FREE SXSW 2026 Daytime ALL Ages Events in Austin
SXSW 2026 promises to once again transform Austin into a global hub of creativity and innovation.
While many visitors focus on industry events or nightlife showcases, the daytime side of the festival offers a surprising number of experiences that families can enjoy together.
From outdoor concerts and interactive technology exhibits to public art installations and spontaneous street performances, SXSW creates a dynamic environment where creativity is everywhere.
For families visiting Austin during the festival, the daytime hours provide the perfect opportunity to explore the energy, imagination, and cultural diversity that make SXSW one of the most exciting events in the world. Events can change without updates. Please check each event for age limits, times and location. We try to be as accurate as possible 🙂
March 11, 2026
FREE
SXSW EDU Expo Hall
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Interactive education expo featuring learning innovations and exhibits.
Attendees can explore booths showcasing new education technology, creative learning tools, and student focused programs. Many exhibitors provide hands on demonstrations and interactive displays for visitors.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=900+Barton+Springs+Rd+Austin+TX+78704
Confirmation / Info: https://www.sxswedu.com/expo/
March 11
FREE
BMI Presents Howdy Texas
1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
1 pm
BMI presents its annual Howdy Texas showcase at a new location this year at Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S Congress Ave. The free event is open to the public and highlights six Texas based artists: Claire Hinkle, Elijah Delgado, Magna Carda, Matt Kirk and The Güeyfarers, MackMartin, and The 4411. The lineup features a wide range of musical styles including pop, indie, country, blues, jazz, R&B, electronic, and the genre blending Texas sound often called Texicana.
Google Map: https://share.google/YgzmjXSC1dntnG5hm
Event Info: https://www.bmi.com/events
March 12, 2026
FREE
Brush Square Park SXSW Gatherings
409 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Outdoor music performances and casual SXSW gatherings in a historic downtown park.
Visitors often encounter pop up performances, artist meetups, and small community events during the festival. The open lawn space makes it an easy stop for families exploring downtown.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=409+E+5th+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com
March 12 – March 13, 2026
FREE
YETI Music Showcase Presented by BMI
YETI Flagship Store
220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
March 12 – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM / March 13 – 1:00pm – 7:00pm
Join us at the YETI Flagship on South Congress, 220 S Congress Ave, for the annual YETI Music Showcase presented by BMI. This free event features performances from rising artists including Avery Cochrane, Datura, Easy Honey, and more, highlighting a diverse mix of styles from reflective pop and modern folk to energetic indie rock. The showcase spotlights musicians currently gaining attention across the music industry. Sponsors include Coca Cola, Dogfish Head, Smartwater, Topo Chico, and White Claw.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=220+S+Congress+Ave+Austin+TX+78704
Event Info: https://www.bmi.com/stages/sxsw2026
March 12 – March 14, 2026
FREE
South By San José
Hotel San José
1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Times vary
South By San José is a long running free SXSW tradition featuring dozens of live music performances. The event includes local vendors, drinks, and outdoor music sets in the courtyard of the Hotel San José.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=1316+S+Congress+Ave+Austin+TX+78704
Event Info: https://www.hotelsanjose.com
March 12 – March 18, 2026
FREE
Congress Avenue Block Party
Congress Avenue District
100-900 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The Congress Avenue Block Party is a large outdoor gathering area for SXSW attendees and visitors. The space features sponsor activations, complimentary samples, music, and a relaxed atmosphere for meeting other festival goers.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=100+Congress+Ave+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/OE46436
FREE
Global Stage @ Downright Austin
Downright Austin Hotel
701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
7:00 PM – Midnight
The Global Stage features international artists performing during SXSW week. Bands from around the world perform nightly sets showcasing global music styles and cultural influences.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=701+E+11th+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com
FREE
Radio Day Stage @ Downright Austin
701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Check for times and age limit
Radio stations broadcast live from this stage throughout SXSW week. Visitors can watch live performances from emerging artists and established musicians while enjoying an energetic daytime music atmosphere.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=701+E+11th+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://kutx.org/kutx-presents/
March 13-15, 2026
FREE
Flatstock Poster Art Show
Austin Convention Center
500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Flatstock displays and sells the works of some of the world’s top concert poster artists. Visitors can explore a wide variety of posters, prints, and stickers created by talented designers using different styles and printing techniques. Artists are often present at their booths, giving attendees the chance to meet creators and learn about the process behind music poster art.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=500+E+Cesar+Chavez+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://flatstock.net
FREE
Lone Star Roadhouse
East End Ballroom
1507 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Times vary
Lone Star Roadhouse combines live music with vendor markets and local Texas culture. Bands perform throughout the weekend while visitors can explore small vendor booths and enjoy classic Texas beer and music.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=1507+E+6th+St+Austin+TX+78702
Event Info: https://2026.do512.com/events/2026/3/13/lone-star-roadhouse-w-emily-nenni-silverada-rattlesnake-milk-more-free-tickets
FREE
KUTX Presents Official SXSW Showcase at Rivian
Rivian Electric Roadhouse
208 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
5:00 PM – 5:00 PM
KUTX hosts this official SXSW music showcase featuring a lineup of emerging and established artists performing throughout the afternoon and evening. The event takes place at the Rivian Electric Roadhouse on South Congress and is open to the public with RSVP.
Visitors can enjoy live music performances in a relaxed outdoor venue while exploring Rivian’s interactive space and community programming during SXSW.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=208+S+Congress+Ave+Austin+TX+78704
Event Info / RSVP: https://kutx.org/kutx-presents/official-sxsw-showcase-at-rivian/
March 14, 2026
FREE
SXSW Wellness Expo
Austin Convention Center District
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Health and wellness showcase featuring fitness demonstrations, nutrition insights, and wellness technology.
Visitors can participate in interactive workshops and explore tools designed to improve physical and mental well being.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Austin+Convention+Center+Austin+TX
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com/wellness-expo/
FREE
SXSW Expo: International Innovations
Fairmont Austin
101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The SXSW Expo: International Innovations is a public showcase highlighting global startups and exhibitors across technology, design, health, and social impact. Visitors can explore interactive booths, hands on demonstrations, and future focused exhibits in a relaxed come and go format. While not specifically designed for children, the visual demonstrations and technology displays can be interesting for kids curious about science and innovation.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Red+River+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com/expo/
March 14 – March 15, 2026
FREE
Space House
201 East 5th Street
Austin, TX
Saturday, Mar 14 at 10 am to Sunday, Mar 15 at 10 pm
Space House connects attendees with leaders from the aerospace and space technology industries. The event features speakers, discussions, and exhibits highlighting innovations related to space exploration and science.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Austin+TX
Event Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/space-house-sxsw-2026-tickets-1983032882734?aff=oddtdtcreator
March 15, 2026
FREE
SXSW Outdoor Film Screening at the Long Center
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Outdoor movie screening featuring films connected to the SXSW Film Festival.
Guests can enjoy the film under the Austin skyline while sitting on the lawn of the Long Center. The relaxed environment makes it a popular gathering spot during the festival.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=701+W+Riverside+Dr+Austin+TX+78704
Event Info: https://thelongcenter.org
FREE
Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake
800 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Outdoor music performances featuring SXSW artists in a scenic lakeside setting.
Visitors can relax on the lawn, enjoy food trucks, and listen to emerging artists performing live during the festival. This event is open to the public without a festival badge.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=800+W+Riverside+Dr+Austin+TX+78704
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com/music/community-concerts/
FREE
Peelander Fest 2026
Zilker Brewing Company
1701 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
All ages outdoor music festival featuring energetic performances from international and local bands. The event also includes art installations, live painting, and interactive creative activities. Families can enjoy a lively festival atmosphere with performances and activities happening throughout the afternoon.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=1701+E+6th+St+Austin+TX+78702
Event Info: https://family.do512.com/events/2026/3/15/peelander-fest-2026-tickets
FREE
Just Southwest of Official Day Party
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
Times vary
This SXSW day party features live music, a vendor market, flash tattoos, and a free photo booth. The relaxed outdoor setting makes it a fun place to experience SXSW culture without needing a badge.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=406+Walsh+St+Austin+TX+78703
Event Info: https://www.austintexas.org/event/just-southwest-of-official/393441/
March 16, 2026
FREE
HOPE Outdoor Gallery
741 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX 78742
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Outdoor art park featuring large scale murals, graffiti art, and live painting sessions.
Visitors can walk through colorful installations created by artists from around the world. During SXSW the site often hosts additional creative events and pop up performances.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=741+Dalton+Ln+Austin+TX+78742
Event Info: https://hopeoutdoorgallery.com
FREE
New Mexico House
The Courtyard ATX Live Music & Event Venue
208 West 4th Street #suite c Austin, TX 78701
Monday, Mar 16 from 11 am to 11:59 pm
New Mexico House showcases technology companies and creative organizations from across the state. Visitors can explore exhibits, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and listen to live music.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Austin+TX
Event Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-mexico-house-sxsw-2026-tickets-1982827468334#location
FREE
Marshall: Live From Mohawk
Mohawk Austin
912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Showtime Noon
This event combines live music with interactive brand experiences. Visitors can enjoy live performances, screen printing demonstrations, popsicle giveaways, and exclusive merchandise.
Water From Your Eyes, This Is Lorelei, Rocket, Meg Eliser, Cure For Paranoia, Diles Que No Me Maten, Ashaine White, Total Wife, Bloodsports, Gran Moreno, Almost Heaven, Worlds Worst, Dj Sets By Dj Devil Woman and Horse Opera!
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=912+Red+River+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://www.prekindle.com/event/51413-a-special-marshall-day-party-austin
FREE
SXSW Radio Day Stage 2026
Downright Austin
701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
KUTX and public radio station The Current from Minneapolis and St. Paul host the SXSW Radio Day Stage as part of the SXSW Music Hub at Downright Austin. This official SXSW stage is free and open to the public and features international artists performing live throughout the afternoon.
The showcase highlights musicians from around the world and offers an easy way to experience SXSW live music without needing a festival badge.
Performance Schedule
12:00 PM – Lucid Express (Hong Kong)
1:00 PM – Jamaica Moana (Sydney, Australia)
2:00 PM – Hot Garbage (Toronto, Canada)
3:00 PM – Los Lobos acoustic set hosted by Alex Marrero of KUTX Horizontes
4:00 PM – MT Jones (Liverpool, England)
Google Map:https://maps.google.com/?q=701+E+11th+St+Austin+TX+78701
Event Info: https://kutx.org/kutx-presents/sxsw-radio-day-stage-2026/
March 18, 2026
FREE
SXSW Interactive Tech Demonstrations
Various Downtown Austin Locations
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Public demonstrations of emerging technologies including AI, digital storytelling, and immersive media.
Visitors can interact with experimental projects, meet creators, and explore future technology concepts presented during SXSW Interactive.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Downtown+Austin+TX
Event Info: https://www.sxsw.com/interactive/
March 19, 2026
FREE
Welcome to Spring North Loop Pop Up Market
200 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Seasonal outdoor market celebrating spring with local artists, vintage vendors, and handmade goods. Visitors can browse creative booths, shop local products, and enjoy live music while exploring one of Austin’s unique neighborhoods. Food vendors are typically available throughout the day.
Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=200+W+North+Loop+Blvd+Austin+TX+78751
Event Info: https://family.do512.com/events/2026/3/19/the-welcome-to-spring-north-loop-pop-up-market-tickets
