, and more. In order to not miss out, be sure to RSVP right away since many of the spots fill up.
The Guest Pass is your free credential to many SXSWeek® events including Flatstock 65, SXSW Job Market, SXSW Wellness Expo, SXSW Marketplace, an Outdoor Film Screening at the Long Center, and more! Get you SXSW free guest pass here.
List of SXSW Free 2019 Events RSVP
In order to keep up-to-date, especially during SXSW, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, you can subscribe to my Twitter list, SXSW Free here.
Bookmark this page as it will be updated frequently.
RSVP to 2019 SXSW Free Events That Span Multiple Days
March 8 – 11 Fast Company Grill is a must-see. In fact, over the last few years, we’ve gone pretty much every day, maybe multiple times a day. Throughout the day there are speakers, free meals, a special sxsw open bar, and places to just kick back and hang out. Free RSVP here.
March 7 -13 – The Capital Factory VIP Lounge has free daily catered meals, a workplace, conference rooms, and more. The last few years we have gotten some good food and good swag over there. Apply for entrance to Capital Factory’s VIP Lounge here.
March 7 – 10 – Berlin Saloon has a co-working cafe during the day, a press lounge, lots of meetups, talks, and more at Buffalo Billiards. RSVP here.
March 8 – 10 The Deep End | Three days of unfiltered storytelling, live podcasts, musical spotlights, and immersive experiences, all designed to ignite your curiosity. Last year, there were free drinks, food, podcasts, and music at The Belmont.
(2018 info) Mashable House 2018 | Friday, March 9: 12PM – 5PM CT, Saturday, March 10: 12PM – 5PM CT, Sunday, March 11: 11AM – 3PM CT, All Ages Welcome
(2018 info) March 10-14, Pinterest House SXSW 2018 (2018 – waiting for details for 2019)
(2018 info) WeWork Multiple Events with Free SXSW Food, Yoga, and more.
Thursday, March 7 SXSW Free Events
Friday, March 8, 2019
4-8pm – Startup Crawl 2019 pub crawl from Capital Factory.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
5-7pm Bad Crypto Meetup During SXSW: | The Bad Crypto Podcast special guests for a fun happy hour of learning and sharing about blockchain and crypto. location TBD (no sign up yet)
(2018 info) Spredfast Smart Social Suite : networking in comfort and style
Sunday, March 10, 2018
Create and Cultivate pop-up at SXSW opens at 10:30am but line up early. There will be food, drinks, speakers, and special guests.
Monday, March 11, 2019
3:30 – 6:30pm Food+City Startup Showcase on the South Congress drag will have food and drinks. “This is an Official SXSW event. While our event is free and open to the public, SXSW badge holders will have priority for entry. RSVP required for entry”. Register for your free RSVP here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Events and RSVPs
For SXSW Frebies March 14 – 18, 2018 click next page.
where arew the rest of the sxsw dayS?
Usually, I only post the free events for SXSW interactive. These are your best bet for free food, swag, booze, and more.
Rachel, thanks for this post. I’d like to give you a shout out in my SXSW post if that’s okay. My blog femrefinery.com is in production. I’m in Austin too! And I’m a cancer survivor. Are you attending or have attended the Thrive conference?
Hi Monique, Yes, that’s great! Thanks. No, I’m not attending Thrive, though I am going to the AdThrive conference, Accelerate Summit in March. Hope you are doing well. Let me know when your site is up and running.
2018 Women in Digital at SXSW: 4:30pm – 8:30pm IS SOLD OUT. but there is a wait list.
Thanks for letting us know.