South By Southwest 2025 is here and if you are badge-less this time around, no worries. The fest is hosting a bunch of free concerts happening around Austin. Hype has been building around Rolling Stone’s Future of Music free showcase happening Tuesday-Friday and featuring Benson Boone, Megan Moroney for weeks. If you are looking for other big showcases and a few that are a bit off the beaten path (with shorter lines), here are 19 more badge-free showcases you should hit this SXSW.
Monday: Take Action X SXSW Everclear at Mohawk
Mohawk, 912 Red River St. (7 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Artist For Action & Sandy Hook Promise in partnership with Bandsintown and Music Managers Forum-US present two nights at SXSW. Night one showcase features Everclear, Sexpop, King Cruff and more. RSVP at artistforartist.com/sxsw.
Monday-Saturday: Hear the next big thing at Radio Day Stage
Brush Square Park, 409 E 5th St. (1:20 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
SXSW’s Radio Day Stage is a free, all ages experience presenting six days of curated lineups at Brush Square Park from noon to 5 p.m. daily. Led by Austin’s KUTX, radio outlets including KCRW (Los Angeles), KEXP (Seattle), BBC Radio (UK) and NPR Music will be hosting public showcases so you can discover your next favorite artist. Performers include Chinese American Bear, Honeyglaze, Volcan and more. The full schedule and lineup for the Radio Day Stage can be found on sxsw.com. — Mars Salazar
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Monday-Tuesday: Hotel Vegas and Volstead Lounge’s Spring Break Boogie
Hotel Vegas and Volstead Lounge, 1502 E 6th St. (Monday: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Hotel Vegas is bringing back their annual Spring Break Boogie with day one featuring Strange Lot, Tear Dungeon, TVOD, Mugger, Portrayal of Guilt and more outside on the patio. Inside Vegas will be Gloin, New Strangers, Dregs and more. Day one in Volstead Lounge is hosting modern form, Middle Mass, Holy Wire and more. Day two on Tuesday will see La Sécurité and Man/Woman/Chainsaw take on the outdoor stage with a couple local bands, while inside will be six bands presented by SWASS, followed by Frosty Palms, Queen Serene and more. The Volstead will have Tearjerk, Think No Think and 11 more can’t miss sets. This show is free until 5 p.m. and 21 and up, you can find the full two-day lineup at texashotelvegas.com.
Monday-Saturday: Explore the world at International Nights
Brush Square Park, 409 E 5th St. (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
Kicking off at 7 p.m. after the sun sets on the Radio Day Stage, Rivian Park will transform into International Nights, a six day evening showcase highlighting diverse artists from around the globe. Featured artists include Holy (Expletive) (Canada), KAP BAMBINO (France), Sam Ryder (UK), Aiko (Czechia), Tia Ray (China), luv (Japan) and more. Come early and stay late at this free, open to the public series of SXSW night shows. The full schedule and lineup for International Nights is available at sxsw.com. — M.S.
Tuesday: Ginuwine, Aly & AJ at Empire
Empire Garage, 606 E. 7th St. (7 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
The second day of Take Action X SXSW events features a day of panels for artists on career growth, activism and music, mental health and more. The day’s events are followed by an evening panel feature Ginuwine and Aly & AJ. RSVP at artistforartist.com/sxsw
Tuesday: BMI Howdy Texas
Still Austin, 440 E St Elmo Rd Suite F. (noon to 10 p.m.)
They’re calling it the Howdy Texas party, and it features a bunch of Texas musicians playing. Expect a mix of genres, from R&B and pop with a country twist, to rap, indie-pop, and post-punk. They’ve got nine acts lined up including Smooth Nature, Sydney Wright, KAZIMI, Sunny Sauceda and more. RSVP: Just show up. — Ana Gutierrez
Tuesday-Friday: Waterloo Records Last Day Parties
600A N Lamar Blvd. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
The indie record store is throwing one last hoorah at their South Lamar location before they move down the road. Lineup includes artists like Hope Tala, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Charley Crockett and more. The event is open to all ages with different set times each day. Full lineup. No RSVP.
Wednesday: D.A.W.A. presents BLK ODYSSY, Erick the Architect
Empire Garage, 606 E. 7th St. (7 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Local non-profit D.A.W.A. (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action) is coming back for its fourth year, presenting its free SXSW showcase at Empire Garage. 2025’s lineup hosts BLK ODYSSY, Erick the Architect, Riders Against the Storm, Blackchyl, Midnight Navy and more. Information about D.A.W.A. can be found at dawaheals.org. — M.S.
Wednesday: Do512, C3 present Band of Horses
Stubb’s, 801 Red River St. (5 p.m. to midnight)
Stubb’s is set to host C3 Management’s annual showcase presented by Do512 and benefiting HAAM. They’ve lined up a roster of artists including Band of Horses, Jack’s Mannequin, Yoke Lore, Claire Rosinkranz, The Criticals, and The Droptines. Badges get priority, but you can reserve a spot online. — A.G.
Wednesday: Shorty Presents at the Far Out Lounge
The Far Out Lounge, 8504 S Congress Ave. (5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
Shorty Presents is showcasing a collection of bands in a free, all ages shindig. The show starts with Micajah, an Austin alt-rock, folk outfit who released their debut album “The Ballroom on Fire” in 2024. Next up is Wavy Eye, who put out two demos in January, followed by female-fronted Ash and the Endings. The lineup is rounded out by the Walkabouts, who recently released their album “Cinema” last October, and post-psych band the Holy Temple. While SXSW is a highlight reel of international discovery, this showcase is a perfect introduction to some cool Austin bands for visitors and newcomers seeking a taste of the local music scene. Info: All Ages, RSVP online — M.S.
Wednesday: Radio Roundup at Radio/East
Radio/East, 3504 Montopolis Dr. (1 p.m. to midnight)
You know Radio/East isn’t messing around if they’re self-describing Radio Roundup as “the best country showcase during spring break in Austin.” On top of the bill is New Orleans five-piece the Deslondes and Santa Fe songwriter Ester Rose. Austin-based singer Tony Kamel will also be performing, most likely his new singles, including “We’re All Gonna Live.” Local country acts Sentimental Family Band and Croy and the Boys will be bringing the honky tonk, while Kristina Murray is joining the lineup from Nashville. The Radio Roundup bill is rounded out with Anna Moss, Georgia Parker and Cactus Lee for a can’t miss country music spectacular. Info: All Ages, RSVP online — M.S.
Wednesday: Marshall Day Party at Mohawk
Mohawk, 912 Red River St. (noon to 6 p.m.)
Marshall, the amp company whose cursive moniker will be a mainstay on many SXSW stages this year, is also hosting an amazing free day party at Mohawk. The “60 years of loud” company has set up a dream lineup, headlined by nu gaze heroes Fleshwater and Austin rock chicks Die Spitz. Let’s run through the other ones: Maruja, Wishy, Urban Heat, JaRon Marshall, Freak Slug, Los Eclipses, Gen and the Degenerates, the Molotovs, Benét, Mujeres, Podridas, Fawn, Luke Tyler Shelton and Queer Vinyl Collective. Slather on the sunscreen for this outdoor show, and get ready for giveaways and prizes from Waterloo Records, Cold Ones, FSG and Bad Larry’s. Info: All Ages, RSVP Here — M.S.
Wednesday: South by Soup Fest
Güeros Taco Bar, 1412 S Congress Ave (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
ComboPlate Booking’s 21st annual South By Soup Fest benefit for Caritas of Austin will bring a day of music and community support. This event aims to raise funds for Caritas’s Food Services programs, including the Community Kitchen and Food Pantry. Volunteer musicians will provide the soundtrack, while raffles featuring artist CDs and gift certificates from local businesses will drive donations. Band tips will contribute directly to the cause. No RSVP.
Wednesday-Friday: YETI Music Showcase
YETI Flagship, 220 S Congress Ave (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
It’s a three-day music showcase at SXSW with 18 up-and-coming artists playing a mix of bedroom pop, rock, singer-songwriter and country. Performers include Claire Ernst, Next of Kin, Brittney Spencer, arya, The Bends and more. They’ll have drink deals and food trucks. It’s sponsored by a bunch of drink companies, like Coca-Cola, White Claw, and a few others. — A.G.
Wednesday-Saturday: Out By South East at Meanwhile Beer
Meanwhile Brewing, 3901 Promontory Point Dr. (times vary by day)
Meanwhile Brewing is hosting four days of free music this SXSW. The first day kicks off with His His and Ribbon Skirt. Day two brings in Vanessa Zamora, Tagua Tagua and terraplanta. The second day features JOSEON, Dead Gowns, Chinese American Bear and more. Day three has Rudy de Anda, Dogs on Shady Lane, Fake Dad, Bleary Eyed and Rowena Wise. Many of these names are playing official SXSW shows, but this is your chance to catch a glimpse of their sets for free. Info: All Ages, RSVP Here — M.S.
Wednesday-Saturday: EQ Austin Presents
Lefty’s Brick Bar, 1813 E 6th St. (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
Local non-profit EQ Austin is bringing four nights of free live music to Lefty’s Brick Bar at ARRIVE Austin. KUTX The Breaks, EQ Austin, LatinATX and Global Primestage will be presenting local talent from Wednesday-Saturday starting at 7 p.m. nightly. KUTX The Breaks is bringing in Austin rap and hip hop talent including Wes Denzel and LYNN on the first night. Night two is a mixed bag of music presented by EQ Austin, with Nakia and the Never Not Now, Blackchyl and more. LatinATX ushers in local acts lluvii, Adrián Activo, the Tiarras and Chico Selfie on the third night before Global Primestage closes things out on March 15 with fuvk, Anastasia Hera and more. You can find the full four-night lineup at sxsw.com. — M.S.
Friday: Sleepy Cat Records at Stephen F’s Bar
Stephen F’s Bar, 701 Congress Ave. (7 p.m. to midnight)
Make your way down to Congress Ave. for showcase presented by North Carolina’s Sleepy Cat Records. The label aims to foster a community of forward-thinking musicians and gives back to organizations involved in social and environmental justice work. The show will feature T.Gold, Lonnie Walker, Skylar Gudasz, Blue Cactus, Little Mazarn and SunSp.t. For more information on Sleepy Cat Records and their upcoming showcase, visit sxsw.com. — M.S.
Friday: Caveman Music Festival lineup unveiling party
Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd (noon to 10 p.m.)
Attendees can enjoy a day filled with free live music from acts like the Band of Heathens, Red Shahan and Kolton Moore & the Clever Few, while also getting the first glimpse of the festival’s Labor Day weekend lineup. The event offers exclusive festival perks and a chance to shop from vendors. Family-friendly until 6 p.m., the event transitions to a 21+ experience for the evening. RSVP online.
Friday: FLOODfest at Mohawk
Mohawk, 912 Red River St. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) FLOOD Magazine is marking its 10th anniversary with a dynamic SXSW showcase featuring 12 artists across two stages. Headlining the outdoor stage is the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, joined by Confidence Man, jasmine 4.t, Baths and Wishy. The indoor stage boasts a lineup including Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Cardinals, Gurriers, Delivery, OneDa, Sierra Spirit and Sedona. You can RSVP online. — A.G.
A couple not-quite-free shows that are worth your time
Wednesday: Sonic Guild Love Your Music Fest
GSD&M Backyard, 828 W 6th St. (noon to 7 p.m.)
Featuring a stellar lineup including BLK ODYSSY, Foxtales, and more, the festival aims to raise support for local musicians, a mission Sonic Guild has championed since 2013. A suggested $20 donation will grant access to an open bar, and attendees can enjoy food trucks and bring camp chairs for comfortable seating. The event also features an exclusive Member Lounge for Sonic Guild members and grant recipients. RSVP: Get a ticket online. — A.G.
Wednesday-Saturday: KUTX Live at Scholz Garten
Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. (8 a.m. to noon.)
Attendees can catch live performances and interviews with a diverse lineup of emerging artists. The series features a global mix of talent, including Edgar Alejandro, Cardinals, Chaparelle, Chinese American Bear, Delivery, Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Freak Slug (Xenya Genovese), Anastasia Hera, Honeyglaze, King Cruff, Los Eclipses, JaRon Marshall, Sophie Royer and Grace Sorensen. The events are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $10 donation benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank. — A.G.
Looking for the full SXSW 2025 experience? Badges, wristbands and more
Badge rates are: Platinum badge $2,295.00; Interactive festival badge $1,695; Film and Television festival badge $1,395 and music festival badge $995.
Music and Film festival wristbands are also on sale Music wristbands are $189. This pass grants you secondary access to showcases on 50+ stages from March 10-15.
If you’re there for the screenings, opt for a Film & TV wristband for $150. These give you secondary access to over 300 screenings on 18 screens across seven venues from March 7-15, including 96 features and over 80 world premieres.
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