If you’ve done SXSW in the past, you should already know how this works. With a little planning, there’s absolutely no reason anyone should go hungry or spend a dime on food during SXSW. Badge holder or not, there’s free food and beverages just about everywhere, whether it’s an official or unofficial party.
Finding the free food and drinks is almost like doing your homework. If you have a little patience and are willing spend the appropriate amount of time RSVPing your ass off to the hundreds of event pages prior and during the festival, you’re bound to get your hands on a taco or two at some point and fill your belly with all kinds of junk food and alcohol you’ll regret the next morning. Fortunately, we’ve done some of the work for you so far with our list below.
Stay tuned for more, as we’ll be updating the list with more deals on free food and drinks throughout the duration of the festival. In the meantime, click on each link for more information and to RSVP for each event.
For three nights during the SXSW Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to visit The Highwaymen House, a pop-up experience transforming Austin’s Banger’s Basement at 81.5 Rainey Street into an interactive space that takes guests back in time to the 1930s when infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde were at large. Hosted by Netflix, the pop-up will immerse guests in the spirit of the upcoming film The Highwaymen. Upon arrival at The Highwaymen House, guests will receive a period-appropriate name and RFID bracelet that unlocks experiences within the space. Additionally, a popular local taco destination will offer two custom secret, off-menu items, available from March 8 to March 12 at their South Congress and Northshore locations. Those interested in attending The Highwaymen House should register WWW.THE-HIGHWAYMEN.COM.
Rachael will host Feedback at Stubb’s BBQ on Saturday, March 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where 14 bands will perform on two outdoor stages and one indoor stage. This year’s lineup includes Bleachers, Big Boi, Mike D (DJ set), Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Cautious Clay, Bob Schneider, The Cringe, J.S. Ondara, Angie McMahon, Palm Palm, Ben Dickey, Yola, Billy Raffoul, and KOLARS. Feedback at Stubb’s is FREE to enter and open to the public for anyone over 21 with a valid ID. Rachael will serve Austin-inspired recipes at the event, and all food and drink offerings are free for attendees. Offerings will include Sloppy San Jose Sliders with Avocado Crema and Jalapeño Rings, Rajas con Queso Breakfast Tacos with Eggs and Tots, Smoked Brisket Sammies with Horseradish Ranch, and Smoky Korean Cowboy Wings. Stubbs is sponsored by Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Modelo Beer.
Each day, SHOWTIME will be giving out 100 gift cards to the SHOWTIME service for the first 100 guests entering the venue. In addition, starting at 2 p.m. each day, outside of The SHOWTIME House on the corner of Rainey St. and Davis St., SHOWTIME will be handing out daily giveaways of merchandise while supplies last. Events go from March 11th – Match 13th. RSVP culturecollide.com/ShowtimeShameless.
The Refresh Working Group, Google, and Swell Creative Group are excited to announce a day of food activations, discussions, and cooking demonstrations. Join them at Google Fiber space for a journey through the entire food system and explore how technology is transforming the future of food. Treat yourself to Little Herds’ edible insects, taste brand new plant-based dips from New Barn, make your own nachos and guacamole with Siete Foods, pickle food scraps and learn about reducing food waste through fermentation with Chef Ben Runkle from Salt & Time, sample drinks and tacos, locally sourced and prepared by ATX Food Co. and wind down with a cool beverage from Cathead Distillery, Dulce Vida Spirits, Celis Brewery, William Chris Wines, and Richard’s Rainwater. RSVP HERE
Bumble is taking over local favorite Jo’s Coffee to transform it into one of their gram-worthy Hives during SXSW. Festival goers can stop by each morning for free breakfast tacos, complimentary coffee (available all day), and stay for tips from our profile experts on how to put your best face forward. After that, you’re welcome to stick around for exciting programming that’ll help you make healthy, empowered connections in all areas of your life. Visit their EVENT PAGE to see the schedule for more details.
Join the “Krewe” of Lafayette, Louisiana for authentic Cajun food, drinks, live music and networking with amazing people! Everyone that registers online will be provided NO COST access to enjoy Hot Jambalaya and Cajun Crawfish (while it last), one free drink ticket, and LIVE music entertainment! A SXSW badge NOT required but registration via DO512 is required to attend.
VICE is taking over the parking lot at 5th & Red River to throw a series of retro roller skating parties! The (massive) space will house it all — DJ setup, pro-roller skaters, the VICELAND Bus, merch booth, and, of course, a bar for happy hour. Each day will be packed with programming, from a celebration of Biggie Smalls featuring musical tributes from DJs like Bluntler, Trauma, Scram Jones and Whoo Kid to a happy hour hosted by rapper Phonte (Little Brother & Foreign Exchange. Follow @VICELAND on Twitter, Instagram and Face
Escape your busy festival schedule and find time to reconnect with yourself, and nature. Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold – the first major organic beer of its kind – is teaming up with The Big Quiet to bring a moment of calm with the first-ever sunset mass meditation at SXSW. Overlooking the beautiful skyline of Austin, Pure Golden Hour is a mindful experience balanced with curated performances by Miguel, Bishop Briggs, and Cautious Clay. After the meditation and live performances, enjoy friends, food and sounds by DJ Captain Planet as you sip on beer in its organic form. This will be a very special evening you don’t want to miss.
Cheeselandia Wisconsin is the magical place where every cheese tells a story and you are invited to enjoy the best one tasty nibble at a time right here in River City (Austin). Mingle with mongers amidst wedges, wheels, curds, crumbles and thousands of pounds of (literally) the best cheese in the world. Imagine a dress made of champagne and a Ferris Wheel of cheese. Anything is possible. Prepare for your cheese dreams to become your cheese reality. Welcome to Cheeselandia Wisconsin. #SXSWisconsin. The event takes place at JW Marriott Room 301 and is open to all badge holders!
Open throughout the Conference and Festivals, the Registrant Lounge is a convenient and relaxing meeting point for SXSW attendees. Badge holders can stop by each day for one of our several SX networking events and a complimentary drink from our sponsors.
Kick off your SXSW experience at the SXSW Interactive Opening Party presented by Moon Selfie. Mix and mingle with other creatives and techies while enjoying live music, an OPEN BAR, and special surprises.
Drawing fans, filmmakers, and industry reps alike, the Film Opening Party presented by The CW Network kicks off the 2019 SXSW Film Festival with a bang. The must-attend event takes place on the Friday, March 8 and welcomes registrants to SXSW Film while serving as the after party to the opening night film.
The Interactive Mix at Six Party presented by Cogeco Peer 1 offers excellent noshes and networking opportunities along with amazing experiences and unforgettable interactive giveaways.
The Music Opening Party presented by Music.com is where the music industry meets to kick off the world-renowned Music Festival. Food, drinks, fresh talent, and live performances will be plentiful.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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