The SXSW annual festival is officially back with live events, activations and huge parties featuring dozens of brand sponsored takeovers. For those preparing to experience their first season of SX, prepare your appetite for the spoils of free food and drinks offered throughout the entire week of the festival.
From panels focused on food sustainability, launch parties and post-screening film parties, you’ll find various events offering anything from free snacks and treats, to cocktails, tacos and uniquely themed culinary offerings that promote a brand’s personality.
We’ve researched and cherry-picked a some of the most exciting events, offering delicious opportunities to grab a bite and a refreshing cocktail. Some of these events require an RSVP and others require a badge, so be sure to check the event details as listed.
SXSW International Welcome Breakfast
March 11th @9am – This breakfast welcomes SXSW international and local residents interested in global business affairs, international trade, and international delegations. Join us as we explore more of what Austin has to offer, as it becomes one of the fastest growing business destinations. With special guests including Mayor Adler who will be making opening remarks along with prominent panelists. Kickoff SXSW 2022 with a breakfast to welcome our international visitors into Austin for the experience of a lifetime.
The Trip: An Atlanta Café
March 12 – 13th, @10a – 5p – In anticipation of the Emmy® Award-winning comedy’s third season, FX is set to welcome fans to an immersive pop-up entitled “The Trip: An Atlanta Café,” inspired by the upcoming season, where guests can catch glimpses of what is to come through exploration of a multi-floor psychedelic experience. Guests are encouraged to time their “trip” for daily surprise and delight moments at 4:20 PM, which present heightened environmental sensory elements that layer into the experiential art exhibits.
Available for complimentary general admission, with priority access given to SXSW badge holders, “The Trip: An Atlanta Café” offers a full-sensory environment framed by the experience of an “Amsterdam Coffee Shop” with traditional coffee service and European snacks.
Location – Higher Ground 720 Congress Ave
Xebec House Kickoff Party at SXSW
March 11 @8pm – Swing by the Xebec House as we celebrate the return of SX with free beer and seltzer offerings. Registration is FREE!
Grit Daily House @SXSW
March 10 – 17th – Grit Daily House is one of the “media houses” during SxSW. Four blocks from The Convention Center, it skews “VIP” with a private chef. Grit Daily is the award-winning, New York-based news outlet that’s covered 8,000+ startups. Grit Daily House is also the only “media house” that permits outside news outlets on its stage, including Digital Trends, Benzinga, Axios, CNBC, and Insider, among others. The daily schedule includes brunch offerings, a reception with snacks, and VIP Dinners.
Location – 206 San Marcos Street
Nomi Health: Walk in the Park Lounge
March 11th @9am – 6pm – Some parks have lakes. Others have trails. But a park with free breakfast, delicious snacks and a team working on the future of healthcare? Now that’s a must visit. Stop by our Nomi Health Park to relax, recharge and enjoy a sweet treat or two. We promise to make your day as easy as we’ve made healthcare, like a walk in the park.
Location – Austin Marriott Downtown Waterloo Ballroom 1-3
Audible’s “Summer in Argyle” with Bob and Nate Odenkirk
March 11 – 13th – Audible invites SXSW attendees into the world of its new star studded comedy Original, “SUMMER IN ARGYLE,” created by Nate Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk. Guests can enjoy activations and events like a fan dining experience, 20 ft. character statue photo opp, free hot dogs carts, and official SXSW panel with Nate and Bob. Due to COVID protocols, RSVP is required for badge holders only.
Location:Banger’s – 79 Rainey Street
Shell House at SXSW 2022
Capital Factory House at SXSW
Location – Capital Factory 701 Brazos Street
SXSW Film Industry Happy Hour by Texas Film Commission
March 11th @5pm – Join Texas Association of Film Commissions at the official Film Industry Happy Hour to network and mingle with film industry professionals, filmmakers, and creatives at SXSW. Complimentary beverages will be served.
Location – Stephen F. Austin Hotel Bar
The Future of Food at SXSW
March 11th – 18th – The Future of Food at SXSW 2022 will feature 12 incredible events, with 100+ inspiring food system experts and innovators over one week (12+ events). Join SXSW, Huston-Tillotson University, Food Tank, The James Beard Foundation, Little Herds, The Cook’s Nook and more for an unforgettable series of activations, discussion and interactive experiences all curated around building more sustainable food systems. All events are free and open to the public with registration,
Incredible speakers ranging from activist Karen Washington, Rise and Root Farm, to actor Adrian Grenier with delicious food from Vital Farms + Taco Deli!
Location: SXSW Center @ 9AM- 6PM (1400 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701)
Doodle SXSW
March 12th @2p – 10p Experience the joyful world of Doodles brought to life in this colorful and highly immersive multi-sensory experience. See Doodles on land, in air, and in space. Enjoy Doodle-themed snacks, refreshments, entertainment, and interactive fun, while learning about Web3 and the future of media and entertainment.-
Location – 99 Trinity St.
Location – 3rd and Congress
Tulsa Remote Party
March 15th @12p – 5p – Tulsa is returning to SXSW 2022 with TWO FULL DAYS of events. Don’t miss the Tulsa Remote SXSW Day Party, where you can learn how to receive $10,000 for moving to Tulsa. Join them at Augustine on Rainey (86 Rainey St.) from 12P – 5P to the Tulsa House, featuring live music from Tulsa musicians, including free food, drinks (21+) and more.
Location – Augustine on Rainey
SXSW Film Intermission Party
March 15th – 10pm – 1am – For one night only, experience the sounds of America at The Film Intermission Party presented by NBC’s American Song Contest. Indulge yourself with a selection of complimentary food and drinks, paired with great music, photo ops and more at this can’t miss event.
Location – ZACH Theater
“Gather” SXSW Food Film Viewing Party
Tue, March 15, 2022 – A New York Times Critic’s Pick selection, Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Post Panel Discussion Featuring: A-dae Romero-Briones, First Nations Development Institute; Sanjay Rawal, Award-Winning Director of “Gather.”; Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank; Delicious food! FREE. This event is free and open to the public with registration, both in-person in Austin, and virtually through our livestream.
Location – Huston-Tillotson University, Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium, 900 Chicon Street
The Ants and the Grasshopper (SXSW Film)
March 15 @ 2:30PM – Including interactive live conversation with Raj Patel, University of Texas and Dr. Karen Magid, Huston-Tillotson University. Includes free snacks and food! More details HERE.
Location – Huston-Tillotson University, Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium, 900 Chicon Street
The Last Harvest (SXSW Film)
March 15 @ 5:30PM – Including interactive live conversation with Soren Bjorn, President, Driscoll’s of the Americas and Danielle Nierenberg. Includes free snacks and food! More details HERE.
AmptUp Launch Party @ SXSW
March 14th @12pm – AmptUp exists to make it easier for musicians and venues to book a show, plan a tour, and play with fairness and transparency. AmptUp will be on-site at SXSW 2022 as the first-ever online live music booking marketplace to champion equity and transparency for marginalized communities and independent artists. Join them for the official Launch Party during SXSW at The Green Jay for food, drinks, and of course…live music!
Location – The Green Jay, 711 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
FOCUS Wales SXSW
March 17th @7:30pm – Join the team behind the FOCUS Wales showcase festival (focuswales.com) from 7:30pm for complimentary drinks (arrive early to avoid missing out), followed by a sample of the best in new music from Wales, with a showcase from 8pm. Plus the special guests on the night are FOCUS Wales 2022 opening night headliners Stealing Sheep!
While SXSW festival-goers may still access the venue for the showcase without an RSVP, this RSVP IS REQUIRED FOR THE COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS (From 7:30pm) Get in early, as once the drinks are gone, they’re gone!
Location – Swan Dive, 615 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
A Celebration of Mission-Driven Startups at SXSW
March 17th @ 6:00PM CST – SnackFutures, Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub, and Food Tank will be bringing together some of the most progressive leaders and start-ups in the food and beverage industry who have a shared passion for creating a snacking world that is good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun. Delicious Food, Drinks and entertainment will be provided as well as an appearance by inspiring surprise guests. Pre-registration or SXSW badge required.
Location – Emmer & Rye, SkyHouse, 51 Rainey St UNIT 110, Austin, TX 78701).
Sammataro x Sammataro by Uber Eats
March 18 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Join Sammataro owner and pizzaiolo Issac Flores on this event or being a new spot in Austin for locals and visitors to try out during the SX maddness. The first 200 slices are free from Uber Eats and Sammataro will feature specialty slices such as a shroom slice with mushrooms from Smallhold, a classic pie slice and pepperoni. Sips will be provided by Ruby Hibiscus Water, Rosaluna Mezcal, Ranch Rider, Fairweather Cider, Slow Luck NA Distilled Spirits and Austin Winery. Live music will also be included.
Location – Arbor Food Park (1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702).
Greenbelt Botanicals “GLOW” an Immersive Hemp Experience
March 19 – 20th – Get transported to another dimension as you step through the doors of Greenbelt Botanicals. Get psyched and cool down with infused ice cream that glows under the UV or get weird with an infused glow jello shot! All infusions are mastered with either CBD or Delta 8 and are free for the journey. The first 100 people in the door will get a free pre-roll!
Location – 1100 South Lamar Boulevard #3, Suite 3130