SXSW 2023 is officially back, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before. This year’s lineup features live events, activations, and huge parties sponsored by dozens of brands, studios and hotels. And if you’re a first-timer, get ready to indulge in the spoils of free food and drinks offered throughout the entire week of the festival.
From panels focused on food sustainability to launch parties and post-screening film events, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious bites and refreshing cocktails. You’ll find a range of events offering everything from free snacks and treats to uniquely themed culinary offerings that showcase a brand’s personality.
To help you navigate the festival, we’ve researched and cherry-picked some of the most exciting events offering delicious opportunities to grab a bite and a refreshing cocktail. Keep in mind that some events may require an RSVP, while others may require a badge. Be sure to check the event details as listed to make the most of your experience.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to save some money on meals during the festival, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in tasty treats and delicious drinks. So, get ready to explore, eat, drink, and have a great time at SXSW 2023!
Future of Food 2023
SXSW Center Building, 1400 Lavaca St. | March 10- 11th – Guests are invited to The Future of Food 2023, a two day official event series FREE & open to EVERYONE. Come join us for exciting conversations with experts and innovators, delicious future food tastings, and interactive art installations. RSVP at: https://thefutureoffood.at/
Film & TV Opening Party (SXSW Official Event)
The Driskell, 604 Brazos Street | March 10th – Taking place downtown, in honor of the start of the film and television programming, SXSW is throwing a grand celebration at the renowned hotel, complete with libations to get the conversation flowing. Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two!
Variety Power of Comedy
The Creek & The Cave | March 10th – Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC Drive-In, will be the sole sponsor of the upcoming Variety Power of Comedy event, set to take place on March 10 during the SXSW Festival. This year’s event will debut nine exclusive food and drink items to honor the nine comedic performers receiving awards throughout the night. These never-before-seen food and drink combinations will use ingredients from multiple restaurants across the Inspire Brands portfolio. Guests can look forward to exciting offerings such as Spit Roasted Gyro Tots, Chicken & Waffle Ice Cream Cup, and Roasted “Elote” Style Corndog. Hosted by Mike Lawrence and Nick Thune, the event will award comedic performers for their outstanding achievements. With an impressive lineup of performers and an equally impressive menu of food and drink, this year’s event promises to be one for the books. *The event will be open to SXSW badge-holders (platinum, interactive, music and film & TV) on a first come, first served basis.
Progress Coffee’s FREE Crawfish Boil
All Things Food
Huston-Tillotson University | March 12th – The event features 50+ luminary speakers, two food viewings including the film “Food2050″ and docuseries “Hope in the Water,” and a theatrical debut Food Tank’s “Little Peasants” written by Danielle Nierenberg and Bernard Pollack. Featuring a delicious breakfast, lunch, and a fabulous reception with live entertainment. Hosted by Food Tank, Huston-Tillotson University, and Driscoll’s. 9:30AM-8:30PM.
Meati x Hattie B’s SXSW
99 Trinity Street, Downtown – SXSW Registraints Lounge | March 10 – 12th – Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has been eying Austin as a new location for nearly three years now. While the 2529 South Lamar Boulevard gets closer and closer to finally opening, the popular Nashville-founded hot chicken restaurant chain is creating a vegetarian mushroom-based collaboration with Meati to SXSW. Hopefully, if and when this hits menus, Hatti B’s doesn’t miss the opportunity to call this the Nashville Not Chicken Sandwich. *SXSW badge holders only!
HBO Max Coffeehouse SXSW
HBO Max will be hosting a Coffeehouse, a premier and inclusive destination for SXSW attendees to access exclusive content from across the HBO and HBO Max portfolio. Leveraging the cultural significance of the coffee house as a space for multicultural and counterculture communities to meet, discuss culture and exchange ideas, HBO Max is bringing the power of representation and storytelling to the forefront of the 2023 SXSW narrative.
The two-day activation is powered by HBO Max’s Human By Orientation and Pa’lante! multicultural marketing initiatives designed to elevate and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities. Coffeehouse will serve as a safe space for all-day programming, finding community, and freely inhabiting Queer and Latinx identities. Lavazza, the exclusive coffee partner of the event will be proudly serving HBO Max inspired drinks throughout the weekend. The event is open to the public from 10 AM – 7 PM on Saturday, March 11th and 1 PM – 4 PM on Sunday, March 12th.
Dolby House SXSW
Brazos Hall, floor 1, 204 East 4th Street, Downtown | March 10 – 19th – Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Dolby as the company presents its latest innovations at the Dolby House. This year’s showcase will feature a wide range of entertainment options including music, movies, TV, and games, all presented with Dolby’s state-of-the-art sound technology. Attendees will also get a first look at Dolby Atmos for cars and the new Sonos smart speaker. Indulge in some delicious free food from Waffle Love
The Collective Open House
1203 East 11th Street | March 11th 1p – 5p – Looking for a place to unwind and recharge during the hustle and bustle of SXSW? Look no further than the Collective Open House! This relaxing oasis offers refreshing drinks, an exclusive gifting suite, and a chance to recharge your devices while mingling with the best team in the business. Come by and take a break from the SXSW madness!
South Asian House
208 West Fourth Street, Unit D | The inaugural South Asian House at SXSW will unite a vibrant group of innovators from seven different countries, spanning the business, tech, film, TV, theater, music, and fashion industries. These countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Attendance to this event is free of charge, but interested individuals must RSVP in order to receive a South Asian House wristband. Please note that this is an RSVP for the Save the Date, so be sure to mark your calendars accordingly.
A Brunch of Aussies
The Tipsy Alchemist, 70 Rainey Street, Suite 200, Downtown | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Inviting Australian and New Zealand scaleups and startups to join the team from Acclime to learn more about doing business in Austin, TX from local business leaders and others that have made the move to the Texas capital, with a free brunch. Free with RSVP
Sunday Service at SXSW 2023
801 Red River Street, Downtown | March 12th, 11a – 1230pm – Head over to Stubb’s barbecue for scripture, and music from the Grammy Award-winning Christian rapper Lecrae. Enjoy the good word paired with good barbecue. Reserve a spot on here.
Yellowjackets SXSW BBQ
1100 East Fifth Street| March 11th 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – As you step into Camp Yellowjackets, you will be instantly transported to the creepy wilderness that characterizes the popular show. The Fair Market will be converted into a deserted summer camp, where participants can engage in survival training, scavenge for resources, and withstand the harsh winter. Beware of the unexpected appearances from the cast members lurking behind the corners during the experience. Enjoy BBQ and tequila cocktails from Cosamigos!
North Italia Pi Day SXSW Takeover
North Italia is bringing back Pi Day by kicking off the month long celebration with a festival takeover in Austin taking place Sunday, March 12 – Tuesday, March 14 (Pi Day)! Over the course of three days, the team will dish out FREE food and drinks (including 3,141 slices of pizza…get it?!) as well as FREE tattoos, FREE entertainment including an epic BMX stunt show on Pi Day and more.
Canada House Breakfast & BBQ
Swan Dive, 615 Red River Street | Enjoy breakfast and lunch along with some social networking with a few Canadians. RSVP
House of Goodness by Avocados From Mexico
Looking for the ultimate avocado experience at SXSW? Look no further than the Avocados From Mexico House of Goodness! Step into a world of avocado immersion and indulge in tasty treats like guacamole and tacos. The Future of Food Summit will also spark thought-provoking conversations about the future of food. The House of Goodness has even more in store with live music from up-and-coming artists, patio games, and even a robot fortune teller!
Tacodeli x Vital Farms Migas Meetup
On Thursday, March 16th, start your morning with the Tacodeli x Vital Farms Migas Meetup! From 9-11 a .m., stop by Tacodeli’s Congress location (301 Congress Ave.) for a free migas breakfast taco while supplies last. Vital Farms will be onsite handing out free merch, including egg hats and free egg carton vouchers. RSVP for free here.
Doritos SXSW After Dark
800 Congress Avenue | March 16th 10p – 1:3 am – Indulge in some unconventional treats crafted by the renowned Doritos ghost kitchen, such as a mini-pita sandwich infused with Cool Ranch flavor, pulled pork nachos with a barbecue twist, and a scrumptious margarita cheesecake featuring Doritos Flamin Hot Limón chips. The event is limited to SXSW badgeholders, but the general public can attempt to win tickets in this contest. Starting Friday, March 10, go to billboard.com/doritos-after-