ORANGE is here to help you enjoy the musical chaos of South by Southwest without spending a penny. Here’s a guide to 19 free shows that will keep your ears happy throughout spring break.
By Elise Barbin
Friday, March 10
Photo courtesy of GTZ Records and HUSH.
Human Influence SXSW Haus Party: Kick off this year’s SXSW season with Human Influence’s Haus Party showcase, which highlights up-and-coming R&B, soul and hip hop artists. Doors open at 7 p.m.
GTZ Records and Hush Party: Come to Cheer Up Charlie’s for a night accompanied by Ringo Deathstarr, Stiletto Feels and drink specials for the first day of the SXSW season!
Saturday, March 11
Photo courtesy of The Vibe Room.
Chortle Portal Does SXSW: Take a break from the music and join Taos Co-op for their weekly stand-up comedy show from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Vibe Room: Human Influence brings three DJ sets to the Vinyl Room at Teller’s, including JOAQ.N, Larce Blake + Cambio and Foray.
Sunday, March 12
Photo courtesy of Tiffany Stevenson and Outer Limits.
GOAT FEST: Topper Radio brings six hours and two stages of music at Whip In. The lineup features Fat Tony, Viper and perhaps the best band name of SXSW, Teqeela Mockingbirds.
Dankfest: Outer Limits presents two stages of music for an all-day SXSW affair from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. including local darlings Gluten Tag, Dude Elsberry and Jicky.
Monday, March 13
Photo courtesy of the A.V. Club.
Just Another Manic Monday: The Onion and A.V. Club present Sylvan Esso, Mothers, NoName and Lizzo at Mohawk from 3:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
All the Friends Ball: This event features five stages of music and a “midnight special headliner,” at Spiderhouse brought to you by KUTX and The Austin Creative Alliance.
Tuesday, March 14
Photo courtesy of She Shreds.
She Shreds Unofficial Showcase: She Shreds magazine brings an all-lady lineup to Las Cruxes. Chastity Belt, Madame Gandhi, Dude York, Diet Cig and more play the all-ages show from noon – 9 p.m.
South by Hikes Fest: Local group Hikes is throwing a 28-band house party with Big Bill, Staghorn, Upper Deck Pets and 24 more acts.
Wednesday, March 15
Photo courtesy of Fruth Fest.
Fruth Fest: From 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Spider House’s Cafe stage and Ballroom stage, Smallbatch Productions and Greenbelt Touring present a mixture of local and touring bands featuring Caddywhompus, Tamarron, NE HI and White Reaper to name a few.
Tell Me I Can’t: A Badass House Show: This East Austin house show highlights and celebrates music created by marginalized groups, and is sponsored by a plethora of refreshment companies. Must see acts include Moon Honey, Sailor Poon, and Whit.
Thursday, March 16
Photo courtesy of Dani Munoz and Roxanne Zech.
Lost Weekend Day 1: Sound On Sound and BrooklynVegan present three days of SXSW show at Cheer Up Charlie’s. Thursday’s big names on the lineup consists of Beach Slang, Priests, and LVL UP.
That’s What She Said Showcase: KVRX’s DJ Punk Rox is hosting her own showcase at the French House featuring bands with female and non-binary members such as Mamalarky, Told Slant and Lisa Prank. The show is free and there will be prizes raffled off to support YWCA of Austin and allgo.
Friday, March 17
Photo courtesy of Chris Nordahl and KVRX.
Lost Weekend Day 2: SOS and BrooklynVegan’s second day of shows at Cheer Up Charlie’s includes PWR BTTM, Allison Crutchfield & the Fizz, Joan of Arc plus more on both the indoor and outdoor stages.
Pearl Street Pool Party: Come out to Pearl Street Co-op to see Cosmonauts, The Relationship, Duchess Says and more Burger Records babes from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
A Fine Southern Showcase: KXRX and Simpatico Booking bring “a lineup worth calling your grandma over,” to Fine Southern Gentlemen featuring the likes of Hovvdy, Kississippi, Smile and Summer Salt.
Saturday, March 18
Photo courtesy of Sound on Sound Festival.
Lost Weekend Day 3: The last day of the Lost Weekend features perhaps the biggest names yet with Dams of the West, Girlpool, Big Thief and Cherry Glazerr all playing at Cheer Up Charlie’s.
Community Records Showcase: From noon to 7 p.m. catch your Community Records favorites Hikes, Pope, Ratboys and more at an all-ages house show on Salado Street.
