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Zapp – SXSW 2024 – Photo by Jason Bollenbacher
SXSW Free & Premium Events
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Free Events
Part of the magic of SXSW is the chance to create and shape your own festival experience that's completely unique. To make sure the festival is accessible to everyone, there are plenty of official free events taking place over the course of the week.
Take a look below to see some of the complimentary options and remember to check the schedule to stay up to date.
SXSW EDU Expo
Wednesday, March 11 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
The SXSW EDU Expo serves as the central hub for innovations in learning. This collaborative space features curated programming and networking, alongside interactive exhibits showcasing what’s next and new in education. The Expo features dynamic, trailblazing organizations, and thought leaders that are changing the game and looking to share their ideas with thousands of education professionals from around the globe.
The Expo will be free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 11.
Congress Avenue Block Party
Thursday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 18 | 11:00am - 7:00pm
The Congress Avenue Block Party (formerly known as the Registrant Lounge) is the go-to space for all SXSW attendees to maximize their SX experience, offering daily complimentary drinks, food, and sponsor swag. Open throughout the conferences & festivals, this convenient and relaxing meeting point near the hub of SXSW action is an ideal spot to unwind and connect with other attendees.
New for 2026, the Block Party is free and open to the public!
Radio Day Stage at Downright
Friday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 18 | 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Each year, we partner with some of our favorite radio stations for a series of performances, broadcast live from SXSW. Located at the SXSW Music Clubhouse at the Downright Austin, the Radio Day Stage is the perfect opportunity to catch some music between panels and workshops.
Global Stage at Downright
Thursday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00pm - 12:00am
Every day, the Global Stage at Downright will highlight international acts from around the world. Featuring showcases presented by All The Vibes and Tokyo Calling, groundbreaking artists ranging from DJ AG to Rejay take to the stage every evening until midnight.
Flatstock
March 13-15, 2026 | 10:00am - 5:00pm
Looking for the perfect centerpiece for your gallery wall, a concert poster of your favorite artist, or even a sticker referencing a specific meme from 2011? Flatstock provides an ongoing series of opportunities to see fine poster art in person and to meet the artists who created it.
Flatstock is free and open to the public as well as all SXSW registrants.
SXSW Expo: International Innovations (Free & Open to the Public)
Saturday, March 14 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
The SXSW Expo is the convergence of all industries on the cutting-edge of technology, design, social good, entertainment, health + wellness, and more. Hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe meet under one roof to ignite passions, collaborate and share groundbreaking discoveries.
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake (Free & Open to the Public)
Sunday, March 15 | 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Take advantage of an eclectic group of artists during Community Concerts at Auditorium Shores and be a part of a true SXSW tradition.
SXSW Expo: Emerging Tech (Free & Open to the Public)
Wednesday, March 18 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Showcasing a collective of industry disruptors, the Emerging Tech Expo features businesses spearheading the development of revolutionary technology. At the forefront of tech, these breakthrough exhibitors are shaping the future of tomorrow’s solutions. Plug into the network of visionary leaders that are pioneering the digital frontier. The Expo will be free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 18.
Premium Events
Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW
Taking place at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, Billboard is returning to South by Southwest in Austin, TX again this year to present three electric nights of live music performances from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15. Each night of the signature concert series will showcase a different musical genre, starting with R&B/hip-hop artist Don Toliver on Friday March 13 and Música Mexicana sensation Junior H on Saturday March 14. Closing out the proceedings on Sunday March 15, Carnival Cruise Line and Intuit TurboTax present acclaimed Dutch-DJ and producer Mau P.
Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park is playing host for this event, and you can get tickets for all three days here.
Rolling Stone Future of Music
Rolling Stone is set to make its triumphant return to Austin with the fourth annual Future of Music showcase, taking place March 12–14 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. This hotly anticipated event will bring standout performances from U.K. pop maven and Grammy Award winning artist Lola Young, the groundbreaking Mexican American group Fuerza Regida, and Texas-based rapper BigXThaPlug to SXSW 2026.
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