Austin Convention Center
This is where badge pickup is during SXSW and where you'll also find things like keynote speakers, the trade show, Flatstock Poster Convention (which is free and open to the public!), and more. And if you're here for SXSW Interactive, this is the hub where you'll be for all your panels (and panels for Film and Music as well).
See MoreRed River Street
Red River Street is the hub of music at SXSW! Check out awesome venues like Stubb’s, The Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlie’s, and Elysium (which normally hosts Japan Nite)!
See MoreStubb's Bar-B-Q
One of the most famous music venues in Austin. During SXSW Music, some of the biggest acts of the festival end up playing here. Even if you don't have a badge or wristband, often times they'll sell tickets per night at the door if the show doesn't hit capacity!
See MoreRainey Street
You'll often find a lot of day parties here during SXSW, and during music, all of the house bars become official music venues. Check out https://www.collideonrainey.com/ where you can RSVP for free day shows from up and coming music acts!
See MoreEsther's Follies
This is the main hub for comedy shows during SXSW. Sometimes they get quite big acts! SXSW Comedy isn't talked about nearly as much, but if you want a break from live music and movies, definitely come check it out.
See MoreThe Paramount Theatre
All of the headliner films of SXSW Film premiere here. To get into the big film premieres at night, you'll definitely need a badge. But a lot of daytime films sell single admission tickets if they don't hit capacity with badges!
See MoreAlamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
Another major venue during SXSW Film. Since this is a dine-in movie theater, it can be nice to pick festival films to watch during meal times, thus saving you time if you're trying to hit up as many events and screenings as possible.
See MoreMohawk Austin
Another famous music venue of Austin, they often have great sponsored free day shows that just require an RSVP, and then some of the more well-known acts playing SXSW tend to place the nighttime official showcases here.
See MoreCheer Up Charlies
A fun gay bar that hosts official music showcases at night and often some cool free day shows. For example, last year, they hosted the Women That Rock day party.
See MoreHOTEL VEGAS
You'll find a lot of fun indie bands on the SXSW lineups here, especially genres like psych rock. Usually, Do512 hosts their big free parties here, which are open to the public with RSVPs. You can also explore the fun district of East 6th while you're over here.
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