Where to Find Free Food and Drinks at SXSW

It doesn’t look like Fader Fort will make a triumphant return this year (rather it is taking place in a comparatively smaller way), but that doesn’t mean there won’t be dozens and dozens of opportunities to score free food and drinks at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW). Over the years, Austin’s food scene and its place in American cuisine has become inextricably bound to the festivities, and 2023 is no exception. Panels, educational events, films, extravagant events, and music aside, SXSW is all about the food and drinks — especially of the free variety.

Eater pored over many listings to pick out the best of the food and drink-related events taking place where you hopefully won’t have to pull out your wallet, purse, Apple Pay, or whatever. For more dining and drinking ideas, check out the rest of Eater’s SXSW coverage.

Everything below is free, otherwise noted, and it’s all listed chronologically.

Friday, March 10

Film & TV Industry Happy Hour presented by TXAFC
The Texas Association of Film Commissions is hosting this happy hour for people who want to mingle with those who know the ins and outs of shooting a film in the state of Texas.
Where: Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Access: Platinum and Film and TV badgeholders

SXSW 2023 Film & TV Opening Party
To celebrate the opening day of the film and television programming, SXSW is hosting a big party with needed social lubricants at the historic hotel. You’ll probably spot a celebrity or two, but please, just be cool.
Where: The Driskell, 604 Brazos Street, Downtown
When: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Access: Platinum, Film, and TV badgeholders

TNF Texas Tailgate
The Football season is over, but that’s not stopping Amazon from promoting its Thursday Night Football broadcast. Stop by Hotel San José for margaritas, barbecue, and music.
Where: Hotel San José Courtyard Lounge, 316 South Congress Avenue, Bouldin Creek
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Friday, March 10 through Saturday, March 11

The Future of Food @ SXSW 2023
Chefs, entrepreneurs, investors and the like will hold panels and demonstrations about what the future of food holds for a world plagued with things like food insecurity and global warming. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of food and drinks.
Where: SXSW Center, 1400 Lavaca Street, Downtown
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public via Eventbrite registration

Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12

Meati x Hattie B’s
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.
Where: 99 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Feed Your Optimism with Nature’s Fynd
Nature’s Fynd, a purveyor of meatless breakfast patties and dairy-free cream cheese will give away free samples of its fungi-based foods.
Where: 99 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Patagonia
Patagonia celebrates 50 years in business with a trio of events this weekend featuring free barbecue, coffee, wine, beer, and music. Check what’s on the menu for each day on the event’s webpage.
Where: Patagonia, 316 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Access: Free and open to the public

Jo’s Coffee x Amazon Ads
Trying to get some energy to bounce between SXSW events all day? Or are you a local just trying to get some fuel for the workday? Stop by this location for some free coffee (or tea).
Where: Jo’s Coffee, 316 South Congress Avenue, Bouldin Creek
When: 9 a.m. to noon
Access: Free and open to the public

Finless Foods Truck
We’re hearing a lot about meatless chicken and beef these days, but can seafood get any love? Finless Foods is a company looking to get into this rare space. Swing by their food truck in Downtown Austin and get a free bowl of their plant-based poke-style tuna.
Where: 4th & Red River, Downtown
When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:00 p.m to 10 p.m., Sunday, 6:00 p.m to 10 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Friday, March 10 through Wednesday, March 15

Johnnie Walker Tasting and Cocktail Bar in the Registrant Lounge
Those with SXSW badges can get their hands on some free Johnnie Walker. Have it neat or in a cocktail. The real question here is — will it be Johnnie Walker Blue Label though? Probably not, but cross those fingers.
Where: 99 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: noon to 7:00 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Friday, March 10 through Saturday, March 18

SXSW Registrant Lounge
Badgeholders can pop by the Registrant Lounge anytime for a range of refreshments provided by one of the festival’s many sponsors.
Where: 99 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 19

Dolby House
The Dolby house will have music, movies, TV, games, a first look at Dolby Atmos for cars, ad anew Sonos smart speaker — all the sort of stuff that will showcase the companies sound technology. While you’re taking that all in, you can grab some free food every day, including some eats by way of Waffle Love.
Where: Brazos Hall, floor 1, 204 East 4th Street, Downtown
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Saturday, March 11

The Collective Open House
You’re going to want to sit down and recharge at SXSW at some point. Most locations meant explicitly to do this for you during the festival are downtown, but thankfully Paperboy is offering a spot for those located east of I-35 to grab complimentary refreshments and charge their phone.
Where: Paperboy, 1203 East 11th Street, East Austin
When: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Film & TV Industry Happy Hour presented by Drafthouse Films
One of the many opportunities for those in or adjacent to the movie business to network over free drinks. This one is courtesy of Drafthouse Films.
Where: Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Access: Platinum, Film, and TV badgeholders

South Asian House Brunch Fireside Chai & Chat
The South Asian House is hosting a handful of events Saturday and Sunday, but this food and chai event is one to definitely keep an eye on.
Where: Fourth & Co, 208 West Fourth Street, Unit D, Downtown
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Snaxshot founder Andrea Hernandez at Foxtrot
Ahead of an official panel at SXSW, Snaxshot founder Andrea Hernandez will stop by the newly opened Foxtrot and talk about her favorite emerging brands. Complimentary snacks from Foxtrot, Siete, and drinks from Heywell and Poppi available.
Where: Foxtrot, 4818, Burnet Road, Rosedale
When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 12

Yellowjackets Barbecue
Don’t worry. The barbecue for this installation brought to you by Showtime to promote its hit series, Yellowjackets, is not made of smoked human meats. They’ll conjure up the spirit of the show the best they can with some things like makeshift campfires and Casamigos for your pleasure but no, cannibalism ain’t on the menu.
Where: Fair Market, 1100 East Fifth Street, East Austin
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Roku City featuring the Best Buy Home Theater Experience
You can stroll through this city installation with a cup of coffee in hand or try to score one of the limited reservations at a temporary diner packed with pop culture ephemera.
Where: The Riley Building, 315 Lavaca Street, Downtown
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

HBO Max’s Coffeehouse
Put together by HBO Max’s marketing initiatives geared toward the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities, this activation has a handful of events ranging from a documentary filmmaker roundtable, a chat about The White Lotus Evan Ross Katz and Variety’s Adam Vary, and a party with Chorizo Funk and Gabriela Alma Lopez-Bucio on the ones and twos. Some of these events require an RSVP, however you can stop by anytime for some free beverages provided by Lavazza.
Where: 73 Rainey Street, Downtown
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday
Access: Free and open to the public

Sunday, March 12

A Brunch of Aussies
This event to welcome Australian and New Zealand startups is about learning how to do business in Austin over a free brunch.
Where: The Tipsy Alchemist, 70 Rainey Street, Suite 200, Downtown
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Sunday Service at SXSW 2023 | Main Experience
Come as you are to this event for some Stubb’s barbecue, scripture, and music from the Grammy Award-winning Christian rapper Lecrae. Those looking for the good word and the good barbecue should reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
Where: Stubb’s, 801 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Beers & Sliders with Beyond Conference
Guess what you’ll get at this mixer for people in creative tech? If you guessed beers and sliders, you guessed right. You might be bright enough to be a Jeopardy! champion.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Film & TV Industry Happy Hour presented by Cast & Crew
Another networking mixer for the film industry folk. This one is sponsored by Cast & Crew, a leading payroll, production management, and tax-incentive software.
Where: Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Access: Platinum, Film, and TV badgeholders

Happy Hour presented by KPMG
Stop by the financial services booth for some free drinks and appetizers and maybe some tax advice too.
Where: Fairmont Austin, Manchester Ballroom, 101 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Sunday Coffee Hour Presented by Moderna
One of the companies that created the COVID vaccine and boosters is handing out free cups of coffee.
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 Cesar Chavez Street, Downtown
When: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Finless Foods Truck
Finless Foods will primarily give away free bowls of their plant-based poke-style tuna downtown in the heart of the SXSW action, but they’ll make the trek to the East Side on Sunday and offer lunch at the Historically Black College, Huston-Tillotson University.
Where: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, East Austin
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Sunday, March 12 through Friday, March 17

Australia House
If you’re tempted to visit Australia, a visit to the SXSW house might further sway you with free panel discussions, showcases, food, and wine.
Where: Lucille, 77 Rainey Street, Downtown
When: Times vary per day
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Monday, March 13

Meltwater - The Afterparty
Buenos Aires Cafe and media intelligence company, Meltwater, are linking up for a night of free Argentinian drinks and food.
Where: Buenos Aires Cafe, 1201 East Sixth Street, East Austin
When: 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Breakfast at Canada House
Celebrate our northern neighbors with great healthcare during this free breakfast at the Canada house that will feature representatives from Montreal.
Where: Swan Dive, 615 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Barbecue at Canada House
After breakfast, the Canada house will host a barbecue that doubles as an opportunity to network with creative studios, international delegations, and buyers
Where: Swan Dive, 615 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Monday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 14

House of Goodness by Avocados From Mexico
Avocados From Mexico does more than zany Super Bowl commercials, the company also host SXSW parties with free guacamole and tacos.
Where: Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street, Downtown
When: 2 to 7 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public with RSVP

Tuesday, March 14

Film & TV Industry Happy Hour presented by Vimeo
Vimeo hosts this cocktail mixer for film and television industry professionals.
Where: Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Access: Platinum, Film, and TV badgeholders

Give A Note + Artist For Artist present Music Unites Us!
In celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in music education, drop by the venue for local tastings while you catch music from artists around the globe.
Where: The Belmont, 305 West Sixth Street, Downtown
When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Wednesday, March 15

SXSW Music Industry Happy Hour
Music technology platform Vydia hosts this cocktail mixer for music industry professionals — suits and artists.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River Street, Downtown
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Access: Platinum and Music Badgeholders

Thursday, March 16

Doritos After Dark
Grab some left field snacks created by the famous Doritos ghost kitchen like a Cool Ranch flavored mini-pita sandwich, barbecue pulled pork nachos made, and a margarita cheesecake made with Doritos Flamin Hot Limón chips.
Where: 800 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Access: SXSW badgeholders, but the general public can attempt to win tickets through a sweepstakes contest

Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18

L’OR Coffee and Espresso Bar
The French barista machine company is serving complimentary espressos for badgeholders.
Where: 99 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: noon to 7 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

C4 Smart House
Get all hopped up on energy drinks and sample all the flavors C4 Smart Energy is offering at Smart House.
Where: Fair Market, 1100 East Fifth Street, East Austin
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

White Claw Shore Club
Try new flavors from the seltzer company that changed the game.
Where: The Sunset Room, 310 East 3rd Street, Downtown
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

Friday, March 17

The Full Irish Breakfast at SXSW
Co-hosted by the Dead Rabbit, a celebrated New York City Irish pub opening a second location in Austin soon, the Full Irish Breakfast showcase features Irish bands. The first hundred or so people through the door are expected to get free full Irish breakfasts.
Where: 601 Congress Avenue, Downtown
When: noon. to 6:30 p.m.
Access: Any SXSW badge

The Billboard House
Samsung Galaxy is hosting this interactive content house with small bites, cocktails, and performances from Feid and Eladio Carrión.
Where: Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity Street, Downtown
When: TBA
Access: Any SXSW badge or wristband

Coca-Cola Move
Have a Coke and smile at this event where you can try the soda company’s new limited edition flavor, some cocktails, and take in some tunes that are likely to get you to move your feet with probably not-live music by Rosalía.
Where: Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street, Downtown
When: 1 to 7 p.m.
Access: Free and open to the public

Saturday, March 18

Oh Boy Records x Hattie B’s
Nashville’s artist-owned label Oh Boy Records and the aforementioned Hot Chicken joint on its way to town team up for an event with free chicken and music. Meatless chicken isn’t on the menu here though.
Where: Parish, 214 East 6th Street, Downtown
When: TBA
Access: Free and open to the public

Update, March 9, 3:26 p.m.: This guide, originally published on February 28, has been updated to include additional events.