South by Southwest, certainly one of Austin’s largest occasions of the 12 months, kicks off on Friday, March 7, 2025, with a convention and competition that celebrates a few of the most modern issues taking place throughout the industries of music, movie, meals, training, and know-how. Though the badges that give entry to the official occasions and panels price a reasonably penny, there are many occasions taking place within the metropolis the place of us can take part on the enjoyable with free meals and drinks — that means you can participate within the SXSW festivities with out breaking the financial institution. Listed here are a few of the greatest occasions and pop-ups providing sustenance without charge. Make sure you RSVP as quickly as potential: Many of those occasions replenish quick.
Occasions provided over a number of days
Barbie Birthday Cake Mochi
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 via Monday, March 10
midday to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12
SXSW Registrant Lounge, 307 East 2nd Avenue
The ice cream model My Mochi will rejoice the birthday of Barbie with the limited-edition launch of its gluten-free, sprinkle-topped Barbie Birthday Cake ice cream at its stand at SXSW (the ice cream shall 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 can 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 shall be prioritized. The occasion can even characteristic a 360 photograph sales space. First come, first served, with restricted house. RSVP on Woobox.
Free Dubai chocolate and chai tastings
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, March 7 via Tuesday, March 11
Museum of the Future Home, third Avenue and Congress Avenue
The viral Dubai chocolate bar will make an look at SXSW on the Dubai Future Basis’s four-day occasion, which is able to characteristic tastings of the chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier paired with conventional chai demonstrations by Challenge Chaiwala. SXSW badge holders get precedence entry.
Redbreast Unhidden
8 p.m. to midnight
Tuesday, March 11 via Thursday, March 13
Powder Room, 301 West fifth Avenue
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 dwell leisure. Tickets are free, and a SXSW badge isn’t required. Register for the summit on Eventbrite.
Friday, March 7
Free Elevating Canes at College of Texas-Austin’s Hook ‘Em Home
Antone’s, 305 East fifth Avenue
UT’s SXSW occasion at Austin’s legendary nightclub Antone’s will characteristic two days of panels and energetic discussions about tech, sports activities, life-style, 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 night time. Badge holders get precedence for many occasions. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Saturday, March 8
Inconceivable Meats breakfast
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
JW Marriot, 4th Ground Prefunction, 110 East 2nd Avenue
Plant-based meat firm Inconceivable 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 night time at SXSW did you in, concern not. Swift Match occasions invite festival-goers 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 dwell DJ. With that comes free snacks and Sans Bar mocktails. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Nooga within the Morning and Chatt & Chill
10 a.m. to three p.m.
91 Crimson River Avenue
Tennessee Home will educate festival-goers about all issues Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an excellent quick web connection and rooster 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, certainly one of Chattanooga’s favourite hometown snacks, together with trivia. Free RSVP on Eventbrite.
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 Evening
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
91 Crimson River Avenue
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 scorching 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 part of medium-sized German companies, corporations, 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 on Eventbrite. 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, Suite 124
Helium Cellular, the corporate providing the primary free cellular plan, is teaming up with My Sweetish Buddy to characteristic 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 particular person. RSVP is required to obtain the free gadgets.
Tech N’ Fest
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Buenos Aires Cafe, 1201 East sixth Avenue
The Buenos Aires-founded IT and software program firm Globant will host a know-how competition and networking occasion that includes dwell music, a fusion of Argentinian and Texas barbecue, and free wine and beer. RSVP right here to safe a free go.
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 totally free at its takeover occasion, which comes with dwell music, a go to from the founder, a full menu, and extra surprises. Diners may also win a free tattoo from an area Austin artist, which shall be finished dwell on-site. RSVP on Partiful.
Tuesday, March 11
Mionetto Salone
Midday to 9 p.m.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue
Prosecco model Mionetto Salone will rejoice Italian tradition via 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 dwell music, a spritz ritual demonstration, and a dialogue about Italian images. Verify the schedule on SXSW’s web site. Admission is free and based mostly 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 Avenue
Expertise a slice of Taiwan’s hip-hop scene at this present day social gathering, 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 areas
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 obtainable on the venue. One free drink per particular person.
Friday, March 14
The Full Irish Breakfast
11 a.m. to six p.m.
The Useless Rabbit, 204 East sixth Avenue
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 on SXSW’s web site.
Sips & Spins Joyful Hour
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fairmont, 101 Crimson River Avenue
SXSW badge holders can brush shoulders with music executives and leaders and followers of vinyl at this celebration, which is able to characteristic complimentary drinks and lightweight bites.
All day
120 East 4th Avenue
Helium Cellular will host yet one more free occasion at JuiceLand the place festival-goers can get a one free juice with their RSVP on Eventbrite.
