SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake

From Spoon's performance on the Auditorium Shores Stage at SXSW 2015. Photo by Tye Truitt.

Our free outdoor shows will return to the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake (formerly the Auditorium Shores Stage) for SXSW 2016. The venue is located at 800 W Riverside Dr.

The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake features a three-day series of charity beneficiary concert events, which are free-to-the-public with a SXSW Guest Pass. It is SXSW's largest stage with more than 50,000 attendees over three days, with shows taking place Thursday, March 17 - Saturday, March 19, 2016. The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake is an all ages venue.

For more information on a variety of sponsorship opportunities at the SXSW Outdoor Stage events, please contact: sponsorinfo@sxsw.com.

The SXSW Outdoor Stage is open to the public with free Guest Pass wristbands, available in advance or onsite at the event. Visit guestpass.sxsw.com for more information. SXSW Badge and Wristband holders do not need a Guest Pass to attend.

Notable Outdoor Stage Alumni Performers

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
Ryan Bingham
Bright Eyes
Cheap Trick
Childish Gambino
The Flaming Lips
Foster the People
Lion Babe
Molotov
She & Him
The Shins
Spoon
The Strokes

What Not To Bring

Absolutely no food*, drink*, coolers, pets*, glass, beach umbrellas, chairs, tents or weapons allowed on premises of the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake. Personal umbrellas, under 17" in diameter, are allowed.

*Exceptions: food and beverage items made only for consumption by children under 5 years of age is permitted. Guide animals and wheelchairs are permitted.

Registrant Hospitality Area

SXSW Music and Platinum Badge holders can show their badge credentials for admission to the private Registrant Hospitality Area. Bleacher seating and complimentary beverages will be available to registrants in the Registrant Hospitality Area.

Park and Ride

Parking and Public Transportation

There are several parking options available nearby, but they fill up fast. Early birds can find parking at the Palmer Event Center garage. After 5:00PM, you can find other pay-to-park options at One Texas Center garage (505 Barton Springs). Rates vary and these options fill up quickly so consider alternate modes of transportation. Please do not park in residential neighborhoods as you may be towed.

For park and ride options, parking is available after 6:00PM (Monday through Friday) and all day on Saturday in the Capitol Complex. Garages/lots may be pay-to-park ($7-$20) or free of charge, depending on the day. Parking may also be available in the Capitol Visitors Garage for a fee (by the hour) during the day.

Parking options in the State Capitol Complex area are easily accessible to Capital Metro routes to the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake. Several routes run close to the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake including the 801 / 803 Metro Rapid lines, routes 1, 5, 7, 10, 20 and 30. Plan your trip at capmetro.org.

Biking and Walking

Those coming from downtown can take the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge across the lake and access the Concert Site from the West side. Bike parking is located on both sides of the venue so be sure to bring your lock. The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake is also located on the Hike and Bike trail and is within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and neighborhoods. Ride your bike in or catch a bus to a nearby location and enjoy the scenery, ambience, and hospitality of South Austin on your way to the show.

Photo taken during Spoon's performance on the Auditorium Shores Stage at SXSW 2015
Photo by Tye Truitt