South by Southwest, one of Austin’s biggest events of the year, kicks off on Friday, March 7, 2025, with a conference and festival that celebrates some of the most innovative things happening across the industries of music, film, food, education, and technology. Although the badges that give access to the official events and panels cost a pretty penny, there are plenty of events happening in the city where folks can join in on the fun with free food and drinks — meaning you can take part in the SXSW festivities without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best events and pop-ups offering sustenance at no cost. Be sure to RSVP as soon as possible: Many of these events fill up fast.
Events offered over multiple days
Barbie Birthday Cake Mochi
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 through Monday, March 10
noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12
SXSW Registrant Lounge, 307 East 2nd Street
The ice cream brand My Mochi will celebrate 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 will be sold in stores around the country starting on March 9 for $7 for a 6-count box).
Free Costa Rican sips and bites at Energia Pura Vida
noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8
Fareground, 111 Congress Avenue
Enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee and bites, and Latin tunes from two Costa Rican DJs while learning about all the Central American country has to offer. Attendees will also have a chance to win a trip to Costa Rica and will get a tote as a takeaway while supplies last. Those with platinum SXSW badges will be prioritized. The event will also feature a 360 photo booth. First come, first served, with limited space. RSVP on Woobox.
Free Dubai chocolate and chai tastings
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, March 7 through Tuesday, March 11
Museum of the Future House, 3rd Street and Congress Avenue
The viral Dubai chocolate bar will make an appearance at SXSW at the Dubai Future Foundation’s four-day event, which will feature tastings of the chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier paired with traditional chai demonstrations by Project Chaiwala. SXSW badge holders get priority access.
Redbreast Unhidden
8 p.m. to midnight
Tuesday, March 11 through Thursday, March 13
Powder Room, 301 West 5th Street
Redbreast Irish Whiskey will host a special pop-up speakeasy at the Powder Room that celebrates short film and whiskey. Expect free drinks.
All Things Food Summit
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14
Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle Road
For two days, the nonprofit Food Tank will gather chefs, farmers, filmmakers, and journalists to discuss all things food with free bites and live entertainment. Tickets are free, and a SXSW badge is not required. Register for the summit on Eventbrite.
Friday, March 7
Free Raising Canes at University of Texas-Austin’s Hook ‘Em House
Antone’s, 305 East 5th Street
UT’s SXSW event at Austin’s legendary nightclub Antone’s will feature two days of panels and lively discussions about tech, sports, lifestyle, and more subjects. Raising Cane’s will provide lunch each day for all attendees from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and there’ll be a music act each night. Badge holders get priority for most events. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Love Is Blind at Lucille
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lucille, 77 Rainey Street
Netflix’s hit romance reality show is celebrating five years and the upcoming reunion of Season 8 with an event held at the Lucille Bar at Rainey Street, complete with free coffee, cocktails served in the show’s signature golden goblets, plenty of photo opportunities, and meet and greet with Love Is Blind alums. RSVP for that event on Netflix. The bar will also host a sold-out watch party for the reunion on Sunday, March 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 8
Impossible Meats breakfast
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
JW Marriot, 4th Floor Prefunction, 110 East 2nd Street
Plant-based meat company Impossible Meats will kick off the morning with a free breakfast for SXSW badge holders and its 10 p.m. panel.
Swift Fit Recovery Lounge
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
918 Congress Avenue
If Friday night at SXSW did you in, fear not. Swift Fit events invite festival-goers to take a break at its recovery lounge, which offers hydration IV drips, massages, cold plunges, a smoothie lounge by Playa Bowls, and music by a live DJ. With that comes free snacks and Sans Bar mocktails. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Nooga in the Morning and Chatt & Chill
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
91 Red River Street
Tennessee House will teach festival-goers about all things Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a super fast internet connection and chicken and waffle bites for breakfast. From noon to 1 p.m., attendees can indulge at its Chatt & Chill event, which will pay tribute to the moon pie, one of Chattanooga’s favorite hometown snacks, along with trivia. Free RSVP on Eventbrite.
Free frozen treats from Jonny Pops
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Near 712 Congress Avenue
Frozen popsicle company JonnyPops will offer free samples of its organic pops during SXSW. These popsicles are free of artificial flavors and dyes.
Nash at Night
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
91 Red River Street
Tennessee House switches gears with all eyes on Nashville. Doors at 5 p.m. with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, including fried pickles, candied bacon, and Nashville hot cauliflower, followed 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
Join medium-sized German businesses, companies, and family entrepreneurs for a night of discussion, house music, and drinks at the Speakeasy Terrace at the German House. This event is for ages 21 and up only. RSVP on Eventbrite. Arriving early is advised.
Sunday, March 9
Free pastries and non-alcoholic beer
Noon to 4 p.m.
Handsome Dan’s, 979 Springdale Road, Suite 124
Helium Mobile, the company offering the first free mobile plan, is teaming up with My Sweetish Friend to feature a fun kick-back at new restaurant Handsome Dan’s featuring tunes by DJ Jah Karma, free pastries, and non-alcoholic beer from Rick’s. One pastry and beer per person. RSVP is required to receive the free items.
Tech N’ Fest
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Buenos Aires Cafe, 1201 East 6th Street
The Buenos Aires-founded IT and software company Globant will host a technology festival and networking event featuring live music, a fusion of Argentinian and Texas barbecue, and free wine and beer. RSVP here to secure a free pass.
Monday, March 10
Torchy’s Torched Takeover
noon to 6 p.m.
1822 South Congress Avenue
SXSW-goers can score this taco joint’s Torched Bowls for free at its takeover event, which comes with live music, a visit from the founder, a full menu, and more surprises. Diners can also win a free tattoo from a local Austin artist, which will be done live on-site. RSVP on Partiful.
Tuesday, March 11
Mionetto Salone
Noon to 9 p.m.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue
Prosecco brand Mionetto Salone will celebrate Italian culture through art, music, food, free spritzes, and Prosecco for attendees who are ages 21 and up. The Mexic-Arte Museum will host a full day of events, including live music, a spritz ritual demonstration, and a discussion about Italian photography. Check the schedule on SXSW’s website. Admission is free and based on arrival, so get there early.
Wednesday, March 12
Free drinks at Love Lamp Matcha
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1601 Barton Springs Road
Helium Mobile, the first mobile company to offer free plans, is hosting an event at Love Lamp Match, which offers one free cold matcha drink per guest. RSVP or registration is required to receive the free items.
Taiwan Beats Day Party
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Seven Grand, 405 East 7th Street
Experience a slice of Taiwan’s hip-hop scene at this day party, which promises performances from Asian artists, panels, and Taiwanese cuisine. Free with RSVP, priority for SXSW badge holders.
Thursday, March 13
Free beer at St. Elmo Brewing
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
St. Elmo Brewing Company, Springdale and South Austin locations
8110 Springdale Road (RSVP required)
440 East Saint Elmo Road, #G-2 (RSVP required)
This 21-and-up event, hosted by mobile phone company Helium Mobile, will offer free beer on tap. Free parking is available at the venue. One free drink per person.
Friday, March 14
The Full Irish Breakfast
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Dead Rabbit, 204 East 6th Street
SXSW badge holders can enjoy a full Irish breakfast (first come, first served) at this Music from Ireland event, which features 10 Irish musical acts. Badge holders can RSVP on SXSW’s website.
Sips & Spins Happy Hour
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fairmont, 101 Red River Street
SXSW badge holders can brush shoulders with music executives and leaders and fans of vinyl at this celebration, which will feature complimentary drinks and light bites.
All day
120 East 4th Street
Helium Mobile will host yet another free event at JuiceLand where festival-goers can get a one free juice with their RSVP on Eventbrite.
