Here are the official SXSW 2026 events you can attend for free

AUSTIN, Texas — South by Southwest‘s (SXSW) takeover of Downtown Austin is upon us. But if you couldn’t shell out hundreds of dollars for a badge, don’t fret! There are several free events you can still attend, no badge required.

Additionally, there are a few so-called “premium” events that are open to both badge holders and the community but require a ticket.

Congress Avenue Block Party

New for this year, the Congress Avenue Block Party – formerly known as the Registrant Lounge – will offer daily drinks, food and sponsor merchandise for badge holders, but it will also be open to the public.

On Saturday at 7 p.m., Orville Peck will perform a free show.

• When: Thursday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Where: 900 Congress Ave.

EQ Austin Presents Austin Sounds Showcase

Billed as seven nights of all-Austin SXSW showcases presented by EQ Austin and supported by KUTX and Austin Arts Culture Music & Entertainment (AACME).

• When: Thursday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 18, with performances starting at 7 p.m.
• Where: Lefty’s Brick Bar, 1813 C E. Sixth St.

Global Stage at Downright

This stage will host international acts from around the world every night.

• When: Thursday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. to midnight
• Where: Downright Austin,  701 E. 11th St.

Radio Day Stage at Downright

This stage will feature radio station performances broadcast live from SXSW.

• When: Friday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 18, noon to 8 p.m.
• Where: Downright Austin,  701 E. 11th St.

A free annual event, Flatstock features displays of concert posters and other pop culture art while offering attendees the opportunity to connect directly with the artists behind them.

• When: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Austin Marriott Downtown – Moontower Hall, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St.

SXSW Expo: International Innovations

While this expo is open to badge holders from Thursday through Saturday, it will be free and open to the public on Saturday. SXSW says the expo will feature hundreds of exhibitors from around the world showcasing “the cutting-edge of technology, design, social good, entertainment, health and wellness and more.”

• When: Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Fairmont – Manchester Ballroom, 101 Red River St.

SXSW’s annual Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake returns to Auditorium Shores for one night only on Sunday, featuring a performance by Tune-Yards.

• When: Sunday, March 15 starting at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive

The Lumineers will perform a Monday show at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park that’s open to the public. It’s free, but an RSVP is required.

• When: Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St.

Like the International Innovations expo, this one is open to badge holders for several days (Monday through Wednesday), but it’s open to the public on Wednesday.

• When: Wednesday, March 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Fairmont – Manchester Ballroom, 101 Red River St.

These events are put on by SXSW partners and sponsors and are open to anyone who purchases a ticket.

Rolling Stone Future of Music

Rolling Stone is back with its fourth annual Future of Music showcase. The schedule includes Lola Young on Thursday, Fuerza Regida on Friday and BigXThaPlug on Saturday. Tickets are available for all three days, or Thursday, Friday and Saturday individually.

• When: Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14
• Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.

Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW

Billboard presents three nights of music, with Don Toliver performing Friday, Junior H on Saturday and Dutch-DJ and Mau P. on Sunday. Tickets are available online.

• When: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15
• Where: Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St.

Sips & Sounds Music Festival

Coca-Cola’s two-day music festival will feature performances from Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, Foster the People and more. One- and 2-day tickets are available online.

• When: Friday, March 13 through Saturday, March 14
• Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive

The popular comedy platform will hit the stage for a special SXSW performance at ACL Live. Tickets can be purchased online.

• When: Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
• Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.