SXSW 2018: Free Party RSVP Roundup, Part 1
South by Southwest 2018 is just around the corner, and to help you keep your eyes on the party prize, we’re rounding up the RSVP details for the best of the free parties that you might actually want to go to.
All of the events below ask you to RSVP, and we anticipate that they’ll all most likely be open to people without badges or wristbands. However, some of these parties do give priority entry to badge and wristband holders, and some become badge-only at night — we’ve identified those in the listings.
We’ll be posting batches of new parties right here in the days ahead and compiling the full list on the “SXSW” tab at the top of this page — so keep checking back for updates!
A few tips for maximum enjoyment:
1) SHOW UP EARLY. Parties sometimes hit capacity very soon after they open, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be dealing with some pretty serious lines by mid-afternoon, especially on the weekends and double-especially on Music weekend. Plan accordingly and have several backup options just in case. Also be aware that free drinks and free food may not last for the entire event, so try to get there when doors open whenever possible to maximize your chances of getting the good stuff.
2) RSVP for as many events as possible, even if they conflict, and even you’re not sure you’ll actually go. It’s good to have options (see tip #1).
3) If an event page says the party is sold out, check again later (and get on the waitlist if there is one). Some organizers reopen their lists and start accepting more RSVPs closer to the event.
Stay tuned to this site, our Twitter feed, and our Facebook page for more RSVP tips, band recs, and other SXSW-related goodness. Heard about any cool events you don’t see on the list yet? Tweet @ us and let us know! Good luck out there!
Mashable House
Fri. 3/9 and Sat. 3/10 from noon–5pm; Sun. 3/11 from 11am–3pm • The Main, 610 East 6th Street • RSVP required
Free food early in the day, sometimes free drinks, swag, mingling, product demos, and various other activities. This is an official event so badges will get priority, but you can usually get in without one if you get there early enough. The big MashBash party is Sunday night from 9pm–2am, and that’s most definitely gonna be badge-only.
The Deep End by Vox Media
Fri. 3/9 through Sun. 3/11 • 11am–8pm • The Belmont, 305 West 6th St. • RSVP required
Free food and drinks, cool panels, podcast tapings, arcade games, and more. Sounds like a great time and should be a pretty hot commodity.
The Fast Company Grill at SXSW Interactive
Fri. 3/9 through Mon. 3/12 • 11am–4pm • Cedar Door, 201 Brazos St. • RSVP required
Free drinks, tech demos, panels. If you’re patient you can probably also get some free food. One of our faves!
Fox Sports House
Fri. 3/9 through Mon. 3/12 • 11am–8pm • Hangar Lounge, 318 Colorado St. • RSVP required; may be badge-only at times
This is an official SXSW Sports lounge, but they’re taking RSVPs so there’s a chance that parts of it could be open to the public. Sounds like there should be lots of food and drinks to go around, plus some sports panels and special parties throughout the weekend.
Pinterest House
Sat. 3/10 and Sun. 3/11 • 10am–2pm • Container Bar, 90 Rainey St. • RSVP required
Free drinks, food, and panels. This is technically badge only, but they were somewhat flexible on that last year. Swing by and find out if you’re in the area.
Future of Technology Lounge 2018
Sat. 3/10 through Tue. 3/13 • 11am–5pm • Capital Factory, 701 Brazos St., 5th Floor • RSVP requested
Tech demos, panels, and probably some free snacks and drinks at various times during this multi-day lounge hangout.
Texas A&M X '47 Discovery House
Sun. 3/11 from 3pm–midnight; Mon. 3/12 from 11am–midnight • RSVP required
Free Stiles Switch BBQ, music, and a bunch of other things Aggies like. It’s unclear whether signing up on this event page counts as an RSVP, so look out for a confirmation email.
Playground Pop Up at Alibi
Sun. 3/11 from noon–8pm + 9pm–midnight; Mon. 3/12 from 2–7pm + 8pm–midnight • Alibi, 96 Rainey St. • RSVP required
Music technology party with demos and DJs. Night events are probably badge-only.
#WeDC @ SXSW
Sun. 3/11 and Mon. 3/12 • Easy Tiger, 709 East 6th Street • RSVP requested
Most of the details are still TBA for this year’s event, but we loved it last year. Potentially some free drinks, food, and swag in addition to panels and music.
Pandora at SXSW
Tue. 3/13 through Thu. 3/15 • 1–6pm • Gatsby, 708 E. 6th St. • RSVP required
Three days of good up-and-coming bands. Make sure to pick up your Pandora wristband in advance to avoid standing in line twice.
TWIX House of Duos at Lustre Pearl
Wed. 3/14 and Thu. 3/15 • 1–7pm / 8pm–midnight • Lustre Pearl, 94 Rainey St.
Nice lineup of duo music acts. Night shows are probably badge-only.
Dr. Martens Presents COLLiDE @ Container Bar 2018
Wed. 3/14 through Fri. 3/16 • Noon–7pm • Container Bar, 90 Rainey St.
Three days of live music.
PMA Global Street Farm
Wed. 3/14 from 1pm–midnight and Thu. 3/15 from 3pm–midnight • L’Estelle, 88 ½ Rainey St. • RSVP required; badges get priority
Food samples, cocktails, live bands. Global street food tastings both nights from 9pm–midnight — these are sure to be in high demand, so it might be difficult to get in without a badge.
FLOODfest
Wed. 3/14 through Fri. 3/16 • Times TBA (day + night shows) • Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St. • RSVP required
Three days of day and night shows. Badges get priority at night and it’s usually tough to get in without one.
British Music Embassy
Wed. 3/14 through Sat. 3/17 • 2–6pm • Latitude 30, 512 San Jacinto Blvd. • RSVP required
Brit rock, fun vibes, and occasional free drinks make this four-day event one of our favorites each year. RSVP separately for each day: Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
BrooklynVegan + Margin Walker Present: Lost Weekend
Thu. 3/15 through Sat. 3/18 • Noon–6pm • Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River St. • RSVP requested
Lineup info is still TBA, but there’s usually a very good slate of acts. RSVP separately for each day: Thursday / Friday / Saturday
Sound + Color Presented by M&M’s
Fri. 3/16 and Sat. 3/17 • 1–7pm / 8pm–midnight • Lustre Pearl Rainey, 94 Rainey St. • RSVP required
Great two-day lineup and probably hella M&Ms at this Rainey Street bash. Friday afternoon acts include LovelyTheBand (2pm), Mallrat (3pm), Gothic Tropic (4pm), Flint Eastwood (5pm), and Okkervil River (6pm). The night showcase is very likely badge-only; headliners include R.LUM.R, Billie Eilish, and Sylvan Esso. Saturday afternoon’s lineup includes Warbly Jets (2pm), CYN (3pm), The Shacks (4pm), Ron Gallo (5pm), and The Black Angels (6pm). The night showcase features Night Beats, Albert Hammond Jr., and Cut Copy.
Fitvent
10am–6pm; 8pm–2am • 301 Chicon St. • RSVP requested
Fitness-focused gathering featuring music, speakers, and giveaways. Free food and nonalcoholic drinks in the evening.
YouEarnedIt @ SXSW
4–8pm • YouEarnedIt, 206 East 9th Street, Suite 1502 • RSVP requested
Free food, open bar.
Panoply #DataParty
4–6pm • Ginger Man, 301 Lavaca St. • RSVP requested
Free drinks and food at this networking event for data and marketing pros.
ATX Startup Crawl
Multiple locations and hours; RSVP to get the map and more details • RSVP requested
Free drinks and food hosted by companies all over downtown, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. A classic way to kick off the fest.
Do512 Presents Galactic Interactive
6:30pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th Street • RSVP required
Free drinks, cool bands, and standup comedy at this outer-space-themed throwdown. Music lineup features Great Good Fine OK, Riverboat Gamblers, SMiiLE, Tamarron, and more.
Spredfast Smart Social Suite
Day party (time TBA) • The W Austin, 200 Lavaca St. • RSVP required; must receive confirmation
Free food, drinks, and other festivities. This was our favorite party last year, and it’s pared down to just one day this time, so make the most of it! Must request invite and get confirmation email.
Retail Innovation Lounge
9am–5pm; happy hour 5–7pm • Max’s Wine Dive, 207 San Jacinto Blvd. • Must request invite and receive confirmation
Free cocktails and food.
Saved By The Brunch 2018 Presented By Natural Light
10am–2pm • Deep Eddy Cabaret, 2315 Lake Austin Blvd. • RSVP required
Drinks, burgers, and a DJ. The organizers would like to note that this Natty Light-sponsored event is for “deal closers only.”
Smart Home Open House Hosted by Yonomi
10am–6pm • Yonomi Townhouse, 111 West 8th St. • RSVP required
Free wine, beer, snacks, home goods on display from local vendors, and demos of smart home devices.
American Cities House: Startup Celebration Rooftop Lunch
12:30–2:30pm • Maggie Mae’s, 323 East 6th St. • RSVP required
Free lunch and libations.
Soundcheck Saturday
1pm–?? • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • RSVP requested
A bunch of bands and multiple booze sponsors, so possibly free or discounted drinks.
#SXsmarketing - The Smart Way to Work with Agencies
2–6pm • Darwin's Pub, 223 East 6th Street • RSVP required
Open bar for beer, wine, and well drinks, plus panels and networking.
Connect 2018
6pm–1am • Terrace 59, 412 Congress Ave. • RSVP required
Complimentary tacos and open bar. Looks like you’ll need to receive confirmation to be sure you’re on the list.
Startup Night SXSW 2018 Presented by the Kauffman Foundation & TechCo
8pm–12:30am • Maggie Mae’s, 323 East 6th St. • RSVP required
(Probably) free drinks; get there early to have a chance of getting in, as badges will get priority.
Create + Cultivate: Women to Watch
11am–5:30pm • The Refinery, 612 Brazos St. • RSVP required
Panels, mentoring sessions, and other events, plus some free food and beverages at certain times while they last. This one was packed last year and there are some more big-name speakers this time, so it would be smart to get there super early.
SXSW BBQ Brunch and Brands
Noon–6pm • Secret location • Must request invite and get confirmation
Free BBQ and networking.
Startup Sunday with SendGrid & Friends
Noon–6pm • Key Bar, 617 West 6th Street • RSVP requested
“Startup shenanigans, live music & open bar all day.” Mimosas and samosas available when doors open at noon!
On Vinyl & Human Influence Present: South Austin Local Showcase
3–7pm • Location TBA • RSVP required / suggested donation (see below)
Sponsored by Austin Eastciders, Guayakà Yerba Mate, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Deep Eddy Vodka. Local line-up featuring Rachel Lieberman, Torino Black, The Mammoths, Blynd Birds, Coattails, SMiiLE, and Swimming with Bears. This is a benefit for SIMS Foundation, and people who donate to the GoFundMe get in automatically. Or, if you’re a local Austin artist, you can apply for an invite here.
Splash Presents: Magic Hours
7pm–1am • Sidewinder, 715 Red River St. • RSVP required
Music by Glassio, Rick Feds, Miears, Yellow Shoots, Mobley, and The Disfunction.
SocialHaus SXSW 2018
8:30pm–?? • “Justine's Secret House,” 1303 East 7th St. • Must request invite and be confirmed
“An exclusive night of secret art exhibitions, live installations, and performances.” Probably lots of free stuff.
Amplify Philly House Party
9:30pm–2am • Pour Choices, 401 East 6th St. • RSVP required; technically badge-only
Open bar til midnight, plus music by DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Aktive, and Fuegomayo. This is an official event so it might be tough to get into without a badge.
Do512 and COVERT CURIOSITY Present Strange Brew 7
1pm–late • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th Street • RSVP required
Big slate of bands and possibly some free/cheap drinks from sponsors Deep Eddy Vodka and Karbach Brewing.
A.V. Club and The Onion Present: Just Another Manic Monday
3:30–11:30pm • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • RSVP required
Nice lineup featuring Superchunk, Wye Oak, Bully, Shamir, and others. Possibly some free drinks from sponsor Wild Turkey American Honey. Badges and wristbands get priority.
Lafayette Live Crawfish Boil @ SXSW: A True Cajun Experience
5–9pm • C-Boy's Heart & Soul, 2008 South Congress Ave. • RSVP requested
Free Cajun food while it lasts, one free drink, live music, and networking.
Big Fat VR Party
6–9pm • Capital Factory, 701 Brazos St. • RSVP requested
VR, booze, and food.
Amplify Philly Music Showcase
8pm–2am • Pour Choices, 401 East 6th St. • RSVP required; technically badge-only
Official SX showcase with music by Low Cut Connie, Son Little, Vita & The Woolf, and others. This is an official event so it might be tough to get into without a badge, but we’ve heard it’s possible if you get there early.
The ShipStation Lounge Experience
Noon–8pm • Vuka Gather, 411 West Monroe St. • RSVP requested
Free food and drinks, networking, and panels. Open bar and music 6–8pm.
She Shreds
Noon–8pm • Kinda Tropical, 3501 East 7th Street • RSVP requested
Music by La Luz, Speedy Ortiz, Hinds, Shamir, and others.
SXSW Boot Scootin’ BBQ
5–8pm • The Vaughn, 310 Colorado St. • RSVP required; must request invite and get confirmation
Live country music, Salt Lick BBQ, and an open bar.
Media Temple's SXSW Interactive Bash
8:30pm–late • Stubb's BBQ, 801 Red River St. • RSVP required (see below)
Giant official closing party for SX Interactive. Usually very tough to get into without a badge, but the site suggests that it’s possible: “entry is first-come, first-served but priority is given to SXSW Interactive and Platinum badge holders.” RSVPing also gives you a chance to win VIP access and a meet-and-greet with the closing act.
Day Drinking with DistroKid at SXSW 2018
1–3pm • The Jackalope, 404 E 6th St. • RSVP requested (but probably not required)
Possibly some free drinks at this music industry meetup.
CxBB — Celebration by Beardbrand
6–11pm • The Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • RSVP requested
Live music and free drinks while they last.
The Sound Release SXSW
8:30pm–2am • Peckerheads, 402 East 6th Street • RSVP requested
Emerging hip-hop acts.
Dutch Impact Party SXSW 2018
Noon–6pm • Waller Ballroom, 700 East 6th Street • RSVP required
Free drinks and food for “delegates”; we’re not really sure that that means, but last year you got a drink ticket and a tasty grilled sandwich with your RSVP. Also good music and nice people. Fun times!
SMILF at The Showtime House
1–7pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St. • RSVP required
Day show lineup includes US Girls (2pm), Stella Donnelly (3pm), Natalie Prass (4pm), Sudan Archives (5pm), and Sunflower Bean (6pm). The night party runs from 9pm–midnight and is very likely badge-only.
Precision, Olympus & For Spite present Turn Your Camera On
1:30–7pm • Precision Camera & Video, 2438 W. Anderson Ln., Suite B4 • RSVP requested
Good local bands and free drinks provided by Tito's Handmade Vodka and Big Swig. This is a 10-minute drive north of downtown so plan to get a ride.
Brew Music
5–8pm • Zilker Brewing Company, 1701 East 6th St. • RSVP requested
Free beers for the first 100 people, followed by spirited discussions about synth music. We highly recommend Zilker’s Marco IPA, by the way.
South by South Wildfox Party
9pm–1am • Pop, 620 West 6th Street #1 • RSVP requested
Open bar.
11A Records, Northern Spy Records and Wharf Cat Records Present: Romancing the Wax
11am–6pm • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • RSVP requested
Music by Golden Dawn Arkestra, Odetta Hartman, A Place to Bury Strangers, and others.
Cinderblock's Block Party presented by Pacifico
Noon–late • The Cabana, 5416 North FM 973 • RSVP required (paid ticket options available; see below)
Free drinks at a mansion pool party, with performances by Rayland Baxter, David Ramirez, Medicine Man Revival, Mathew McNeal, Mitchell Ferguson, and Suzanna Choffel. It’s pretty deep east of Austin, so it may be wise to shell out the $10 for guaranteed admission (or $45 for VIP, which includes food and other perks).
Fun On the Run Tour
Noon–?? • The ABGB, 1305 W. Oltorf St. • RSVP requested
Day show at a cool venue south of downtown.
Cocoa Butter Radio LIVE at SXSW
Noon–5pm • The Townsend, 718 Congress Ave. #100 • RSVP requested
Live interviews followed by artist performances and showcasing DJs in between sets.
Beats x Beers Festival 4
Noon–8pm • Lone Star Hookahs, 301 Chicon St., Unit G • RSVP requested
Music and fun surprises. More details TBA.
The Chi at The Showtime House
1–6pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St. • RSVP required
Day show lineup includes Melo Makes Music (2pm), Air Credits (3pm), Knox Fortune (4pm), and Joey Purp (5pm). The night party runs from 8pm–midnight and is very likely badge-only.
4theculture Pop-Up Party
6–10pm • 1408 East 13th St. • RSVP required
Free drinks, music, vendors. More details TBA.
Do512 Presents: The Big One
11:30am–6pm • Barracuda, 611 East 7th Street • RSVP required
Performances by Ron Gallo, Hinds, Michael Rault, Speedy Ortiz, and others. Beverages from Deep Eddy Vodka, Mike's Harder, Austin Eastciders, and Karbach Beer. This will get crazy as the day goes on so try to get there close to doors.
Hip Hop Weekly SX St. Patty Party
Noon–5pm • 501 Brushy St. • RSVP requested
Free green beer and jello shots. This one just might get rowdy.
You Made 4 It? Industry Panel & Artist Showcase
Noon–6pm • 217 East 6th St. • RSVP required
Hip-hop panels, performances, and free food. The organizers are also hosting an invite-only mansion party at a private location from 11pm–4am, so keep an eye out for more info on that.
Shameless at The Showtime House
1–7pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St. • RSVP required
Day show lineup includes The Nude Party (2pm), Post Animal (3pm), Shamir (4pm), Tank and the Bangas (5pm), and WAVVES (6pm). Expect a pretty large crowd, seeing as how this is a pretty small venue on Music Saturday. The night party runs from 8pm–1am and is very likely badge-only.
The Austin Puppy Party 2K18
Noon–4pm • Lustre Pearl, 94 Rainey St. • RSVP required
Complimentary beverages (1 Tito’s Vodka drink ticket when you show the Bumble app on your phone), plus some pretty nice dog swag and, of course, puppies! Might not be as crazy as usual since they’re having it on the final Sunday of the fest this year.
