Here’s a list of some official and unofficial SXSW activations and events happening. RSVP where you can, but take it from us very seasoned professionals—the best plans you can make for SXSW are no plans.
Go into the heart of the beast and just see what you can get into. If the party you were hoping to attend is packed, there’s likely live music and free drinks somewhere nearby with no lines. See you all out there!
Alien: Earth
FX is bringing Alien: Earth to life at SXSW with an interactive wreckage site experience. Fans can explore the crash site, uncover exclusive series details, and navigate eerie encounters with alien specimens—if they survive the containment breach.
Entry: Wristband
When: March 7th and 8th
Where: 318 E. 5th St
Black Hole Experience
A mobile exhibition blending cosmic wonder with meditation. Created by Dax Dasilva and artist Kelly Nunes, and presented by Age of Union, BHX uses light, sound, and 3D projections to explore the physics and spirituality of black holes—offering an immersive journey that reconnects us to the universe and our planet. Also check them out at Lolo’s Wine on March 15th for an event open to the public.
Entry: Wristband
When: March 9th through 12th
Where: SXSW Expo Center
Hook Em House
The Hook ’Em House remains the central hub for all things UT and cutting-edge thought leadership. The two-day event returns with photo-worthy installations, conversations with world-class academics and entrepreneurs, live music performances and podcast tapings, an International Women’s Day breakfast event and more.
Entry: Free with RSVP but badge holders prioritized
When: March 7th and 8th
Where: Antone’s
Hotel Vegas & Volstead 14 Year Anniversary
This one is really for the local’s. The night before the official start of SXSW Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge will be hosting a party to kick off the “10 days we all collectively lose our minds & run into our exes”. 21+ only but they’ll be hooking it up with $1.14 Lone Stars and jello shots, a ton of bands, and even a chance to win a SXSW Hotel Vegas Key Tag.
Entry: Free
When: March 6th, doors at 2 p.m.
Where: Hotel Vegas
JBL Campus
JBL brings an electrifying campus event featuring performances by local emerging band West 22nd and creator megastar DJ XANDRA, known for her captivating, high-energy mixes. Guests can try out the latest JBL product and enjoy innovative poppi mocktails. This showcase highlights JBL’s top-tier sound technology and enhances the excitement of campus lifestyle with giveaways, games, and more.
Entry: Free
When: March 12th from 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Victory Lap
Keep it Local, Yokels!
Keep Looking Shop and The Good for Nothings Club present Keep It Local, Yokels! A party that’s happening the exact same time as some other event — What a coincidence! They’ll have free drinks while supplies last from like Meanwhile Brewing, Saps natural sports drink, and Restart CBD & THC. Plus live music, vendors, tattoos, and more.
Entry: Free with RSVP
When: March 9th, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 1614 E 12th St.
Love is Blind House
The ticketed ‘watch party’ is sold out, but this type of activation typically has free drinks and photo opps, but badge-holders will likely move through it quickly, making it accessible for others (potentially).
Entry: Free
When: March 7th through 9th
Where: Lucille, 77 Rainey St.
Marshall Day Party
Marshall is back at SXSW for their third year with a stacked event lineup for its unofficial daytime showcase, highlighting a mix of local, regional and international musicians. Guests can expect top notch music, giveaways, prizes, and more from Waterloo Records, Cold Ones, FSG, and Bad Larry’s.
Entry: Free with RSVP (RSVP does not guarantee entry and space is limited based on capacity.)
When: March 12th, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Mohawk
Meanwhile in Music
Experience four days of live music in Austin, presented by Colton House and Meanwhile in Music. Enjoy performances by 24 folk, country, Americana, and blues artists, plus craft cocktails from Simona’s and bites from local favorites. With artisan vendors and a lively atmosphere, this was one of our favorite events from last year.
Entry: Free with RSVP
When: March 12th through March 15th
Where: Colton House Hotel
Museum of the Future
Step into the future at SXSW! Dubai’s Museum of the Future House brings AI-driven immersive art, groundbreaking discussions, and exclusive Dubai chocolate tastings to Austin. Thought leaders, futurists, and innovators explore the future of AI, space, and cities.
Entry: Free with a priority line for badge holders
When: March 7th through 11th
Where: 3rd St. & Congress
Out by South East
Avoid the SXSW crowds and head to Meanwhile Brewing Co. for Out By South East, a four-day event featuring free live music and cold beer. In addition to live performances, a vintage market hosted by Jello Mom Vintage will take place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Meanwhile’s on-site food trucks will be open throughout the festival. Conveniently located, it’s the perfect stop before heading into Downtown Austin for SXSW or on your way out of town.
Entry: Free
When: March 12th through 15th
Where: Meanwhile Brewing
Pop Up Grocer
Take a breather from the crowds and stop by New York based specialty grocery store, Pop Up Grocers. They’re in town for a month bringing their vision of making grocery shopping fun to Austinites. Good vibes, products you don’t see at the big box stores, and maybe a permanent location in Austin in the future? We can’t wait to find out.
Entry: Free
When: March 7th through April 6th
Where: 513 E. 6th Street
Rowdy Ritual
Rowdy Ritual, an elevated morning dance party, is launching at SXSW 2025 with high-energy music, art, and culture. Experience a live performance by JUMPING PLANETS, immersive mural art by FEEBEE and Erik Ross, live screen printing by Industry Print Shop (BYOS for a free print), custom nail art by NAILED.ATX, and delicious bites from La Barbecue. Expect special guest appearances, giveaways, and non-stop vibes. Limited capacity—RSVP required! Plus, your RSVP includes a day pool pass to Cabana Club, so bring your suit and take a dip!
Entry: Free RSVP OR $30 skip the line and guaranteed entry before noon OR $300 Cabana rental for a VIP experience
When: Saturday, March 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Cabana Club
Seth Rogen Meet & Greet
No link for this one, you just have to show up and wait in line to meet the man behind hits like Superbad, Pineapple Express and the new Apple+ show- The Studio (which will have a screening at SXSW this year). Seth will be showcasing Houseplant’s new THC infused beverage at this event. If you’re more interested in seeing him speak, he will be with the co-founder of Houseplant at Inc. Founders House March 9th. Request your invite here.
Entry: Free
When: March 7th, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Total Wine & More, 5601 Brodie Ln #800
South by San Jose
Since 2000, San Jose Hotel has hosted South by San José in the parking lot shared with Jo’s Coffee. Each year, they come together for live music, local vendors, and good times. Music starts at noon each day, rain or shine, and the party is always and forever free to attend.
Entry: Free
When: March 12th through 16th
Where: Hotel San Jose
Texas Film Experience
Lights, camera, action! Discover the magic of movie making at the Texas Capitol. This immersive experience guides you through each step of film production, highlighting how the Texas entertainment industry stimulates economic growth and generates jobs. From set design and lighting to costumes and cinematography, you’ll witness the artistry firsthand and meet the talented Texas-based filmmakers and crew who bring it all to life. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply curious about the filmmaking process, this is an unparalleled opportunity to experience it all!
Entry: Free to the public
When: March 12th from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Texas Capitol South Lawn
The Big One with Do512
The Annual BIG ONE with Do 512 is held at the end of the week as a final send off to the festival. While the lineup is TBD, they go hard to make this the blow out to end the week right.
Entry: Free with RSVP but it is first come first serve for entry
When: March 15th from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Radio/East
Whataburger Museum of Art
Nothing says Texas like a Whataburger Museum. In celebration of Whataburger’s 75th anniversary, you’ll be able to explore fan-created art, including pieces in mural, abstract and pop culture styles, enjoy interactive installations like the Day Dot Room and Table Tent Mugshot Wall and indulge in samples of Whataburger’s latest limited-time offer, the Monterey Melt!
Entry: Wristband
When: March 9th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Wanderlust Wine Co.
