South by Southwest, one in all Austin’s greatest occasions of the 12 months, kicks off on Friday, March 7, 2025, with a convention and competition that celebrates among the most progressive issues occurring throughout the industries of music, movie, meals, schooling, and expertise.
Though the badges that give entry to the official occasions and panels price a fairly penny, there are many occasions occurring within the metropolis the place people can take part on the enjoyable with free meals and drinks — which means you can participate within the SXSW festivities with out breaking the financial institution. Listed here are among the finest occasions and pop-ups providing sustenance for free of charge. Remember to RSVP as quickly as doable. Many of those occasions replenish quick.
Occasions supplied over a number of days
Barbie Birthday Cake Mochi
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 by means of Monday, March 10
midday to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12
SXSW Registrant Lounge, 307 East 2nd Road
The ice cream model My Mochi will have a good time the birthday of Barbie with the restricted version launch of its gluten-free, sprinkle-topped Barbie Birthday Cake ice cream at its stand at SXSW (The ice cream might be offered in shops across the nation beginning on March 9 for $7 for a 6-count field).
Free Costa Rican sips and bites at Energia Pura Vida
midday to five p.m. on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8
Fareground, 111 Congress Avenue
Take pleasure in a cup of Costa Rican espresso and bites, and Latin tunes from two Costa Rican DJs whereas studying about all of the Central American nation has to supply. Attendees will even have an opportunity to win a visit to Costa Rica and can get a tote as a takeaway whereas provides final. These with platinum SXSW badges might be prioritized. The occasion will even function a 360 picture sales space. First come, first served, with restricted house. RSVP right here.
Free Dubai chocolate and chai tastings
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, March 7 by means of Tuesday, March 11
Museum of the Future Home, third Road and Congress Avenue
The viral Dubai chocolate bar will make an look at SXSW on the Dubai Future Basis’s four-day occasion, which can function tastings of the chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier paired with conventional chai demonstrations by Mission Chaiwala. SXSW badge holders get precedence entry.
Redbreast Unhidden
8 p.m. to midnight
Tuesday, March 11 by means of Thursday, March 13
Powder Room, 301 West fifth Road
Redbreast Irish Whiskey will host a particular pop-up speakeasy on the Powder Room that celebrates brief movie and whiskey. Count on free drinks.
All Issues Meals Summit
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14
Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle Highway
For 2 days, the nonprofit Meals Tank will collect cooks, farmers, filmmakers, and journalists to debate all issues meals with free bites and stay leisure. Tickets are free, and a SXSW badge shouldn’t be required. Register for the occasion right here.
Friday, March 7
Free Elevating Canes at College of Texas-Austin’s Hook ‘Em Home
Antone’s, 305 East fifth Road
UT’s SXSW occasion at Austin’s legendary nightclub Antone’s will function two days of panels and vigorous discussions about tech, sports activities, way of life, and extra topics. Elevating Cane’s will present lunch every day for all attendees from 12:30 p.m. to three:30 p.m., and there’ll be a music act every evening. Badge holders get prioritity for many occasions. RSVP right here.
Love is Blind at Lucille
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lucille, 77 Rainey Road
Netflix’s hit romance actuality present is celebrating 5 years and the upcoming reunion of Season 8 with an occasion held on the Lucille Bar at Rainey Road, full with free espresso, cocktails served within the present’s signature golden goblets, loads of picture opps, and meet and greet with Love is Blind alums. RSVP for that occasion right here. The bar will even host a sold-out watch celebration for the reunion on Sunday, March 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 8
Not possible Meats breakfast
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
JW Marriot, 4th Flooring Prefunction, 110 East 2nd Road
Plant-based meat firm Not possible Meats will kick off the morning with a free breakfast for SXSW badge holders and its 10 p.m. panel.
Swift Match Restoration Lounge
9 a.m. to three p.m.
918 Congress Avenue
If Friday evening at SXSW did you in, worry not. Swift Match occasions invite festivalgoers to take a break at its restoration lounge, which presents hydration IV drips, massages, chilly plunges, a smoothie lounge by Playa Bowls, and music by a stay DJ. With that comes free snacks and Sans Bar mocktails. RSVP right here.
Nooga within the Morning and Chatt & Chill
10 a.m. to three p.m.
91 Purple River Road
Tennessee Home will educate festivalgoers about all issues Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a brilliant quick web connection and hen and waffle bites for breakfast. From midday to 1 p.m., attendees can indulge at its Chatt & Chill occasion, which can pay tribute to the moon pie, one in all Chattanooga’s favourite hometown snacks, together with trivia. Free RSVP right here.
Free frozen treats from Jonny Pops
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Close to 712 Congress Avenue
Frozen popsicle firm JonnyPops will provide free samples of its natural pops throughout SXSW. These popsicles are freed from synthetic flavors and dyes.
Nash at Night time
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
91 Purple River Road
Tennessee Home switches gears with all eyes on Nashville. Doorways at 5 p.m. with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, together with fried pickles, candied bacon, and Nashville sizzling cauliflower, adopted by late-night line dancing from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
GermanHaus reception
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Speakeasy Terrance, 412 Congress Avenue #D
Be a part of medium-sized German companies, firms, and household entrepreneurs for an evening of dialogue, home music, and drinks on the Speakeasy Terrace on the German Home. This occasion is for ages 21 and up solely. RSVP right here. Arriving early is suggested.
Sunday, March 9
Free pastries and non-alcoholic beer
Midday to 4 p.m.
Good-looking Dan’s, 979 Springdale Highway, #124
Helium Cellular, the corporate providing the primary free cellular plan, is teaming up with My Sweetish Good friend to function a enjoyable kick-back at new restaurant Good-looking Dan’s that includes tunes by DJ Jah Karma, free pastries, and non-alcoholic beer from Rick’s. One pastry and beer per individual. RSVP is required to obtain the free gadgets.
Tech N’ Fest
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Buenos Aires Cafe, 1201 East sixth Road
The Buenos Aires-founded IT and software program firm Globant will host a expertise competition and networking occasion that includes stay music, a fusion of Argentinian and Texas barbecue, and free wine and beer. RSVP right here to safe a free cross.
Monday, March 10
Torchy’s Torched Takeover
midday to six p.m.
1822 South Congress Avenue
SXSW-goers can rating this taco joint’s Torched Bowls without spending a dime at its takeover occasion, which comes with stay music, a go to from the founder, a full menu, and extra surprises. Diners can even win a free tattoo from an area Austin artist, which might be accomplished stay on-site. RSVP right here.
Tuesday, March 11
Mionetto Salone
Midday to 9 p.m.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue
Prosecco model Mionetto Salone will have a good time Italian tradition by means of artwork, music, meals, free spritzes, and Prosecco for attendees who’re ages 21 and up. The Mexic-Arte Museum will host a full day of occasions, together with stay music, a spritz ritual demonstration, and a dialogue about Italian pictures. Test the schedule right here. Admission is free and primarily based on arrival, so get there early.
Wednesday, March 12
Free drinks at Love Lamp Matcha
8 a.m. to three p.m.
1601 Barton Springs Highway
Helium Cellular, the primary cellular firm to supply free plans, is internet hosting an occasion at Love Lamp Match, which presents one free chilly matcha drink per visitor. RSVP or registration is required to obtain the free gadgets.
Taiwan Beats Day Occasion
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Seven Grand, 405 East seventh Road
Expertise a slice of Taiwan’s hip-hop scene at today celebration, which guarantees performances from Asian artists, panels, and Taiwanese delicacies. Free with RSVP, precedence for SXSW badge holders.
Thursday, March 13
Free beer at St. Elmo Brewing
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
St. Elmo Brewing Firm, Springdale and South Austin places
8110 Springdale Highway (RSVP required)
440 East Saint Elmo Highway, #G-2 (RSVP required)
This 21-and-up occasion, hosted by cell phone firm Helium Cellular, will provide free beer on faucet. Free parking is accessible on the venue. One free drink per individual.
Friday, March 14
The Full Irish Breakfast
11 a.m. to six p.m.
The Useless Rabbit, 204 East sixth Road
SXSW badge holders can take pleasure in a full Irish breakfast (first come, first served) at this Music from Eire occasion, which options 10 Irish musical acts. Badge holders can RSVP right here.
Sips & Spins Comfortable Hour
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fairmont, 101 Purple River Road
SXSW badge holders can brush shoulders with music executives and leaders and followers of vinyl at this celebration, which can function complimentary drinks and light-weight bites.
All day
120 East 4th Road
Helium Cellular will host one more free occasion at JuiceLand the place festival-goers can get a one free juice with their RSVP.