If you’ve ever been to South by Southwest, you know a few things are certain. SXSW is a very confusing phenomena that will never fully be understood or mastered by the common man. Oh, and you are never really sure what you can get into, even past the millions of events that you rsvp’d to on Facebook.
Story by Miranda Chiechi
For SXSW newbies, you’ve been warned.
But even with the mass confusion and chaos, SXSW will be one of the best weeks of your life, I can guarantee that. I can also semi-guarantee (not going to make any promises here) entry to a few events I found, where no legal ID or badge is required. So for all of you youngins and freeloaders out there, these events are for you.
KVRX Presents: Unofficial SXSW Kickoff Party
Photo courtesy of KVRX.
If you’re ready to start your SXSW music experience a few days early, KVRX will be hosting a DIY show at Shirley’s Temple tonight. It’s a free event with a $5 suggested donation. There will be four bands, including The Zoltars.
Dirty Fest 2017 Day Four
This event will take place at Dirty Dog Bar on March 13 and will have Of The Sun, Secret of Boris, To Whom It May, Sleep Juliet and more. All you have to do is RSVP on Do512. Sorry minors, it is $10 for you to get in.
Just Another Manic Monday
Photo courtesy of music.mxdwn.com
This event will be at Mohawk on March 13 starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 10:45 p.m. with events going on inside and outside. The two artists ending the night will be Sylvan Esso at 10:45 p.m. outside and Mothers at 9:10 p.m. inside. Throughout the day will be artists like Noname, Frankie Rose and Lizzo. No need to RSVP, but as a heads up, badge holders will have priority getting into the shows.
All The Friends Ball
This will be an all day event at Spider House Cafe & Ballroom on March 13. Bands will include Mother Falcon, Calliope Musicals, Sip Sip and more. It is free with RSVP and all ages before 8 p.m., 18+ after that. Come and join KUTX 98.9 and Austin Creative Alliance on this day of tunes.
Banger’s Unofficial Music Showcase Day One
This will include Jimmy T and The Teardrops, Teddy Long and more. This event is open to all ages and is free with an RSVP. The day will start at 12 p.m. and last throughout the whole day on Monday until 11 p.m.
Waterloo Records Day Parties
Photo courtesy of Waterloo Records.
There are four days of Day Parties at Waterloo Records from March 15-18 for free—no need to RSVP. Stopping for shows at the store will be Modern English, Minus The Bear, Real Estate, Spoon, Mike Posner, Hippo Campus and more. You won’t want to miss out on these shows.
The Art Lounge Pop Up
If you just want to take a break from the madness that is SXSW, then you can get into The Art Lounge Pop Up for free with an RSVP on Brazos Street. This pop up will last through the whole week of SXSW and have wifi, free drinks, local artists and more.
That’s What She Said Unofficial SXSW Showcase
Photo courtesy of Facebook event page. Poster by Dani Muñoz.
If you’re looking to stay in West Campus and avoid the crazed Austin city streets, then UT co-op, French House, will be having an unofficial showcase on the March 16 starting at 1:30 p.m. All bands have at least one female musician including Supermoon, Potty Mouth, Leggy and more.
Urban Outfitters Live Day Parties
Urban Outfitters will have 4 days of day parties from March 15-18 at UO Space 24 Twenty free without an RSVP. This year will feature D.R.A.M., The Internet, The Japanese House and more. No RSVP is even required so come on out. There will even be a talk with Teen Vogue editor, Elaine Welteroth on March 12. And even more conveniently for those who live near UT, it’s essentially right on campus. No bus, no rideshare, just good music.
Live at The BBQ
This event at Stubb’s will be RSVP based on capacity. This year Live at The BBQ will feature Lil Wayne, DJ Mustard, Dave East and more. Come out on March 16 at 7:30 p.m. Per usual, badge holders will have priority entrance, but never fear, you still have a chance.
2017 MTV Woodies Awards/Festival
Photo courtesy of mtv.com.
Since its move to SXSW in 2011, The MTV Woodie awards has solidified itself as a heavyweight for big artists and big fun each year at SXSW. While the full lineup has not been released, it is confirmed that Rick Ross will serve as the host for the night, and considering previous years which have featured names like Childish Gambino, The Chainsmokers, Sam Smith and A$AP Rocky, this year’s event is not expected to be any less amazing. This show requires an RSVP.
