For Austinites, SXSW is an exciting time to experience new music, art and all things SXSW. . . but mostly it’s just a pain in the ass. With thousands of people flocking to our city and invading our space (where’s my Welcome to Austin, please don’t move here shirt when I need it?) it makes us cranky and resentful of the week long event.
Photo courtesy of beta.diylol.com
But don’t despair. When you’re irritated, what do you do? Eat of course! So while at SXSW this spring break, whether you’re from Austin or not, take time to hit the food events. And don’t worry if you don’t have any official badges or passes; most of the food events are free! Who needs music, film or interactive when you can eat?
Photo courtesy of blog.ticketbud.com
Friday March 7th
Event: Gigya Grill
Location: El Sol y La Luna – 600 E 6th St
Hours: 10a.m-6p.m
Perks: There’s no age restriction and free food and drinks are available!
RSVP? Yes
Website: info.gigya.com/sxsw
Event: SXSW Food & Tech Mixer
Location: El Naranjo – 85 Rainey St
Hours: 4:30p.m-6:30
Perks: This is a networking event for food enthusiasts or people in the food industry. It’s on the awesome pub-crawl, Rainey Street, and there’s free food. Sounds good to me.
RSVP? Yes
Website: www.eventbrite.com/e/sxsw-food-tech-mixer-registration-10712450227
Saturday March 8th
Event: Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival Official SXSW Brunch
Location: Iron Bear Bar – 121 W 8th St
Hours: 11a.m-2:00p.m
Perks: Come mingle with LGBTQIA filmmakers and art enthusiasts while getting free drinks and brunch.
RSVP? Yes
Website: 2014.do512.com/agliff27brunchsx2014
Event: Puppy Hour!
Location: 612 Brazos St
Hours: 11:00a.m-7:00p.m
Perks: As their website says: “Get drunk on puppy love!” But no really, there’s booze here.
RSVP? Yes and it’s free.
Website: eventbrite.com/e/gobank-puppyhour-at-sxsw-interactive-tickets-10611552439
Event: Aereo #Surfparty
Location: Lanai Rooftop Lounge – 422 Congress Ave
Hours: 12:00p.m-8:00
Perks: You must be 21+ to get in but once you do there’s free food, drinks and t-shirts.
RSVP? Yes
Website: eventbrite.com/e/aereo-surfparty-in-austin-tickets-10662729511?err=29
Event: Taco Karma #Nom
Location: Beacon Lounge – Austin Convention Center 3rd floor Room 8B
Hours: 1:00p.m-2:00
Perks: Free tacos! Duh.
RSVP? Yes
Website: austin2014.sched.org/event/5ca01f9b309ae187291919b53922706b#.UxUi-4V1O1l
Event: The Lawn Lounge at Ella
Location: Hotel Ella – 1900 Rio Grande St
Hours: 4:00p.m-7:30
Perks: This fancy food event provides free Deep Eddy signature cocktails, free paellas from Barlata Tapas Bar, and a live DJ set.
RSVP? Yes
Website: hotelella.com/rsvp
Wednesday March 12th
Event: The Lawn Party
Location: Empire Control Room – 606 E 7th St
Hours: 12:00p.m-5:00
Perks: Free alchohol and free music.
RSVP? Yes
Website: myfreeconcert.com/atx/event/03/12/2014/The-Lawn-Party/510/
Event: Lafayette Live
Location: The Continental Club – 1315 S Congress Ave
Hours: 1:00p.m-6:00
Perks: Free creole food, music and tech demos between sets. 21 and up only.
RSVP? No
Website: rsvpster.com/party/blue-moon-lafayette-party/
Friday March 14th
Event: Food Crawl
Location: TBA
Hours: TBA
Perks: Sign up for this mysterious food crawl for free and participate in the ultimate dining experience.
RSVP? Yes
Website: foodcrawl.co/
Event: Free BBQ at Relive Austin
Location: Buffalo Billiards- 210 E 6th St
Hours: 12:00p.m-5:30
Perks: Free BBQ, two drinks and music.
RSVP? Yes
Website: pages.umusic-mail.com/ingroovessxsw2014
Saturday March 15th
Event: Hallelujah Black Out & Boring Enormous SX 2014
Location: Clayworks – 1209 E 6th
Hours: 12:00p.m-4:00
Perks: Free Bloody Marys, snacks and music.
RSVP? Yes
Website: 2014.do512.com/hallelujahboringenormoussx2014
Sunday March 16th
Event: Uncle Doug’s Chili Dog Fest V
Location: Sidebar – 602 E 7th St
Hours: 12:00p.m-1:00
Perks: Free chili dogs and music!
RSVP? No
Website: rsvpster.com/party/uncle-dougs-chili-dog-fest-v/
Check out these tasty events and don’t let SXSW take you by surprise. And remember to RSVP!
Photo courtesy of pegasusnews.com
Good Luck!